Coaches Corner: Giants keep their playoff hopes alive with a 13-7 victory

By Michael Stewart/@TheTruthNYG

The Giants almost let one slip through their hands, but instead, the ball slipped through the Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor’s hands during the Eagles final drive that could have won the game for them.  The Giants finally got a break in the closing minutes of a game and are now 4-7 and mathematically still alive for a playoff spot. Here are my Top 4 reasons why the Giants lost:

1. Defense/Defense: The Giants defense was the number one reason why the Giants find themselves with an outside chance of earning a wild card spot with six games remaining. They didn’t do it by smothering Jalen Hurts with sacks or stuffing the Eagles running attack. They did it by being opportunistic and ending many eagles drives that appeared to be heading for the end zone with timely interceptions. The Giants defense held the Eagles to their lowest total of points in a game this season.
2. Keeping Jalen Hurts in the Pocket: The Giants pass rush was non-existing registering only 1 in this game, however; they did manage to allow Jalen Hurts to beat them in the pocket as Hurts went 14/31 for 129/no touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
3. Time of Possession: The Giants finally won the time of possession stat (32:02/27:58) and won the game, but it wasn’t easy as the Eagles receivers developed Evan Engram hands on their final drive.
4. Battle of the Turnovers: This was one of the most important categories for the Giants to win as the Eagles committed four turnovers to the Giants none that squandered a number of offensive drives and their momentum.  

Moving Forward:

Up next for the Giants is arguably the most disappointing team this season as the Miami Dolphins finished with 10 wins in 2020 and currently has the same record as the Giants at 4-7 after a solid performance against the Carolina Panthers 33-10.

The Giants need to get their offense going if they expect to make the playoffs and hopefully enough of preparation for OC Freddie Kitchen could help. Keep an eye out for my preview article as I predict the winner between the Giants/Dolphins.