October 19, 2015
Just like last October, the Philadelphia Eagles donned their black uniforms against the New York Giants for a crucial nationally televised game. Here is what I saw in the first thirty minutes of this NFC East battle:
• Bad decision by Eli Manning, but Nolan Carroll made a great read to step in front of a Giants pick play and take the interception back to the house. Huge play to make it 14-7, good guys.
• The Eagles defense needed a big play in the worst way late in the first quarter after Manning completed his first 10 passes. They got it when DeMeco Ryans ripped the ball out of Larry Donnell’s hands for an interception in Eagles territory. Grown man play by the veteran linebacker.
• Speaking of “grown men plays,” Malcolm Jenkins made a terrific strip of Rashad Jennings that that Ryans fell on to thwart another drive.
• The Giants’ playcalling helped, but the Eagles stuffed Jennings twice from less than a yard to get a turnover on downs. Yes indeed, that run defense is legit.
• With FOUR POINT NINE seconds of a hangtime on a 57-yard punt, Donnie J’Owns indeed. Later, Jones boomed a 52 yarder.
• Late in the half, the Eagles' pass rush really started to get to Manning. Vinny Curry and Connor Barwin recorded key sacks.
• It’s difficult to criticize a touchdown pass, but Sam Bradford seriously underthrew Riley Cooper (of all people) on a 32-yard touchdown. Cooper literally had to stop running on the play and wait for the football, but the Giants secondary somehow couldn’t pounce.
• A crucial holding penalty by Jason Kelce completely submarined the Eagles drive right after the turnover on downs. Kelce also snapped the ball over Bradford’s head later, another drive killer. You can’t have one of those, much less two.
• One step forward, two steps back. Another bad half for Byron Maxwell, who looks overmatched against Odell Beckham Jr.
• The Giants’ opening drive was a bad as we’ve seen the Eagles defense look all season. Ben McAdoo, Manning, and the New York offense didn’t require a third down as they went right down the field. The march went 80 yards on eight plays, with Beckham capping things off with a touchdown.
• There are no words to describe how bad of a pass Sam Bradford’s interception was. Make no mistake: Bradford, who went 11-21 for 120 yards, was bad this half. I don't think Mark Sanchez can lead the Eagles deep in the playoffs, but I'm pretty confident he's better than how Bradford has played.
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
