The Wide World of Dirt

What did I tell ya?

There was no way in HELL that the New York Giants were going into Lincoln Financial Field and beating the Eagles. As someone who was there, I can personally say that the energy in that stadium was off the charts.

What made this game even BETTER was the fact the Eagles won 38-7 on the five year anniversary of their 38-7 NFC title win against the Minnesota Vikings. Something about January 21st, man…

Took the Ball and Ran with it

Every time the Eagles won a coin toss this year, they elected to defer until the second half. Fortunately for the Giants, they won the toss and elected to defer, so the Eagles opened up the game on offense.

Eight plays later, Philly took the lead and didn’t look back.

Jalen Hurts, who entered this game with a sprained shoulder, looked like his old self, going 16/24 for 154 yards and 2 TDs while adding 9 carries for 34 yards on the ground and another TD.

I know I have made this point before, but I can’t emphasize this enough: Jalen Hurts’ final stats really don’t do his performance justice.

He looked like he returned to form. He was throwing with some zip, and he was able to stomach some hits. He looked healthy, and a healthy Jalen Hurts is an MVP candidate and 2nd-team All-Pro player. 

Much like their historic rushing night against the Green Bay Packers back in November, the Eagles ran the ball down the Giants’ throats.

They accumulated 268 rushing yards, 114 of which came from second-year player Kenneth Gainwell. He had the game of his life while adding a rushing TD and one reception for 9 yards.

Gainwell became the first Eagles running back to rush for 100 yards in a playoff game since Brian Westbrook (one of the most underrated Eagles players/players of the early 2000’s) in 2006. 

Miles Sanders took the lion’s share of the ground work with 17 carries for 90 yards. Boston Scott had 6 carries for 32 yards and a TD, further cementing his legacy as. Boston Scott as a Giant Killer.

Boston Scott scoring touchdowns against the Giants, a tale old as time. 

Defense Wins (Divisional Round) Games

This Eagles’ defense really is fun to watch when they are on a tear. The defensive line is the best in the sport. Facing a very subpar offensive line, Daniel Jones was a bleeding fish in shark-infested waters. 

Boy did the defense feast.

Jones was uncomfortable all night. He was rarely able to get a break. The Eagles tee’d off on Jones all night and were able to get to him five times. 

AJ Brown definitely was the splashiest move of the off-season for the Birds, and you can make the argument that it was the best. However, in my opinion, getting Haason Reddick was the best move of the off-season for this team.

Reddick has been an absolute game-wrecker for opposing offenses. Reddick had 16 sacks in the regular season and added 1.5 against the Giants, after pressuring Jones all game long. He has been everything the Eagles paid for and more. You can even make the argument that he is underpaid!

The Eagles’ defense became the first team in NFL history to have four players reach double-digit sacks. A big reason why is because of Reddick. I am very happy the hometown kid and Temple University alum came home. He has been a joy to watch. 

A Night I Will Never Forget

As I said last week, I was at this game. It was only my second Eagles’ game ever and my first playoff game ever across any sport.

It was completely different from any sporting event. I went with my grandmother, who has been a diehard Eagles fan forever. She wanted to go, so she got tickets. It was a night of memories that I will never forget. 

It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime event…until this week because she got us tickets to go again. That’s right, I’ll be at the game against the 49ers. I can hardly wait.

Penultimate Game

I am going to say it. The Eagles aren’t losing this game. They are going to get it done. 

The 49ers are a great team. They have a stacked roster with star players, depth, and great coaching. So are the Eagles.

The 49ers’ offense is highlighted by star skill-position players, with a great tight end and a stout offensive line. So are the Eagles.

The 49ers’ defense is highlighted by a great front seven, with a very good secondary behind them. So are the Eagles.

The 49ers have a great coaching staff that maximizes their team’s strengths and hides their weaknesses. So are the Eagles.

We got what we need. Let’s have ourselves a game. Go Birds.