Murphy’s Law was in full effect for the Giants, as seemingly anything that could go wrong, did in week 6. The Eagles and Philadelphia media launched a war of words on the Giants, sparked by a photo of Giants’ super fan “License Plate Guy” sporting his “0 Super Bowls” jerseys standing in front of Prince Amukamara and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie . Shots were fired back and forth by both camps with Tom Coughlin eventually saying “Talk is cheap, play the game.” Unfortunately, the Eagles would listen to his advice and the Giants would be forced to shut up.
The pressure came early and often from the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line, as Eli Manning had a long and a difficult night, being sacked 6 times. It was a performance more reminiscent of the 2013 Giants, as the offensive line collapsed regularly, seemingly parting the way for the Eagles’ pass rush to get to the veteran quarterback. Manning was 13 of 23 for 151 yards. His backup, Ryan Nassib didn’t fare much better as he went 4 of 5 for 60 yards, and was sacked twice. The Giants’ running game provided little relief, as Andre Williams filled in for the injured Rashad Jennings. Williams had 16 carries for 58 yards, with third string running back Peyton Hillis had 5 carries for 24 yards. The Giants also shot themselves in the foot repeatedly with ridiculous and repeated penalties on the offensive line. Offensive tackle Will Beatty was hit with a holding penalty that pulled back a would be touch down by tight end Larry Donnell, while Justin Pugh was less effective than a turnstile at the line of scrimmage. It’s hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, this offensive line held JJ Watt to a single sack.
The Giants’ defense didn’t exactly have a good outing but they looked far more competent, even as they let Eagles’ quarterback Nick Foles complete 21 of 34 pass attempts for 248 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Cornerback Zack Bowman and strong safety Antrel Rolle were responsible for the picks. Having been relatively quiet by his own standards, Eagles’ stud running back LeSean McCoy had 22 carries for 149 yards. Behind him was Darren Sproles with 7 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown. Tight ends Zach Casey and Zach Ertz were responsible for Philly’s 2 receiving touchdowns.
This was an embarrassing night for the Giants who had high hopes of catching both the Eagles and Cowboys this week. With the Cowboys winning in Seattle, it makes next weeks’ matchup in Dallas even more of a must-win. It’s going to take some strong leadership to help this team rebound after losing to their mortal rivals in shutout fashion. While the loss alone in Philadelphia is likely to leave members of the Giants’ locker room licking their proverbial wounds all week, the worst part is the injury to team captain Victor Cruz. It was in the third quarter as the Giants were preparing to potentially score on 4th and goal, hoping to build some much needed momentum when Victor Cruz was targeted in the end zone. Cruz went up for Eli’s pass which was on target but was unable to reel it in, instead landing and clutching his right knees, screaming in pain. Cruz would be carted off the field, sobbing in pain and frustration as some fans in Lincoln Financial clapped for him while others cheered the injury. It would be diagnosed as a torn patellar tendon. A season ending injury is the last thing you want for any player on the roster, let alone one of the faces of the franchise. The Giants can circle December 28th on their calendars, as they’ll have their chance for revenge against the Eagles in week 17 at home. For now, they need to do what they can to get Rashad Jennings back, and try to bounce back from this deflating loss.