Ahead of the week 12 showdown featuring the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles, one team has been plagued by injuries, which could result in a hefty advantage for the other. The Giants have been relatively healthy this season, despite the loss of WR Cody Latimer and center Jon Halapio. Both were expected to be significant contributors on the starting team.
On the Eagles’ side of the ball, they could be without three/four of their starting secondary members. The active secondary will likely be Malcolm Jenkins, Tre Sullivan, Corey Graham, De’Vante Bausby, and Chandon Sullivan. They will be without Ronald Darby, Rodney McLoed, Jalen Mills, Sidney Jones, and Avonte Maddox – all starters.
What does this mean for the New York Giants?
PASS. THE. BALL. The Eagles will be decimated in the secondary, which in turn should open up opportunities for Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, and Evan Engram in the passing game. Now, that doesn’t mean the Giants should abandon the run game. In fact, using Saquon Barkley is always part of an intelligent game-plan. Keeping the Eagles’ defense on its heels by running the ball will be essential. They will expect their defensive line to put pressure on Eli Manning, forcing him to make mistakes, hoping to win the turnover battle.
The primary unit will undoubtedly be the offensive line. Right guard Jamon Brown will face a tough task with Brandon Graham lining up across from him. It will be his first ‘big’ challenge as a Giant.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Giants will have to contain a tricky Carson Wentz and his trusty stead Zach Ertz. Wentz has the ability to stretch the field and zip passes into tight spaces. The acquiring of Golden Tate will make his life that much more simple. Big Blue will need a big game from outside linebacker Olivier Vernon. The pressure he forces will ultimately be the deciding factor in my opinion. Tipping the ball and forcing turnovers is the recipe to defeating the Eagles, but if Wentz has all day to throw, it will be another long afternoon for New York.