The New York Giants have one of the biggest games of the season coming up against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14.
Having lost two games and tied one across their last three contests, the Giants desperately need a win to increase their playoff chances. Currently, Big Blue is in 3rd place in the NFC East, having just one loss fewer than the Washington Commanders, but the two teams could draw even if the Giants lose to Philadelphia this upcoming Sunday.
The playoff picture is difficult, with the Giants currently sitting with the 6th seed in the NFC, but with the Detroit Lions surging, the Giants will need to win a few games down the stretch to guarantee their place.
Returning two essential defensive players would be a good start, with Adoree Jackson and Xavier McKinney both missing the past few weeks due to individual injuries.
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The New York Giants need defensive reinforcements desperately:
Jackson was knocked out against the Detroit Lions in Week 11, missing the last three weeks in the middle of a fantastic second year with the Giants. Over 554 total snaps, Jackson had allowed a 53.7% catch rate, 339 yards in coverage, and two touchdowns with seven pass breakups.
“I think he’s getting better. I think it’s too early to tell today,” head coach Brian Daboll said of Jackson. “Making progress. How much progress? Yet to be determined.”
McKinney, on the other hand, has been out since the bye week after suffering a fractured hand in relation to an ATV accident. McKinney has been optimistic about his chances of making a return before the season’s end, but head coach Brian Daboll continues to offer a vague timetable for return.
“I think there’s always a chance” McKinney told NJ Advance Media. “But knowing me, knowing how I am, obviously it’s killing me that I can’t be out here with the guys right now. Whatever I can do to get back, that’s what I’m going to do.”
The Giants simply have liabilities across the secondary at this point in time, but if they can get back two key playmakers down the stretch and for the playoffs, their chance of winning a few extra games increases tenfold.