PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Eagles have had a wonderful 14-3 season, but it can all go to waste Saturday night at Lincoln Financial Field if they don’t beat the Giants for a third time this season.
Merrill Reese, the voice of the Eagles, told KYW Newsradio there are three key strategies the Birds must perform to attain an Eagles victory:
1. Focus on the opening minutes of the game
“Avoid the rust that sometimes comes after a bye [week],” Reese said. “The sellout crowd will start the game on fire. Stoke those flames, come out roaring, whether it’s offense or defense.”
2. Give a strong defensive performance
“Contain Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. He’s coming off of an excellent game against the Vikings. Pressure him from the edges, but contain. He’s a long strider who can gash you up the middle.”
3. Score touchdowns rather than field goals
“Convert red zone opportunities into touchdowns. [Kicker] Jake Elliott had five field goals the last meeting, which means the Eagles settled for 15 points instead of a potential 35. Taking the harness of Jalen Hurts will also be a major factor.”
This is the first time the Eagles are hosting a divisional-round playoff game since their Super Bowl season, and Reese thinks the crowd is going to be outstanding. Defensive end Brandon Graham said the fans know what to do, and they will keep doing what they have done all season.
The Eagles are 7 ½ point favorites and haven’t lost to the Giants at home since 2013. They have won 24 of the last 30 matchups, postseason included, dating back to December 2008.
While history helps tell the story, the only chapter that matters right now is the one yet to come.
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