The Philadelphia Eagles look to continue their winning ways as they travel up the Turnpike to MetLife Stadium this Sunday. The Giants are having their best season in quite some time, but are in a slide over the last few weeks, bringing their record 7-4-1. The Eagles are clearly the better team on paper but you never know what can happen in divisional games, and the G-men have proved to be a tougher out this year. Before this weeks matchup, here are 5 players to watch out for.
Jalen Hurts
Hurts is coming off one of his best career games against Tennessee, and it will be interesting to see how he plays this week. Sometimes he beats you with his arm, other times it’s his legs. Jalens worst game ever happened in the Meadowlands last year, when the Eagles lost 7-13 and he threw 3 interceptions. Since then the Eagles have gone 14-1 in games he has started. I obviously think he’ll play much better than that this week. The funnest part about his style of play is it’s so versatile that each week he can do something new and spectacular. I don’t know if this is a running or throwing week for Jalen, but that is enough reason to make him a player to watch.
Saquon Barkley
The former Penn State running back is having a resurgence this year after a few down seasons with injury. He is the engine that moves their offense along and without a doubt their most dangerous player. Barkley can take any carry and turn it into a touchdown, so the Eagles have to have eyes on him at all times. He is questionable to play this week so that will be something to keep an eye on. If he plays, he gives the Giants a much better chance at pulling off the upset. He has been slowed down the last few week by Washington and Dallas, but has earned enough respect where he can break out at any time.
Jordan Davis
The rookie defensive tackle was activated off of Injured Reserve last week but barely played in his return. Davis logged only 6 defensive snaps and was seen limping off the field at one point. He may have not been fully healthy but with an extra week of practice and conditioning, could see an increase in playing time. Davis was really starting to make plays before going down with a high ankle sprain, so it would be nice to have yet another weapon to add on an already dangerous defensive line. Eagles fans have been waiting for his big breakout which probably won’t happen this week, but he could still make some plays in the run game as the team gets ready for the stretch run.
Kayvon Thibodeau
Thibodeau is the second defensive rookie to appear on this list. The Giants selected him with the 5th overall pick in the draft out of Oregon, hoping to have the next centerpiece of their defense. So far the defensive end has played ok for a rookie but doesn’t have the impact you would hope of a player taken in that spot. He has 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 3 passes defended. He did have a sack last week but Thibodeau has had trouble stringing together long periods of success. If the Giants want to win they need a big game from their going star.
AJ Brown
If the season were to end today, AJ Brown would already be a legend in Philly. Last week was the best I’ve ever seen the wide receivers play, and with the Giants having injuries all over on defense, they could have another big opportunity this week. Brown has been sensational this season, hauling in 61 receptions, 950 yards and 9 touchdowns. Every Eagles fan knows just how good this guy can be, and is a threat for 150 yards every time he steps on the field. After Jalen, he has been the player to watch every week this season.
AP Photo/Matt Rourke
