The Philadelphia Eagles haven’t had a pleasant holiday season, but on Monday, Christmas Day at Lincoln Financial Field provided some cheer, at least in part.
The Eagles ended a three-game losing slide by grinding out an ugly 33-25 victory despite big plays by the New York Giants in all three phases. After benching Tommy DeVito in favour of Tyrod Taylor in the third quarter, who had an opportunity to send the game into OT on the game’s last drive, the Giants overcame a 20-3 halftime deficit.
To secure the victory, however, Kelee Ringo intercepted Taylor’s final-second pass in the end zone.
Still, the Eagles, who are focused on winning championships, won’t be entirely happy with this victory. The Giants provided some early New Year’s fireworks in the second half, but Jalen Hurts and the offence weathered the storm, giving Philly a commanding advantage at the break.
Hurts ran eight times for 34 yards and another touchdown while going 24 of 38 passing for 301 yards, one touchdown to DeVonta Smith, and one pick. D’Andre Swift finished with 20 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown after terrorising the Giants defence in the second half to help eat up crucial game time.
This was sufficient to prevent a Christmas disgrace against a persistent Giants club that made three game-changing plays in the second half.
On the kickoff in the second half, Eagles receiver Olamide Zacceheaus bumped into Boston Scott, leading Scott to drop a fumble that the Giants recovered. Two plays later, running back Saquon Barkley of New York brought it in.
Hurts appeared to have the Eagles in position to score after the two teams exchanged punts, but he threw a pick-six on a 76-yard interception return by Giants defensive back Adoree’ Jackson. Following a two-point conversion, this reduced the Philadelphia lead to two at 20–18.
With 5:22 remaining, Taylor connected with Darius Slayton for a 69-yard touchdown to tie the score at 25–25 after the Eagles responded with 10 straight points.
Philly had a comfortable lead going into the last two quarters thanks to their impressive first half performance. Rather, it came down to the last play of the game.
The Eagles still have a postseason to prepare for. But first, they’ll play a New Year’s Eve game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
