EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — As the season progresses, the New York Giants are experiencing a downward trend.
In their most recent matchup, the Giants struggled once more, facing a disappointing 28-3 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles. This game highlighted the significant void left by star running back Saquon Barkley.
Barkley, who joined the Eagles in March, showcased his talents against his former team, rushing for 176 yards and scoring a touchdown, showing just how much the Giants are missing him as they dropped to a 2-5 record. Currently, they sit at the bottom of the NFC East, trailing behind Washington (5-2), Philadelphia (4-2), and Dallas (3-3).
“No one was satisfied with the outcome,” remarked Giants coach Brian Daboll. “We have a solid group of players, and it’s crucial to be resilient in this league. We are facing challenges, but I believe our team will rebound. We’ll regroup and do everything we can each week to come out strong.”
The defeat was particularly disheartening. Barkley’s individual performance saw him accumulate 187 total yards, surpassing the Giants’ entire offensive output. While the defense managed to limit Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts to just 114 passing yards, they struggled significantly against the run, allowing 269 rushing yards.
Compounding their issues, quarterback Daniel Jones was benched in the fourth quarter when the Giants found themselves trailing 28-3 after Hurts scored his second rushing touchdown. Backup Drew Lock stepped in but fumbled on his first play, failing to rejuvenate the struggling offense as hoped.
Jones completed 14 of 21 passes for 99 yards and expressed frustration over being sidelined, especially given the relentless pressure he faced, resulting in a season-high eight sacks for the Eagles. Jones was replaced after an underwhelming performance, where left tackle Josh Ezeudu struggled to fill in for the injured Andrew Thomas.
“I want to be out there with my teammates, working to score points and move the ball,” Jones expressed. “So yes, I was frustrated, but it wasn’t my choice. It was definitely frustrating not to be playing.”
The remaining fans at MetLife Stadium were eager for a change and cheered as Lock took over. However, their spirits were dampened as the Giants fell to 0-4 at home, managing only 31 points in those games.
The Giants’ longest play of the day was a meager 14-yard pass to Malik Nabers, while Barkley racked up impressive runs of 55, 41, and 38 yards for the Eagles, alongside a 41-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to A.J. Brown.
With just 119 total yards amassed throughout the game, the Giants recorded their lowest offensive output since Daboll took charge, eclipsing their previous low of 150 yards earlier this season against San Francisco. The last time they were held to fewer yards was on September 12, 1999, when they finished with 112 against Tampa Bay.
Looking ahead, the Giants have an additional day to prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night.
“We need to step up our game and perform better,” stated right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor.
Ending on a cautionary note, the team cannot afford to lose hope, yet it appeared some players might have been disengaged as the game came to a close—a concern for the coaches and fans alike.