Eagles coach bracing himself for much different Giants’ defense

On Thursday, the Philadelphia Eagles host the New York Giants and can end their chances at a division title with a win.

Obviously, this game has more significance for the Giants.

The Eagles are mathematically eliminated and will play the role of spoiler. Last time they were above 32 minutes for entire season was 1996 (32:12). Janoris Jenkins and Jonathan Casillas are questionable and Jason Pierre-Paul is out.

“It would be huge (to clinch)”, said left guard Justin Pugh, who returned last week after missing five games with a knee injury. Per our schedule-adjusted rankings, the Giants’ defense sits third overall, and they’re great at defending both the pass (fifth) and the run (third).

The Eagles (5-9) snatched a last-second spread cover – and almost a win – at Baltimore last week. Expect Manning to look his way more Thursday night and hopefully into the playoffs. Rookie quarterback Carson Wentz has struggled behind a depleted offensive line, but that unit should be back to full strength, following the return of Lane Johnson after a ten-game suspension.

Beckham Jr. believes that helping the Giants do so would be a stepping stone for Cruz as he enters the next stage of his career.

On Thursday, December 22, New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz will revisit the field on which he almost lost his career.

According to the Giants official website, tonight the Eagles will face a Giants team that has been on fire. Landon Collins leads all NFC safeties with 108 tackles. The Eagles may be on a five-game losing streak and have lost nine of their last 11, but they are still a unsafe team. NY quarterback Eli Manning threw for four touchdowns in the win, while Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz threw for 364 yards.

After holding Dallas and Detroit to 13 points over the last two weeks, the Giants moved up to No. 3 in scoring defense (17.9 points per game). However, the Eagles don’t really change teams on the outside, so outside cornerbacks have not been as stifling for the Eagles. Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz threw interceptions on the first two possessions, which led to a pair of Giants touchdowns. If the Eagles can’t contain him, they don’t stand a chance of pulling off an upset. If he can’t go, the starters will be former Eagle Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Eli Apple.

Yet here Cruz stands, returning in triumph to his onetime field of horrors, ready to check one more miraculous milestone off a season’s worth of fantastic comebacks. Sproles has been vital to Philadelphia’s offense this season, as he is second on the team in rushing yards (366) and their third leading receiver (400).

He’s also ready to play in Philly, which he called a “pretty ruthless place” on his conference call with Philly reporters this week. Vernon was a real Pro Bowl snub. Spagnuolo began his second stint with the Giants previous year and has turned one of the league’s worst defenses into one of the better units.

The TNF game is set to begin at 8.25pm ET (1.25amGMT, 6.55am IST).