The Eagles are the top team in the NFC after clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs following a 22-16 win over the Giants.
Jalen Hurts returned to the lineup after a two-game absence that was coupled with a two-game losing streak and instant pressure entering Week 18.
The Giants (9-7-1) had already secured the No. 6 seed in the NFC and rested the bulk of their starters. Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones were among the player’s ins street clothes.
With Philadelphia set for a few days off, here is the instant analysis of Sunday’s win.
1. Jake Elliott to the rescue
A Pro Bowl-caliber kicker, Elliott was 5-5 on the afternoon with a long of 54. He also converted one extra point.
2. Jalen Hurts was rusty
Hurts was in pain following the win and he exuded some rust on the afternoon, going 20-of-35 passing with no touchdowns while finishing 1 of 5 in the red zone.
He’ll spend the next week or so continuing to rehab and prepare for the divisional round.
3. Eagles inconsistent running game
The Eagles rushing attack was a group effort, but it wasn’t led by Miles Sanders. Sanders led the team with 11 carries, but his longest run was six yards and he only finished with 33 yards rushing.
Boston Scott continued his dominance over the Giants, carrying the ball nine times for 54 yards and a touchdown.
4. DeVonta Smith--A.J. Brown make history
Smith broke Irving Fryar’s single-season record for catches by an Eagles wide receiver, and Brown broke Mike Quick’s single-season receiving yards record on the afternoon.
Their final numbers are historic and make this the top duo in franchise history.
A.J. BROWN
88 receptions (13th in NFL)
1,496 yards (4th in NFL)
11 touchdowns (5th in NFL)
DEVONTA SMITH
95 receptions (11th in NFL)
1,196 yards (9th in NFL)
7 touchdowns (T-15th in NFL)
