It was black Monday in Philadelphia as the Philadelphia Eagles hosted
the New York Giants for their first match-up of the year. Though the offense was up and down, the defense dominated and helped the Eagles defeat the Giants by the final score of 27-7.
In past weeks, it was the offense that soured the beginning of the game, however the defense was the not-so-hot group to start the game. On the first drive by the Giants, quarterback Eli Manning racked in over 56 yards passing on an 80-yard drive. The drive was capped with a 13-yard touchdown strike from Manning to Odell Beckham Jr.
Unsurprisingly, the first Eagles offensive possession was a three-and-out. The drive lasted all of 49 seconds.
The Giants again came out moving the ball well, but the defense provided the first spark of the game as DeMeco Ryans stripped a reception from tight end Larry Donnell for an interception. Quarterback Sam Bradford took advantage of the turnover with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Riley Cooper.
The defense continued to play inspired football throughout the first half. Ryans along with the Eagles front continued to pressure Manning, forcing two more first half turnovers. Miscommunication between Manning and Ruben Randle led to cornerback Nolan Carroll getting a pick six.
On the Eagles next defensive stand, safety Malcolm Jenkins forced a fumble from running back Rashad Jennings. However, Bradford would throw a poorly thrown ball over the head of tight end Zach Ertz, which was intercepted by cornerback Jayron Hosley. The pick was Bradford’s seventh of the year.
Bradford finished the first half 11/21 for 120 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
The second half started with an Eagles drive that ended in a fumble by Jordan Matthews. The next possession would be a turnaround, aided by a running into the kicker penalty by the Giants. The Eagles capitalized with a 12-yard touchdown run by DeMarco Murray.
Bradford would then throw another interception when a Cooper suddenly stopped running on a deep route. He then threw another to Landon Collins as he attempted to get it to Ertz in the endzone. Bradford would finish the game 24/38 for 238 yards, one touchdown, and three picks.
Although the offense did not have the best half, the defense continued to terrorize Manning and the Giants offense, shutting down both the rushing and passing game. The defensive play helped the Eagles sustain their demanding lead and secure the win.
Next Sunday night, the Eagles will head to North Carolina to take on Cam Newton and the red-hot Panthers on Sunday Night Football. The Eagles will look to extend their stay atop the NFC East.
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