Christmas Day is a time for family; when children rush down the stairs to inspect their haul, and sleep-deprived parents pound coffee before including themselves into the holiday festivities. People travel long distances to spend time with in-laws & other family members they dislike, all for the sake of Christmas. Monday night, at the Linc, the Eagles (11-4) & Giants (5-10) were no different.
Kin of the NFC East, these two quarreling family members duked it out in front of a national audience. And while chestnuts tend to be the treat of choice to roast over an open fire, the only thing getting roasted was the Giants offense on social media.
Jalen Hurts set a new NFL record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season, helping lead the Philadelphia Eagles to a 33-25 victory over the New York Giants on Monday night. This win was crucial for the Eagles, breaking a three-game losing streak that had caused concern among Philadelphia fans and head coach Nick Siriani. These worries prompted changes in defensive play-calling; out was first-year defensive coordinator Sean Desei, and in was senior defensive assistant (and legendary DC of the Patriots) Matt Patricia.
The losses against San Francisco, Dallas, and Seattle had diminished the team’s hopes for the top seed in the NFC, but the Eagles still have a shot at winning the NFC East for the second consecutive year. They need to secure victories against Arizona next week, and the Giants again in their final game of the season.
The Eagles’ fortunes continued against the Giants, a team they have consistently outperformed at home since 2014.
Or should I say, “the woes continued for 3rd year Giants head coach Brian Dabol.” Guy has yet to beat the Cowboys, nor the Eagles, and they play twice a year (not counting playoffs).
Despite only being up 20-18 in the third quarter (following a momentum shift sparked by Adoree’ Jackson’s interception return and a 2-point conversion from Saquon Barkley), the Eagles managed to regain control, responding to the crowd’s chants for a stronger running game. Philadelphia’s offense shifted gears, as key runs by Kenneth Gainwell and a touchdown by D’Andre Swift helped them extend their lead.
The Giants remained competitive, with Tyrod Taylor, who replaced mobster Tommy DeVito. Taylor connected with Darius Slayton for a late touchdown, to bring them within a score. However, the Eagles’ defense clamped down, and rookie Kelee Ringo intercepted Taylor in the end zone on the game’s final play.
Despite Hurts’ struggle with turnovers this season, his record-setting performance was a highlight. He scored his 15th rushing touchdown on a 1-yard push in the first quarter, surpassing Cam Newton’s record set in 2011. Hurts also tied the Eagles’ season record for total touchdowns with a 36-yard pass to DeVonta Smith.
Hurts even made a highlight-reel play when he scooped up a bad snap from center Jason Kelce, scrambled around to his left, and threw a duck that somehow managed to find an Eagles receiver. Despite an interception (on a pass that bounced off the chest of tight end Dallas Goedert & should’ve been caught) on a trip in the red zone that should’ve led to points, and a fumble by Boston Scott in the second half that led to a Giants touchdown, Philadelphia held on for a much-needed win.
Next, the Eagles will play host to a bad Arizona Cardinals team. Yup, my bad Arizona team. We’ve been out since Week 1. So Arizona.
The Giants, on the other hand, will face a Los Angeles Rams team still fighting for a Wild Card spot.
