As Christmas Day approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles gear up to face their NFC rival, the New York Giants, at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles have played on Mondays three times this season, but this matchup marks their first encounter with the Giants on a Monday. Patricia Traina, a seasoned beat writer for GiantsCountry.com and the host of the LockedOn Giants podcast, provides insights into the Giants’ season, the performance of quarterback Tommy DeVito, potential coaching dynamics, and the strength of their pass defense.
Giants’ Struggles This Season: The Giants, a playoff team last year, have faced challenges this season. Traina attributes their struggles not only to injuries but also to the team’s lack of readiness at the start of the season. Head coach Brian Daboll’s focus on preserving player health during training camp resulted in minimal preseason exposure for starters. The decision to experiment with the offensive line and subsequent injuries led to a shaky start, particularly highlighted by a significant defeat by the Cowboys in Week 1, from which the team struggled to recover.
Tommy DeVito’s Performance and Future: Despite the Giants’ offensive line allowing DeVito to be sacked 35 times in seven games, Traina acknowledges his commendable performance. However, she sees him primarily as a potential backup or No. 2 quarterback. DeVito’s future role depends on the Giants’ approach to the quarterback position in the offseason. Traina emphasizes that Daboll has affirmed Daniel Jones as the starter once he’s healthy, making it unlikely for DeVito to surpass him unless unforeseen circumstances arise.
Potential Coaching Dynamics: Rumors of a potential split between Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale have surfaced. Traina suggests that Daboll’s competitive nature and Martindale’s more even-keeled approach could contribute to friction. Daboll’s rumored tough demeanor during challenging times may pose a threat to team cohesion. While Martindale leaving could be for a head coaching position or retirement, Traina doesn’t rule out the possibility of internal conflicts affecting the coaching staff.
Strength of Giants’ Pass Defense: The Giants have maintained a strong pass defense throughout the season, despite differing opinions from PFF grades. Traina highlights the standout performance of rookie cornerback Deonte Banks, who she believes has surpassed Adoree’ Jackson as the team’s top cornerback. Safety contributions from Xavier McKinney and Jason Pinnock, combined with a solid pass rush when present, have bolstered the Giants’ overall defensive capabilities.
Prediction for Eagles vs. Giants: Traina predicts an Eagles victory, citing the Eagles’ superior roster and higher stakes in the season. She envisions a 33-14 final score, emphasizing the Giants’ slim chances unless the Eagles underperform.
In summary, as the Eagles and Giants prepare to face off, Traina’s insights provide a comprehensive overview of the Giants’ season, quarterback dynamics, potential coaching challenges, and defensive strengths, setting the stage for an intriguing NFC matchup.
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