The Giants offensive line wasn’t a sturdy barrier for Eli Manning against the Eagles Sunday. Credit: Getty Images
The Giants had a chance to get into a tie for second in the NFC East Sunday night. But everything that could go wrong did for New York in a 27-0 loss, dropping the Giants to 3-3 on the year.
The offense couldn’t sustain a drive, the line couldn’t protect Eli Manning and the defense couldn’t do anything to stop the Eagles high-powered offense.
And to pile on, Victor Cruz’s tornpatellar tendon — sustained on a fourth-and-goal in the second half — will have him sidelined until at least preseason 2015.
It’s a long list, but here are the top three things that cost the Giants in one of their worst ever losses to Philadelphia.
Can’t stop Shady
The Giants failed to do what every other NFL team has been able to do this season — hold LeSean McCoy under 100 yards. In the Eagles’ previous five games, McCoy maxed out at 81 yards, paling in comparison to his 2013 output.
The Giants’ front four was routinely pushed around by the Eagles make-shift offensive line. They also weren’t able to adjust to seeing Nick Foles under center — as opposed to in the shotgun where he typically lines up. The decreased real estate gave McCoy room to run and a quicker path to the hole between the tackles. In the end, the Giants were outgained on the ground 203 yards to 85, with McCoy rushing for 149 yards on 22 carries.
Offensive line woes
The Giants offensive line wasn’t able to contain the Eagles pass rush. When Manning had adequate time, he was able to sling the ball to New York’s talented slew of receivers. When he was pressured, which was pretty often, the Eagles were able to generate eight sacks and even more hurries. Manning had been sacked only seven times prior to Sunday.Unable to give their quarterback time behind center, the Giants were ineffective at putting together any sustained drives.
Second and forever
The Giants shot themselves on the foot offensively, committing 10 penalties for 74 yards and surrendering eight plays that resulted in a loss of yards. With the Giants playing from behind on the scoreboard and a ways away from the line of scrimmage their run game was virtually non-existent. The one-dimensional offense (Manning throwing medium or long distance) was too predictable and the Eagles pass rush was able to dominate defensively. Though the secondary continued to produce turnovers in the form of two interceptions, neither led to points on the board.
