The Philadelphia Eagles start a four-game stretch of consecutive NFC East games that will determine their postseason fate. For the Birds it’s simple, win four in a row, and you’re in.
The Eagles received some good news on Monday when Giants head coach Pat Shurmur revealed that Eli Manning will start at quarterback for an injured Daniel Jones.
Manning was his usual low-key self when discussing the promotion.
“Obviously we’ll see what happens Monday,” Manning said via ESPN.com, after taking the first-team snaps at practice. “But business as usual in a sense get the game plan, start prepping for Philly. Going against a good defense, but also a defense we faced a number of years. Know ’em well. Just get back into the mix with the offensive line and receivers. Make sure the timing is where it needs to be.”
Jones 18 touchdown passes with 11 interceptions and would have faced an embattled secondary with all his weapons available. Jones’s mobility would have likely presented an interesting scenario, as his ability to get outside the pocket could have proven valuable with skill players such as tight end Evan Engram, Golden Tate, and Sterling Shephard all available to play.
With Jones now likely to miss the huge matchup, here are 3 takeaways and observations on how Manning’s return will impact the Eagles on Monday night.
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1. Eagles constant success vs. Eli
For all of his obvious career accolades, Philadelphia has owned Eli Manning and the Giants. Manning is 10-20 all-time against the Eagles in the regular season and has lost five-straight in the matchup. Manning, 38, hasn’t played in 12 weeks and his lack of athleticism should play into the Eagles hands.
2. Jones could miss both matchups
The Giants aren’t playing for the postseason and with Jones’s future being of the utmost importance, Pat Shurmur could choose to shut the rookie down for the rest of the season. Jones’s high ankle sprain is similar to the injury that cost Saquon Barkley three games earlier this season.
3. Eagles defense could have a breakout performance
After being embarrassed by Ryan Fitzpatrick at home last Sunday, Manning is the quarterback Philadelphia needs to regain its confidence. Even though Jones has been struggling and is among the league leaders in fumbles, Manning is the player that the Eagles should prefer to face.
Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said the defense will prepare differently for the Giants offense with Manning under center and expect the blitz to be central in Philadelphia’s preparation now that the mobile Jones is out the game.
