The Regular Season Finale — Eagles at Giants Preview
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts reacts after being sacked by the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
When the NFL schedule was originally posted many Eagles fans thought this game was going to be one that did not matter, and that maybe we would see Marcus Mariota getting the start at Quarterback. But instead, the Eagles will have to play their starters with the likely result of the 5 seed coming from this game. They still can win the division with some help, but first, they need to take care of business in New Jersey.
The Playoff Scenarios
There are many different scenarios and many different seeds the Eagles can still get in the playoffs. If the Eagles win, the Cowboys lose, and the Lions lose, the Eagles would win the NFC East and would be the number two seed.
If the Eagles win, the Cowboys lose, and the Lions win, the Eagles would win the NFC East and would be the third seed.
If the Eagles win, and the Cowboys win, the Cowboys win the NFC East and the Eagles would be the five seed and play at the NFC South winner in the first round.
If the Eagles lose, then the Cowboys win the NFC East and the Eagles would be the five seed and play at the NFC South winner in the first round.
Unfortunately, the most likely scenario is that the Eagles will be the five seed, but crazier things have happened on the final day of the season.
No More Tommy Cutlets
When the Eagles played the Giants on Christmas Day the Giants started Tommy DeVito who was eventually benched. Tyrod Taylor then entered that game and almost led the Giants offense to a massive comeback win. Taylor is definitely a better Quarterback than DeVito and can cause some real problems for this Eagles defense. Last week against the Rams Taylor threw for 319 yards and 1 touchdown. The Eagles defense did not force a single punt against the Cardinals last week, so it’s safe to assume Taylor can get some yards in this game.
The biggest worry when it comes to the Giants’ offense is Saquan Barkley. The Eagles’ run defense has been horrible in recent weeks, and Barkley is primed to run all over them. James Conner ran for 128 yards and a touchdown last week against this Eagles defense, and I expect Saquan to do the same thing. Saquan has had a down season this year, but with a big game today he can still get over the 1,000-yard mark. The Eagles drafted Jordan Davis in the first round to be a run stuffer, and he has not done that this season, or last. The Eagles’ defensive line as a whole has been a massive disappointment this season.
Should the Starters Play?
The Eagles starters have to play in this game. While it is a slim chance, there is a chance that they can still be the two seed. While I believe the starters should absolutely start this game, I do think the Eagles coaches should be scoreboard-watching. The Eagles do not control their own destiny, and they need to keep an eye on the Cowboys score. If the Cowboys are losing, or in a close game the Eagles must keep playing their starters to try and win the game. If the Eagles do not play their starters and lose the game, and the Cowboys end up getting upset and losing, that would be a fireable offense. If the Cowboys are blowing out Washington then I believe the Eagles should pull their starters and try and get them some rest. That is the most likely scenario, so be prepared to see some Mariota minutes tonight.
