Giants must ditch conservative approach to beat Eagles
The Giants (7-4-1) must get creative to beat the Eagles (11-1) on Sunday.
New York started the season 6-1 in large part because of an aggressive philosophy. Because the team lacked playmakers besides running back Saquon Barkley, the offense innovated out of necessity, and it worked.
In Brian Daboll’s first game as head coach, against Tennessee, he took risks. After New York scored with 1:06 remaining, Daboll went for two and the lead instead of kicking a tying extra point.
The successful two-point conversion was the difference as New York defeated Tennessee, 21-20.
In their Week 5 game against Green Bay, the Giants trailed 17-3 until they got creative. Rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger scored on an end-around touchdown run, igniting the offense in a come-from-behind, 27-22 win.
As injuries hampered the Giants as the season progressed, the play-calling became far more conservative.
After blowing the lead in the fourth quarter against Washington last week, the decision-making made in overtime was unlike Daboll’s early-season moves.
The Giants had momentum on their second possession until Barkley and Richie James collided in the backfield. The miscue set up a 4th-and-3 from the Commanders 45-yard line. With 1:42 remaining, Daboll punted with the teams tied 20-20.
A conservative approach will not get the same result against the Eagles. The Giants must take their chances to upset their division rival.
Coming off a dominant 35-10 victory over Tennessee, Philadelphia continues to cement itself as one of the NFL's best all-round teams.
The Eagles average 28.2 points per game, the second-most in the league. On defense, they allow 18.8 points per game, the seventh-fewest.
The Eagles' weakness is defending the run, but it seems they are improving in that department. In Week 13 against Tennessee, Philadelphia held two-time rushing champ Derrick Henry to 30 rushing yards.
The run-first Giants have not scored more than 27 points in a game this season. New York's defense must get enough stops for the offense to make the most of its opportunities. The Giants do not have the personnel to keep up with Philadelphia in a shootout.
Using QB Daniel Jones’ legs with designed running plays and incorporating a few trick plays could help New York catch Philadelphia off guard. Jones had a team-high 71 rushing yards against Washington.
The Giants are desperate for a win and must play with desperation. Missing the playoffs after a 6-1 start would leave a stain on what has been a successful season.
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