The Eagles are out of the blue with a lot on the line in their Week 18 matchup against the Giants

the giants They had been as soon as locked in a determined battle for a spot within the playoffs – a combat they thought would come straight right down to their closing match. the the Eagles They cruised many of the season, having constructed up a seemingly insurmountable lead within the race for the NFC’s high seed.

Then in some way, for the previous three weeks, the stretch run has change into a scene out of the film Buying and selling Locations. Or possibly Freaky Friday. Their fates have failed. Up down now. The Giants are actually the group that may relaxation their gamers.

And the once-dominant Eagles are instantly determined to win Sunday match.

“No person stated it was going to be straightforward,” stated the Eagles defensive finish Brandon Graham. “We all know our points and we all know what’s up. I feel we’ll be alright. We have a particular group. We simply should get on the market and show it.”

The Eagles spent the primary 14 weeks of the season proving it, going 13-1 and looking out like a simple favourite to enter the NFC’s Tremendous Bowl. Then the quarterback Jalen Hurts He was hit within the shoulder Chicago And Philly needed to scramble behind the reserves Gardner Minshaw. However even then, the Eagles nonetheless have a three-game divisional and convention lead from three weeks forward. Even after they narrowly misplaced dallas Every week later, issues had been nonetheless superb.

It was solely after the Eagles misplaced at residence to saints Final Sunday, the rely was right down to 13-3, when it lastly appeared just like the panic button needed to be hit.

Certain, Eagles coach Nick Siriani insisted, “I am by no means going to be somebody who’s going to hit the panic button,” however he is aware of what’s at stake. If the Eagles lose to the Giants (9-6-1), they’re at risk of dropping not solely the highest seed within the convention and the primary spherical, however they might lose the NFC East and their residence playoff recreation, too. There’s additionally the hazard of dropping all of their momentum after ending the common season on a three-game dropping streak.

And that is very potential. The Cowboys (12-4) are enjoying in Washington, the place leaders They’re so on their finish that they make for a newbie Sam Howell His first begin within the center. and the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) They’re at residence in opposition to Arizona Cardinalswho’s using a six-game dropping streak and would be the beginning quarterback David Plouffe for the second week in a row.

If the 49ers win and the Eagles fall, the Eagles lose the highest seed and forfeit their bye week. If the Cowboys win and the Eagles lose, Philadelphia loses the NFC East and the playoffs start on the street.

Properly, the stakes are excessive. For this reason the Eagles are nearly sure to get Hurts again within the beginning lineup. They did not anticipate to be on this place till the playoffs had already begun. However this recreation actually is a must-win.

“There isn’t a strain,” Graham informed the media. “I feel you are all going to place probably the most strain on about it, as a result of on the finish of the day if we now have to maintain rolling, that is most likely superb too.”

It is onerous to think about he actually believes that, contemplating the place the Eagles had been just a few weeks in the past. However on the intense facet, they will nonetheless get a break on Sunday from a Giants who will not must take this recreation severely. Thanks to 2 wins of their previous three video games, for the reason that 48-22 defeat they gained at residence from the Eagles on December 11, they’re locked into the #6 seed within the NFC and can go on the street within the first spherical in opposition to any group that finishes third.

With nothing to play for, and nothing to vary place after the season, it does not seem like the Giants can be enjoying their starters a lot, if in any respect.

“We’ll discuss it and do what’s greatest for the group,” Giants coach Brian Dabul stated. “No matter we expect is greatest for our group, that is what we’ll do ultimately.”

What’s greatest for them is unquestionably sitting behind the center Daniel JonesGiven the blows he is had this season. The identical goes for jogging I can be BarkleyWho has been affected by a shoulder damage for weeks. And a Giants group with out its two greatest gamers definitely provides the Eagles an opportunity to get again to regular, particularly with Hurts again on show.

Maybe all of this may work out for the Eagles. Possibly getting a style of late-season strain — or no matter they select — will assist them into the playoffs. Possibly some adversity truly helps, too. As a result of their targets are nonetheless the identical. They nonetheless imagine they’re on the quick observe to the Tremendous Bowl and are ok to win the championship.

However that is provided that they handle to not lose every little thing else first.

High tales from FOX Sports activities:

Ralph Facciano is the NFC East correspondent for FOX Sports activities, overlaying the Washington Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants. He is spent the previous six years overlaying the New York Giants and Jets for SNY TV, and previous to that, 16 years overlaying the Giants and the NFL for the New York Every day Information. Observe him on Twitter at @tweet.

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