Eagles end 3-game skid, keep NFC East title hopes alive with 33-25 win over Giants

42

In a pivotal Monday night matchup, the Philadelphia Eagles secured a crucial 33-25 victory over the New York Giants, putting an end to their three-game losing streak and reigniting their hopes for the NFC East title. Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ quarterback, played a central role in this triumph, breaking the NFL record for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single season and contributing a passing touchdown to the team’s tally.

The Eagles, with their now 11-4 season record, had faced a daunting losing streak, causing concern among their devoted fans and prompting changes in defensive play-calling. Losses to San Francisco, Dallas, and Seattle had all but extinguished their aspirations for the NFC’s top seed. However, the path to a consecutive division title remains clear for them. To clinch the NFC East title, the Eagles must prevail against Arizona in their upcoming game and defeat the Giants once more in the season finale.

Remarkably, it was a visit from the Giants that helped the Eagles regain their footing. The Eagles have maintained a perfect record of 11 wins against the Giants at their home field, the Lincoln Financial Field, since 2014, and they achieved victory over the Giants three times in the previous season.

Adoree’ Jackson provided the Giants (5-10) with a late spark, returning an interception for a remarkable 76-yard touchdown, and Saquon Barkley successfully converted a 2-point conversion, narrowing the score to 20-18 late in the third quarter.

During a critical juncture in the fourth quarter, the Eagles’ fans made their voices heard, expressing their discontent with the pass-heavy offensive strategy by chanting, “Run the ball! Run the ball!” Jalen Hurts initially threw an incomplete pass, resulting in a chorus of boos from the crowd. However, the coaching staff, led by Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, eventually heeded the fans’ calls, leading to jubilation when Kenneth Gainwell broke free for a 22-yard run. D’Andre Swift then found the end zone with a 5-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Eagles’ lead to 27-18.

The Giants, refusing to go down quietly, mounted a late-game comeback with Tyrod Taylor connecting with Darius Slayton for a 69-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 30-25.

With the Giants on the verge of a potential game-winning drive, Tyrod Taylor’s pass was intercepted in the end zone by Kelee Ringo on the final play, securing the Eagles’ victory.

Despite some late-game missteps, including 18 turnovers throughout the season, Jalen Hurts ultimately delivered when it mattered most.

The Eagles’ first half was a stark departure from their recent struggles, as they scored 20 points, a feat they hadn’t achieved in their previous three games. Hurts, in particular, showcased his versatility by recording his 15th rushing touchdown of the season, setting a new NFL record for quarterbacks. He also threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith, tying the team’s season record for total touchdowns at 35, a feat last accomplished by QB Randall Cunningham in 1990.

In a twist of fate, the Eagles received a glimmer of hope when, at the end of a challenging month, Hurts managed to recover from a disastrous snap, turning a potential disaster into a first-down completion to Grant Calcaterra. Though an apparent touchdown was later overturned on replay, Jake Elliott’s 28-yard field goal extended the Eagles’ lead to 10-3.

The Eagles’ fortunes took a brief dip when Boston Scott fumbled the second-half kickoff, allowing Barkley to score a 7-yard rushing touchdown, closing the gap to 20-10.

The Giants, who had briefly enjoyed a three-game winning streak in an otherwise challenging season, now face the Rams in their upcoming game, while the Eagles prepare to host Arizona.

This victory provides a glimmer of hope for the Eagles as they pursue their NFC East title aspirations, and it serves as a reminder of their resilience in the face of adversity.