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Four Keys to a Giants Upset Over the Eagles
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- Four Keys to a Giants Upset Over the Eagles
Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The New York Giants (1-4) will look to rebound quickly from their 26-14 defeat at the hands of the previous winless New Orleans Saints as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles (4-1) on Thursday night at MetLife Stadium.
This is one of the biggest games of the Brian Daboll – Joe Schoen era, as the Giants have lost eight consecutive division games, and the team looks headed for another double-digit loss season.
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To make matters worse, they're facing an Eagles team that's angry after losing their first game of the year to the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Few expect New York to be competitive in this contest, let alone win. But there are several developments to keep an eye on if Big Blue is going to have any chance to pull off an upset.
Will Jaxson Dart Bounce Back After Rough Game Against Saints?
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All rookie quarterbacks face growing pains, and Jaxson Dart experienced this on Sunday against New Orleans . After throwing touchdown passes to Theo Johnson on their first two possessions, he struggled mightily in the second half.
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He lost a fumble, then threw two interceptions and finished the game with a total quarterback rating of 50.2. The rookie quarterback is dealing with a hamstring injury but said there's no doubt that he's playing.
Dart's energy has revitalized the team, and his ability to make plays with his legs is a big reason why the offense has scored touchdowns on its opening drive in the last two games. If Dart can bounce back and put points on the board on the first drive, it will energize the team and the crowd.
Can New York's Defense Stop Saquon Barkley ?
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In the one game he played against his former team last year, Saquon Barkley ran through New York's defense, gaining 176 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown. This was one of his best games in 2024, where he finished the year with 2,005 rushing yards.
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But 2025 has been a different story for the superstar running back; he has yet to rush for more than 88 yards in any game and is averaging just 3.2 yards per carry. However, he might be poised for a breakout game as the Giants have the 26th-ranked run defense, allowing 140 yards per game.
The Eagles want to establish the run, and the onus will be on Dexter Lawrence and the rest of the front seven to shut down No. 26. If the defense can contain Barkley, they'll be in position to pull off the upset. If he replicates his performance at MetLife, the Giants will suffer another brutal defeat.
Will a Giants Wide Receiver Have Breakout Game?
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Trying to get explosive plays from the passing game without Malik Nabers was always going to be a daunting task, and last week it showed. Against the Saints, wideouts were targeted 19 times and had nine receptions for 68 yards.
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Darius Slayton , who had a game-changing fumble and a key drop, may not suit up due to a hamstring injury, making things even more challenging. Wan'Dale Robinson will catch his usual intermediate passes out of the slot, but the Giants will need either Jalin Hyatt or Beaux Collins to make plays downfield.
Collins had his first catch last week, and Hyatt has yet to make a reception. If ever there was a time when the team needs an unsung wideout to step up, it's Thursday night.
Is Pass Rush Going to Come to Life and Harass Jalen Hurts ?
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The Giants pass rush is supposed to be the strength of the team with Brian Burns , Kayvon Thibodeaux and Abdul Carter . But last week, they failed to register a sack or rattle quarterback Spencer Rattler in the pocket.
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The Eagles boast one of the best offensive lines in football, but they haven't been as dominant as they have previously. They've allowed quarterback Jalen Hurts to be sacked 15 times this season, including six times last week, and will be without Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson .
The pass rush must come to life and make life miserable for Hurts. If the front four can't get to Hurts, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen needs to dial up the blitz. If the Eagles signal caller is comfortable in the pocket, he'll pick apart New York's secondary.
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