In the 2000s the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants boasted two of the most complete defensive lines in football. Justin Tuck, Michael Strahan, Trent Cole, Corey Simon, and a plethora of other top standouts made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. After a decade of futility in New York, the Giants’ defensive line is back to its dominant self, just at the right time for the Eagles to set a franchise record for sacks.
Two rampant pass rushes will be under the spotlight this weekend
Philadelphia’s pass rush has been relentless all season. They set an NFL record by having four different players put up 10+ sacks during a season and have an All-Pro player to boast. New York has an all-pro player themselves, but their complete unit has gotten much better than their numbers even give them credit for.
“They’re continuing to grow defensively. I think with anything, you’re around certain guys for a while throughout the season, and you start to grow, and make the adjustments needed that they feel needed. Same with us offensively what we feel needed, but they’ve been doing a good job defensively.” Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen told reporters Wednesday.
The Giants battled injuries throughout the regular season but are the healthiest they’ve been heading into their Divisional Round matchup on Saturday. Bolstering their loaded defensive line is the return of Leonard Williams who did not play in the first matchup between the two teams.
With Williams partnering up with Dexter Lawrence, the Eagles’ hopes of dominating on the ground have become far more difficult.
“Both of those two guys are really, really good players interior. We have to have a plan for them. As I said, they’re really good, and we have to execute against them.” Steichen added.
Lawrence and Williams are dominant forces on the inside while rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux has made a name for himself with a late-season push for defensive rookie of the year. The Giants may not have the sack total that Philly has, but has the capability of wrecking a football game.
Eagles vs Giants promises to be a thriller
Both defensive lines will be highlighted on Saturday night. Whichever team comes out on top will ultimately use their advantage in the trenches to pull out the win.
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