Nobody expected the Minnesota Vikings to be the opponent to get the Philadelphia Eagles’ passing offense right. However, that was the case last weekend. Jalen Hurts and company thrived against former teammate Isaiah Rodgers and the rest of the Vikings’ secondary. Hurts had 326 passing yards and three passing touchdowns in the win; and the top two options in the passing attack were the prime beneficiaries of that. A.J. Brown had 121 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while DeVonta Smith added a career-high 183 receiving yards and also scored a touchdown.
Now, after that fantastic performance, the focus shifts back to the New York Giants, who handed them a 17-point loss just two weeks ago. Reinforcements are back in the form of a healthy Jalen Carter and Quinyon Mitchell; and one of them happens to be a key to the game.
Philadelphia Eagles Keys to the Game: Week 8
Jalen Carter is Back
Carter’s presence was sorely missed against the Giants, and it showed to the tune of three Cam Skattebo touchdowns. Skattebo rushed for 98 yards while Jaxson Dart added 58 on the ground.
The run defense with and without Carter is night and day. According to SumerSports, the estimated points added against the run are 15th with him on the field, and dead last with him off the field. It’s a significant difference, and it shows how big of a difference-maker he is. We saw it last week against Jordan Mason, who only averaged 3.8 yards per carry.
Getting him back in the fold will prove to be crucial for the team’s chance at avenging that significant loss on Thursday Night Football. Brandon Graham will also be joining a defensive line that desperately needs his presence after Za’Darius Smith’s abrupt retirement last week. Although I wanted Graham to go out on top, it is nice to have him back. It will be interesting to see his contributions in his first week back. In addition to the type of role he will play in year sixteen.
Make Last Week a Trend
The offense needs to string a couple of performances like these together. It doesn’t all have to come through the air, as it would be nice to see Saquon Barkley get going.
Barkley will be key in this matchup. Unfortunately, he has not produced like he did last season. And while a drop in production was expected, this feels steeper than it should have been. Barkley is last in the NFL at success rate from the running back position. And, he currently has zero 100-yard rushing games seven weeks into the season. It is shocking, to say the least.
Could it be that the offensive line has struggled with Landon Dickerson playing hurt? Or is it just the sheer amount of touches Barkley had last season taking its toll? It is tough to know, but a signature Barkley game against his former team would relieve a lot of doubts. The Giants allow the eighth-most rushing yards. The second time may be the charm for the all-pro running back.
Final Thoughts
This game is one that the Philadelphia Eagles should win. However, that is precisely what we said last time; and we all saw what happened to them on national television. However, this time could be different now that they’re at home and healthy.
Jaxson Dart and the NY Giants experienced a significant collapse against the Denver Broncos last week. They allowed 33 points in the fourth quarter alone, which led to their loss. Dart threw an interception that helped the rally, but he did his best to put them in a position to win.
Will the Giants be able to bounce back after that crushing loss? Or will that linger into their showdown in Philadelphia? No matter the version that shows up at Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles should be able to grab a big win that will move them to 6-2 on the season. The Eagles are coming off the highest of highs with their excellent showing. Meanwhile, the Giants are coming off the lowest of lows. Typically, that does not bode well for the team coming off an ultra-disappointing loss. However, in this league it is any given Sunday, but I like the Eagles’ chances in the rematch.
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