The New York Giants will head down the New Jersey Turnpike on Christmas Day to face the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Eagles are on a three-game cooler after winning 10 of their first 11 games. Over their last three games, they have averaged just 16.3 points per game after averaging 28.2 points per game over their first 11.
Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale was asked this week his thoughts on the Eagles’ recent offensive struggles.
“I’m not buying into that,” Martindale said. “Look, when people want to talk about their offense or anything else, first thing I’m going to say is: what’s their record? Alright, we know what their record is, so I’m not buying any of that. I give a ton of credit to Nick (Sirianni) and this offensive system and (offensive coordinator) Brian (Johnson).
“And to Howie (Roseman), I mean the skill that they have at receiver, getting (D’Andre) Swift at running back, he’s a difference maker. So, he has all kinds of weapons, (Eagles quarterback) Jalen (Hurts) does offensively, and that guy is a winner. They’ve played some closer games this year. That happens, that’s this league. So, it’s going to be a tough challenge.”
One of the reasons why the Eagles’ offense has been so tough in recent years is the play of center Jason Kelce, a player who Martindale believes is one of the best ever at his position.
“One of the biggest things, one of the greatest challenges of playing Philly, is going against Jason Kelce,” said Martindale. “I mean, this guy to me is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He embodies Philly. Just like the fans, mean but smart.
“This guy, to me, and I said this last year and I don’t know if I said it to you guys, it’s like playing Peyton Manning and it’s not sexy so he doesn’t get that Peyton Manning-type credit, but he’ll see something, whether it’s a stance, whether it’s a guy putting his mouthpiece in different. He’ll see something and completely flip a protection. So, that chess match is always tough.”
The Eagles have beaten the Giants four straight times and in 12 of the last 14. Last season, the Birds won both regular season contests and blew the Giants out in the NFC Divisional Playoffs, 38-7, en route to the Super Bowl.
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