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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Dan Benton

Behind Enemy Lines: Week 18 Q&A with Eagles Wire

The New York Giants (5-11) and Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) will square off on Sunday afternoon in a Week 18 matchup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The Giants opened the week as 5.5-point home underdogs but that spread has improved slightly with New York now listed at +4.5 as of this writing.

With this matchup on tap, Giants Wire took the opportunity to hold a Q&A with Eagles Wire managing editor Glenn Erby.

What is the level of concern in Philly right now? Has the team simply hit a wall or is there more to the recent futility?

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Erby: Any severe concern seemed to be squashed with the A.J. Brown press conference earlier this week. The Eagles are 11-5 despite the poor play down the stretch, and if not for inconsistent execution, they could have clinched the No. 2 seed weeks ago. I believe they hit a wall, coupled with some schematic confusion that has been cleared and alleviated.

Rumors abound about Nick Sirianni possibly resting starters this Sunday. Do you envision that happening?

Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Well, DeVonta Smith and Darius Slay will be ruled out, but the other starters will play to enter the playoffs on a high note, and with some efficient football on offense, Nick Sirianni is going to get his guys plenty of work and then decide on getting guys out of the game depending on what happens with the Cowboys vs. Commanders.

Boston Scott has 17 career touchdowns and 10 of them have come against the Giants. Care to explain that to me?

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Scott’s domination of the Giants can be chalked up to running behind the NFL’s top offensive line over the past four years and his 2019 breakout performance. Scott’s success against New York could be considered a fluke. Still, his role as the Giants Killer has taken on a life of its own, and the Philadelphia coaching staff seems to embellish the tiny running back having success against an NFC East rival.

How has ex-Giants CB James Bradberry performed this season? Does he have anything left in the tank or is his career winding down?

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

James Bradberry has been solid but down from last season’s All-Pro performance. In key formations and select downs, Bradberry has been sliding inside to the slot cornerback spot in certain sub-packages. Bradberry’s not a natural nickel cornerback, and he’s beaten in some situations. He’s lost a step, but he’s still a viable option at cornerback.

Let's hear some predictions! Who wins, what's the score and how do you see the game playing out?

Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

Philadelphia needs the win from a confidence standpoint, and it’s much easier to get a victory and hope for a Cowboys loss than it’ll be to return to the Super Bowl with three straight road contests. The Eagles have their swagger back, and they send a message with a dominant 35-14 win over the Giants.

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