The New York Giants end the regular season at Lincoln Financial Field against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. EST. It will be the second and final meeting between NFC East division rivals this season, and while the Eagles season continues into the playoffs, the Giants will go into offseason mode and begin preparations for 2025.
The two teams first met in Week 7, and it wasn’t even close as the Eagles dominated with a 28-3 win. This week will be different, though, because Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts, among others, won’t be playing. Instead, those key players will be resting to avoid injury for the playoff appearance. The Eagles’ reserves will take the field instead, giving the Giants a better chance at coming away with a win.
Don’t think for a second that the Giants don’t want to win this game or that they’ll tank for a better draft pick. They already showed that’s not their style when they beat the Indianapolis Colts last week.
Please don’t misunderstand, it’s not going to be easy, but there are six things the Giants can do to secure a victory in their final game of the regular season.
Focus on the game
Al Bello/Getty Images
There’s a ton of outside noise around this game and this team. Saquon Barkley isn’t playing, Brian Daboll’s job is in question and other nonsensical things. Like last week, ignore that noise and just play. It worked for the Giants last Sunday as they looked better than they have all season, so if they can replicate that urgency and execution, it could lead to a win. Especially if they can nail down the execution piece.
Keep emotions in check
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Emotions always run high in a rivalry game but for several Giants players, this could be their final game with the team. For others, it could be the last game of their career. For Brian Daboll, it could be his last as the Giants’ head coach. Everyone has to stay grounded and redirect those emotions into energy. They cannot let their feelings overwhelm them because that leads to mistakes, and those mistakes lead to frustration, which only compounds the emotional overload. Keep emotions in check.
Don’t underestimate Philadephia’s reserves
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Kenny Pickett (assuming he plays) has filled in well for the Eagles, Kenneth Gainwell is a solid running back, and the other Eagles’ reserves are nothing to skate past. They are talented, and many of them would be starting on other teams. Just because Barkley, Hurts and Devonta Smith aren’t on the field doesn’t mean the Eagles can’t move the ball. The defense better be ready.
Let Drew Lock air it out
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images
Last week, Drew Lock went 17-of-23 for 309 yards and four touchdowns. He didn’t take a single sack or throw a single interception. It simply makes sense to go back to what worked. The Giants looked like a real NFL team last week, and if Lock and Malik Nabers can continue to connect, they should take advantage of that. It worked well last week and can work well again.
Don’t beat yourselves
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images
Lincoln Financial Field is hostile territory. It’s loud, but the Giants cannot let that noise lead to pre-snap penalties. Last week, the Giants had to overcome seven penalties for 94 yards to get a win. That outcome will not be the same against the Eagles, which are a much better team. Even when the crowd isn’t as loud, the Giants have to eliminate errors. Philadelphia will make them pay for every mistake they make, so playing a clean game is imperative.
Have fun
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
As discussed previously, there are players on the field who will never play another NFL snap. Some will never play another snap for the Giants. Even for those who are returning, it will be many, many months before a meaningful snap is taken again. Above all else, these Giants players need to have fun this week. It’s going to be a long time before they get to play again, and it won’t be the same team when they do. All of these players started playing football for the love of the game. Have fun and enjoy being out there.
