The New York Giants are on the cusp of a rare achievement: a season sweep over their fierce rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart will lead the charge into Philadelphia on Sunday, facing a revitalized Eagles squad and the formidable return of defensive tackle Jalen Carter, setting the stage for an intense NFC East showdown with significant playoff implications for both teams.
The rivalry between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles is one of the most storied in the NFC East, steeped in tradition and heated contests. This Sunday, that rivalry takes center stage once more as the Giants travel to Philadelphia, not just for another game, but for a chance at history. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart stands at the helm, attempting to lead his team to their first season sweep of the Eagles since the 2007 season.
A Sweep Decades in the Making?
For Giants fans, the prospect of sweeping the Eagles is particularly tantalizing. Since that memorable 2007 season, when Dart was just four years old, the Giants have managed to win the first encounter of this NFC East derby on four separate occasions: 2008, 2011, 2016, and 2021. Yet, each time, they settled for a split, unable to secure the elusive second victory against their division foe. This Sunday represents an opportunity to break that frustrating pattern.
Dart, a product of Ole Miss, has embraced the intensity of the matchup. “I can’t wait to go out there and compete and kind of just feel the hostility in the air,” he remarked on Wednesday. He drew parallels to collegiate rivalries, stating, “The rivalry between the two organizations — it’s going to be really cool. I kind of compare it to an SEC rivalry, so I’m really excited for the atmosphere. I know it’s going to be intense, but just excited for it.”
Week 6 Triumph and Shifting Momentum
The Giants’ first encounter with the Eagles in Week 6 was a resounding success. In a Thursday night game at East Rutherford, N.J., New York secured a 34-17 victory. Dart showcased his dual-threat ability with both a passing and a rushing touchdown, while fellow rookie Cam Skattebo exploded for three rushing scores, surprising many with the Giants’ offensive firepower.
However, the landscape has shifted considerably in the two weeks since. The Giants (2-5) are reeling from a historic collapse at Denver, where they squandered a 19-0 lead, ultimately losing to the Broncos 33-32. Despite the loss, Dart accounted for four scores (three passing, one rushing), though he also threw his third interception of the season during a disastrous fourth quarter.
Giants coach Brian Daboll remains confident in his young quarterback. “Jaxson’s played a good amount of football in his career,” Daboll noted on Wednesday. “These last four weeks, he’s got a routine down, and we do everything we can do to get him ready to play.”
Conversely, the Eagles (5-2), as seen in the official NFL standings, are returning home after arguably their best offensive performance of the season. They secured a 28-22 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, displaying a reinvigorated attack.
The Jalen Carter Factor: A Game Changer
One of the most significant differences heading into this rematch is the presence of Jalen Carter, Philadelphia’s disruptive defensive tackle. Carter missed the first meeting due to a heel injury, and his absence was keenly felt against the Giants’ ground game.
Carter made his return last week against the Vikings and immediately impacted the game. He delivered a crucial play, applying pressure against Carson Wentz that led directly to a pick-six by Jalyx Hunt. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio highlighted Carter’s importance, stating on Tuesday, “The whole key to the play was Jalen Carter. He beat the center quickly, got into the quarterback’s face, hit him just like we teach him to hit him, and caused the interception and Jalyx made a great catch.” His presence will undoubtedly present a tougher challenge for Dart and the Giants’ offensive line.
Eagles’ Offensive Prowess and Turnover Discipline
The Eagles’ win in Minneapolis showcased their offensive potential. Quarterback Jalen Hurts delivered a perfect performance, recording a 158.3 rating. Wide receivers Devonta Smith and A.J. Brown combined for an impressive 304 receiving yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating the explosiveness of their passing game.
Crucially, the Eagles have also been incredibly disciplined with turnovers this season. Their win against the Vikings marked the fifth time they did not commit a turnover. Interestingly, two of their three giveaways this season came against the Giants in Week 6, including Hurts’ lone interception in his last 13 regular-season games. This suggests a potential area where the Giants could once again capitalize, though the Eagles will undoubtedly be focused on protecting the ball.
Meanwhile, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, facing his former team, is still looking for a breakout performance this season. After gaining 44 yards on 18 carries against Minnesota, he ranked 23rd in the NFL entering Week 8 with 369 rushing yards, according to Pro-Football-Reference. The Eagles will be eager to get their star back in prime form.
Coaches’ Outlook and Injury Report
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni downplayed any “payback” narrative for Sunday’s game. “If we’re getting up more for one game than the other then we’re not doing our jobs on a consistent basis,” he explained, emphasizing a “business as usual” approach for his squad.
Key Injury Updates
The injury report for both teams lists several notable players who did not participate in Wednesday’s practice:
- Philadelphia Eagles:
- A.J. Brown (hamstring)
- Cam Jurgens (knee)
- Adoree’ Jackson (concussion)
- Azeez Ojulari (hamstring)
- Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (ankle)
- New York Giants:
- Outside Linebacker Brian Burns (hip)
- Safety Jevon Holland (knee)
- Cornerback Paulson Adebo (knee)
- Defensive Lineman Chauncey Golston (neck)
These injuries could play a significant role in the outcome, particularly on the defensive side for both teams, potentially opening up opportunities for their respective opponents.
The Fan Community Buzz: Anticipating an NFC East Classic
The fan communities on both sides are buzzing with anticipation. For Giants fans, the thought of a sweep is more than just two wins; it’s a statement game, a sign of progress, and a crucial boost of confidence for their rookie quarterback. After the Denver collapse, a win against a strong division rival would be vital for momentum.
Eagles fans, on the other hand, are eager to see their team avenge the Week 6 loss and assert their dominance in the division. The return of Jalen Carter has ignited a fresh wave of optimism, and with Jalen Hurts and the offense hitting their stride, they expect a different outcome this time around.
This Sunday’s game is more than just a regular-season contest; it’s a pivotal moment in the NFC East race and a true test for Jaxson Dart and the ascending Giants against the defending Super Bowl champions. The atmosphere in Philadelphia will be electric, mirroring the “SEC rivalry” intensity that Dart described, promising an unforgettable showdown.
