SCORE A FIRST QUARTER TD
Nick Sirianni’s Philadelphia Eagles have not scored a point in the first quarter of any game this season, getting outscored, 23-0. The Giants haven’t scored a first quarter point in their last two games and have been outscored, 21-3, in the first quarter the past three weeks. There is an opportunity to jump on the slow-starting Eagles early, but Brian Daboll’s offense has to snap out of its funk at home, where the Giants are 0-3 while averaging a pathetic 9.3 points per game.
STOP SAQUON BARKLEY
Barkley had only 20 touches for 54 yards in the Eagles’ narrow win over the Cleveland Browns last week. Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will feed the former Giants captain in a game that is extremely important for the team and for Barkley personally. Shane Bowen’s Giants defense has played well recently, but they are allowing 5.2 yards per carry to opponents, tied for second-worst in the NFL behind only the Buffalo Bills (5.3). If Dexter Lawrence and the defense let Barkley get going early, it will be a long day.
COACH TO WIN
Daboll needs to get Daniel Jones running early and dial up an early explosive play to Malik Nabers. The coach must call plays to attack the end zone and score touchdowns, rather than staying conservative to set up field goals. Daboll needs to coach this game and this offense with an attitude of nothing to lose. Because he and the team have everything to lose Sunday, and if the coach lets those high stakes get to him, his team will freeze and tighten up right alongside him.