The list of Eagles players who did not play in this game reads like a Pro Bowl list, but this game was a great opportunity for the younger players on the roster to gain experience and get valuable game-day reps that will only help them in the future.
Inactive: Jalen Hurts, BP Slay, Jalen Carter, DeVonta Smith, AJ Brown, Nakobe Dean, Saquon Barkley, Zack Baun, Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, and Landon Dickerson
This was Tanner McKee’s first NFL start, and he got eight receivers involved and threw a couple of first-time touchdowns. His exposure could lead to him or Kenny Pickett being traded this off-season. He has made the case that he can play in the league and be a valuable asset. Tanner’s great day and much more in this week’s takeaways!
Eagles Offense:
In his first start since November 2022 with Stanford and his first NFL start, Tanner McKee completed his first pass to Dallas Goedert. His second completion was again to Goedert, and his third was to Ainias Smith for a touchdown. In his first NFL drive, he goes 3 for 3 for 48 yards and a touchdown.
He also started his career with 3 TDs in his first seven pass attempts, which is incredible. In his first tush push try, McKee got the Giants to jump with a hard count for a neutral zone infraction. Tanner finished the first quarter 7/9 for 92 yards and a TD and finished the half 190 yards, which is the most of any Eagles QB this season. McKee has had a charmed start to his NFL career, and his parents flew in from California to watch his first NFL start.
Dallas Goedert picked up where he left off five games earlier. He was McKee’s early favorite target and picked up first downs to keep the chains moving. Goedert had four receptions for 55 yards in the 1st Quarter.
Will Shipley showed off his elusiveness with a few check-down receptions, with Kenny Gainwell a free agent at season’s end, he may be RB2 next year.
AJ Brown gets a shoutout for showing up in street clothes wearing an “Always Open” belt. AJ is an elite receiver and personality.
Considering Jahan Dotson as an insurance policy, the talent justifies the cost. We all make insurance premiums and hope that we never have to use them. That is what the Eagles did. He showed his value when being used in an offense that suited him and fed him targets. He had 12 receptions before today’s game; he finished with seven catches for 94 yards on 11 targets.
Ainias Smith picked up his first career touchdown on a 15-yard reception. He finished the game with four receptions and 35 yards.
EJ Jenkins hauled in his first career reception, which was also his first career touchdown!
Jake Elliott missed a 39-yard field goal in the windy conditions, but that is concerning as the Birds head into Wild Card weekend.
Eagles Defense:
The Eagles are so good at disguising their coverage by moving their two safeties from high to bringing one in the box.
Jordan Davis was one of the few starters to play the game, and he showed off his elite play recognition with a strong first half with four tackles, including a 5-yard loss TFL.
Moro Ojomo made the most of his playing time by racking up five tackles and a QB hit. He will likely have a large increase in snaps in 2025.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr had four tackles in the first quarter. He anticipated a great 4th and one but was unable to wrap up. He shot the gap perfectly, with elite processing, once his tackling is more sure (and it will be) he has the potential to be a force. He had 11 tackles on the day.
Oren Burks wore the green dot (communicating the defensive play calls) and has been good in his two starts. He flies around to the ball and diagnoses what opposing offenses are doing. The linebacker coaching has paid huge dividends this season. Oren finished the game with an amazing 17 tackles!
Isaiah Rodgers unleashed a punishing tackle in the first quarter, a nice PBU, and a long 51-yard return on the second-half kickoff to give the offense the ball at the Giant’s 43-yard line.
Kelee Ringo had a beautiful PBU on a Giants fourth down attempt, showing off great anticipation on the route. He finished the day with five tackles. Ringo also had a punishing tackle inside the 10 on a punt return. He has been so valuable as a special teams member this season.
Sydney Brown will need to dial it down on the friendly fire, but he had a nice game-ending interception and will be a big asset in the backfield as he gains more experience.
Special Teams:
The Giants ran a successful fake punt for a first down and caught the Eagles off guard. This will be a great teaching moment for the special teams heading into the playoffs.
The Eagles won the toss and deferred. After giving way 5o Jake Elliott versus the Cowboys, Braden Mann was back on kickoff duties. Nick Sirianni stated the decision on whether Mann or Elliott would take over the job would be due to the weather. The Coaching staff likely did not want Jake to be at risk of making a tackle. The windy conditions at the stadium would make it difficult to get the ball into the endzone for a touchback like he was able to do against Dallas.
Looking Ahead:
Staying healthy and getting an unofficial bye was the desired outcome for the Eagles in week 18, and mission accomplished!
The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field next Sunday at 4:30 in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs!
As always, Thank you for reading.
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Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
