The 11-1 Eagles are set to face off against the 7-4-1 Giants this Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The Eagles' run defense versus Giants star running back Saquon Barkley is the matchup to watch during this heated NFC East rivalry.
Saquon Barkley has gotten back to his former self this year. Going into Sunday's game, he has the fourth most rushing yards in the league this season with 1,055 yards. He's become the workhorse back in new head coach Brian Daboll's offense. While he is listed as questionable for Sunday's game with a neck injury, he's still likely to play this week, calling the injury late-season soreness.
The Giants' run game, led by Barkley, is the X-factor for this game because the Eagles' run defense has been their Achilles heel all season. So far, they've given up 1,415 yards and 10 touchdowns this year, per NFL.com.
In the Eagles' only loss of the season in Week 10, the Washington Commanders rushed for 152 yards and dominated the time of possession (40:24 minutes to the Eagles' 19:36).
The Eagles acknowledged they had a problem on their hands and added some serious muscle up-front by signing defensive linemen Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh to beef up their run defense. In other news, rookie nose tackle Jordan Davis has returned to the active roster off injury reserve because of an ankle injury, per Eagle's reporter Dave Spadaro. He's expected to play a limited role in Sunday's game.
Last week, the Eagles' run defense stuffed Titans' power back Derrick Henry. They held him to 11 carries for 30 yards and a paltry 2.7 yards per carry. Right now, Henry has the third most rushing yards this season with 1,078, per ESPN. Their next test will be against Barkley's Giants.
Sunday's game will be the first meeting between Brian Daboll of the Giants and Sirianni of the Eagles. Both grew up in Western New York.
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