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5 Keys to Giants' Redemption vs. Eagles After Broncos Collapse
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- 5 Keys to Giants' Redemption vs. Eagles After Broncos Collapse
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The New York Giants will look to rebound after suffering one of the worst losses in franchise history when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
The Giants defeated the Eagles 34-17 two weeks ago in their best performance of the season. But all of that momentum died in the fourth quarter of a historic collapse against the Denver Broncos , when they surrendered 33 points in their 33-32 loss.
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At 2-5, this is a crucial game for the Giants if they're going to keep their slim playoff hopes alive and for the job security of head coach Brian Daboll . Here are five things to watch to see if Big Blue has rebounded.
Does Brian Daboll Still Have Command of Team?
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When you lose in the fashion the Giants did against Denver, it can demoralize a team and linger into the following week. Sunday's game will test whether the 50-year-old head coach still has command of his roster.
If the team starts aggressively and with energy, it will show they still believe in their head coach. If they come out flat, it will indicate Daboll has lost the locker room, which would spell his demise in New York .
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Can Jaxson Dart Rejuvenate Giants?
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Once Jaxson Dart became the starter, he immediately became a spark plug and seemed to lift the performance and spirit of his teammates. In three of the four games he's started, he led touchdown drives on the opening possession that provided an immediate boost.
Now more than ever, New York needs its rookie quarterback to be a playmaker with his arm and legs and engineer early scoring drives. Both the offense and defense feed off Dart, and if he can uplift his teammates, it bodes well for their chances of sweeping the season series against the Eagles.
How Will Defense Respond With Depleted Secondary?
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A big reason the defense surrendered 33 fourth-quarter points against Denver was the absence of corner Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland , who left the game with knee injuries. Unfortunately for New York, neither player practiced Wednesday, and both appear unlikely to suit up Sunday.
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This could be problematic as Philadelphia's passing game finally came to life in a 28-22 victory over the Minnesota Vikings . Quarterback Jalen Hurts posted his first 300-yard passing game of the season, and wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith combined for 13 receptions, 304 yards and three touchdowns.
Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, already on thin ice for his approach at the end of the Broncos game, will need to be creative and find a way to slow down the passing attack while down two starters.
Will Cam Skattebo Outshine Saquon Barkley Again?
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A big reason for Big Blue's dominant 34-17 victory over Philadelphia in Week 6 was Cam Skattebo's breakout performance. The rookie running back carried the ball 19 times for 98 yards and scored three touchdowns. His counterpart, Saquon Barkley , wasn't nearly as effective, carrying 12 times for 58 yards. Aside from an 18-yard run, his former teammates shut him down.
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If Skattebo can once again outshine Barkley, the Giants stand a good chance of sweeping the season series for the first time since 2007.
The Kicking Game
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After missing two extra points against Denver, Jude McAtamney is back on the practice squad. Meanwhile, 38-year-old Graham Gano has been designated to return and practiced with the team Wednesday. Unless he suffers a setback, Gano will be the kicker in Week 8.
Gano has been on injured reserve since straining his groin in Week 3. Considering his injury history, it might behoove Brian Daboll to have a backup plan ready should Gano go down again.
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