Semi-coherent Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants preview: The one where they play a meaningless finale

Oct 12, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) breaks the tackle attempt of New York Giants defensive end Damontre Moore (98) and scores a touchdown during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

I said before last week’s game against the Redskins that a loss might rank as one of the ten worst defeats in Philadelphia Eagles’ franchise history.

I’m not sure if I still feel that way. Even if the Eagles had won, they still needed help to make the playoffs, and the Colts provided no help whatsoever.

If the Eagles had won last week, then we’d be clinging to the hope that the Redskins would be able to upset the Cowboys. And knowing a few Redskins fans, I know that it can be saddening to pin any sort of hope to that team. (Honestly, all that win did for Redskins fans is trick them into thinking that Robert Griffin III might actually be the long-term answer.)

Of course, a win last week would have given this week’s game some meaning. Instead, they’ll head into this final game with absolutely nothing to play for.

New York Giants

Record: 6-9

Head coach: Tom Coughlin

Last week: Defeated St. Louis Rams 37-27

The last time they met

Oct 12, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Trent Cole (58) gets up after hitting New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Back in November, the Giants came into a Sunday Night Football matchup talking a lot of smack. They left town with their tails between their legs.

For some strange reason, the Giants didn’t seem to game plan for LeSean McCoy. As a result, he ran all over them to the tune of 149 yards. Meanwhile, the defense abused Eli Manning and didn’t allow the Giants to score a point.

The 27-0 loss sent the Giants into a bit of a downward spiral. They went on to lose their next six games.

What’s new with the Giants

The Giants have played better lately and are on a three-game wining streak. That streak is probably good news for head coach Tom Coughlin, who despite missing the playoffs the past three seasons, will probably be back again next season.

Tom Coughlin. Image Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

I guess when you win two Super Bowls, you get a decent amount of slack from the owners.

I’ll be happy to see him back. If there’s one thing I enjoy seeing, it’s the “Coughlin face.” (And the fact that his teams haven’t been very good lately)

Meanwhile, Eli Manning is actually having a solid season. He’s completed over 64% of his passes and has compiled an impressive 29-13 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Sure, it hasn’t helped the team win or anything, but it might put Eli right back into that conversation about which quarterbacks are “elite.”

Featured Giants player: Odell Beckham, Jr.

You probably saw footage of Odell Beckham’s catch. It was one of the most amazing athletic feats ever performed in a football game:

Unlike David Tyree, Beckham is proving to be more than just a single highlight. He’s put together a spectacular rookie season with 1120 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

Basically, his presence means Eli Manning will probably be “good” again next year. Manning’s success seems to hinge upon how well his receivers are able to come down with his “up for grabs” passes.

It looks like the Eagles are going to have to find a cornerback capable of covering him, because it doesn’t seem like they have one on the roster.

Reason to hate the Giants

Just because they’re down on their luck, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t wish ill will for the Giants. They’re still the Eagles’ division rivals, so it’s still nice to see them suffer.

Besides, I began to feel bad for the Redskins before last week’s game, and you see where that got me. When it comes to NFL rivalries, sympathy is a sign of weakness.

Key Eagles storyline: The starters play on!

Matt Barkley. Image Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

As others have mentioned, it seems like the team should use this meaningless finale to get a better look at some of their reserves who haven’t seen much playing time. For instance, Marcus Smith should get the start at linebacker. And maybe we could get a look at Jaylen Watkins? He can’t do much worse than Bradley Fletcher, right?

And if anyone knows why Mark Sanchez is starting instead of Matt Barkley, can you please explain it to me? I realize that “Mr. Flutterball” didn’t impress anyone in his brief appearances last season. But they spent a fourth round pick on the guy. They should at least give him a chance to show what he can do.

Apparently, that’s not how Chip Kelly rolls. He wants to win the game, and so the starters will all play as usual.

Any guesses on which key player suffers a major injury that will place his status in doubt for next season?

Elsewhere in the NFL

There are still some playoff berths to be decided and seeding to be determined. But as an Eagles fan, I find it difficult to get too excited about any of the games this weekend.

I mean, I’ll probably watch the playoffs. But since the Eagles are out, do I really care all that much who is in? Nope.

Disney song that relates to this week’s game

This  game is essentially meaningless. Most of us will still probably watch, because hey, it’s football. And besides, what else are we going to do?

But others may take this opportunity to do something else with their Sunday afternoon. They could decide to instead go outside and say, “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.”

Prediction

The Giants seem to be playing well down the stretch, possibly in an attempt to save their coach’s job.

If the Eagles couldn’t find a way to play well when their playoff lives were at stake, I don’t have any confidence that they’ll be able to do so now.

Giants 24 – Eagles 13