What a difference since the last time the Eagles and Giants clashed back in mid-October. Both teams were still in contention. The Birds put together their most complete game of the season, winning 27-7. Philadelphia outgained the Giants 428 to 247 in total yards, throwing for 280 yards and rushing for another 158.
Look at us now. Chip Kelly would need to buy a ticket to get into Met Life Stadium. Tom Coughlin is perhaps coaching to save his job in this one. Two teams trending in the wrong direction, each with more questions than answers. It’s almost difficult to care if the Eagles lose and fall to 6-10 because we could fall between five to nine draft spots if we do rally to beat Big Blue on Sunday (based upon what other losing teams do around the league this day).
But the Eagles as a group have more to play for than meets the EYE. First of all, interim head coach Pat Shurmur wants to show the league he can still motivate a team and call a good game. Shurmur’s stock as a coordinator and a relevant coaching consideration will rise if the Eagles win on the road Sunday.
Then there’s Duce Staley, current Eagles assistant coach who has already interviewed for the HC job. He wants to prove his guys will play hard for him even when the chips are down (sorry!). He’d like a definitive win to downplay the perception that his interview with the Eagles was a mere formality to satisy the Rooney Rule.
Then there are the players who have a lot to prove to the Mystery Coach out there, whoever he is, who they know will be watching them very closely on Sunday and in game tape on Monday.
If Sam Bradford starts at QB, it will be because Pat Shurmur wants to win, but also because coaching candidates interested in the job in Philly need to get an up-to-date long look at him. I have little doubt Mr. Lurie and Mr. Roseman have given the okay to Shurmur to start Bradford.
Then there are the younger guys on the roster who really will be auditioning for more playing time (or just keeping their roster spots) in 2016.
I’m thinking guys like outside linebacker Marcus Smith, cornerback Denzel Rice, running back Kenjon Barner and offensive linemen Barrett Jones and Tanner Hawkinson will be getting extended playing time.
It looks like NT Bennie Logan (calf) and CB Byron Maxwell (shoulder) will be sitting this one out.
Another reason for the Eagles to win is to cut HAL’s wires.
The AccuScore mainframe predicts the Giants have a 69 percent chance to win this game.
In the Giants’ winning sims, Rashad Jennings is projected for 63 rushing yards and a 28% chance of having at least 1 rushing TD. After 10,000 go-arounds, in the 31% of simulations where the Philadelphia Eagles win, Sam Bradford averages 1.16 TD passes vs 0.57 interceptions, while in losses he has a ratio of 0.68 TDs to 0.88 interceptions. DeMarco Murray averages 91 rushing yards and 0.68 rushing TDs when the Eagles win and 72 yards and 0.37 TDs in losses. The New York Giants have a 36% chance of forcing more turnovers than they commit. Positive turnover margin helps them win 80% of the time.
HAL is 8-7 so far in predicting Eagles outcomes this year. An Eagles win on Sunday would reduce him to 8-8. That would make HAL feel as relevant as a coin toss. It would shut his plunger lips until next Fall. I would like that.
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