This Philadelphia Eagles win wasn’t cosmetically beautiful, but it will do in the tough and super competitive NFC East. The Eagles shut down the New York Giants on defense and needed only two touchdowns to win this game 27-7 at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Eagles (3-3 overall, 1-2 NFC East) overcame four turnovers, so-so consistency in the running and passing game, and an alert Giants offense early in the first quarter, to win the most important game of their season up until this point.
Quarterback Sam Bradford (24 of 30 for 280 yards, 1 touchdown pass and 3 interceptions) showed off his strong arm and deep game, with some big completions to his receivers. But he also threw some bone-headed passes that could have changed the complexion of this game. But all in all he did a decent enough job tonight. Plus he had help from the running game and the Eagle defense.
As for Giants quarterback Eli Manning, he could never really stand tall in the pocket because of Eagle defenders like outside linebacker Connor Barwin, defensive end Vinny Curry (1 tackle, 1.5 sacks), and others bestowing so much pressure on him.
Manning due to all the pressure that was in his face or around him all night, committed 2 interceptions and 2 intentional grounding infractions. It was that kind of night for him.
On the night Manning went 24 of 38 for 189 yards, 1 touchdown pass and the aforementioned 2 interceptions.
Receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (7 catches for 61 yards and 1 score) got his team on the board first, when he lined up in the slot and then at the snap, zoomed past Eagles linebacker DeMeco Ryans and caught Manning’s pass, with the receiver then sliding and then diving into the end zone from the 2 yard line. That 13 yard score gave the Giants a 7-0 lead with 10:23 left in the first quarter.
Then almost seven minutes later, the Eagles finally got on the board with a score of their own. Bradford on 1st and 10 from the NYG 32, took the snap and then dropped back to the NYG 39, where he threw a deep pass intended for receiver Riley Cooper (3 catches for 76 yards and 1 score). Cooper caught the pass near the goal line and just past Giants strong safety Brandon Meriweather, with the receiver then diving into the end zone. That 32 yard touchdown connection tied the game at 7-7 with 3:33 left in the first quarter.
But on the fourth play of the Giants’ first offensive drive of the second quarter, the Eagles received some more good will. This good will was in the form of a huge defensive play. Manning on 2nd and 9 from the NYG 18, took the center snap, and then he threw a missile-like pass towards receiver Dwayne Harris who was waiting for the pass near the left sideline. But Eagles cornerback Nolan Carroll jumped in front of Harris and intercepted the pass and took the theft 17 yards to the house. That pick-six gave the Eagles a 14-7 lead with 12:26 left in the second quarter.
That pick six was not only huge for the Eagles and their 25th rated pass defense, but it was also huge for Carroll. Because that was Carroll’s first pick-six of his career and his first interception of any kind since December 22, 2013 when he was a member of the Miami Dolphins.
Carroll is set to make $2.9 million this year and this is his contract year for the Eagles. And so plays like that pick-six he had tonight was pivotal not only for the Eagles defense, but for Carroll to justify his high 2015 price tag as a number two cornerback for the Eagles.
Meanwhile, the Eagles added to their lead when they sent in placekicker Caleb Sturgis to try a 37 yard field goal. Sturgis made the field goal and gave his team a 17-7 lead with 3 seconds left in the first half.
Then near the latter part of the third quarter, the Eagles struck again. Starting from their own 28 yard line after a roughing the punter call against Giants fullback/defensive end Nikita Whitlock, the Eagles went to work. The drive culminated with an off right tackle 12 yard touchdown run by running back DeMarco Murray (22 carries for 109 yards and 1 score). With 6:13 left in the third quarter, the Eagles led 24-7.
Late in the fourth quarter, Sturgis came in and booted a 39 yard field goal right down the middle of the uprights to give his team a 27-7 advantage with 8:19 left in the contest.
That field goal by Sturgis ended up being the last points either team would score in this game. For the duration of the game, the Giants couldn’t consistently get near the end zone. And the Eagles defense knew that the Giants needed myriad passing plays to try to get back into the game, so they teed off on Manning and his receivers.
The Eagles defense attacked the Giants offense with quarterback hurries and pressures and good underneath, intermediate, and deep coverage in the secondary.
