Behind Enemy Lines: NFC Playoff Q&A with Eagles Wire
The New York Giants (10-7-1) and Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) will square off on Saturday night in a divisional-round playoff matchup at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Giants opened the week as 7-point road underdogs and that has moved to +7.5 as of this writing.
With this matchup on tap, Giants Wire took the opportunity to hold a Q&A with Eagles Wire managing editor Glenn Erby.
Are the Eagles going into this game thinking it will be a laugher and easy win?
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Erby: The Eagles are all business entering Saturday night, and a team with injuries and key positions is just looking to regain their chemistry and offensive efficiency. It’s really difficult to win consecutive games in the NFL, and nearly impossible to beat a team three times in the same season or calendar year. So no, Philadelphia isn’t laughing going into this matchup, and they’re actually even more locked in after the dancing practice sessions went viral.
Philly is always a hostile place but do you expect it to be more energetic than usual on Saturday night?
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Yes, Lincoln Financial Field will be on another level when it comes to energy and intensity. The city has been abuzz for days, the matchup features an NFC rival, and a win would put the Eagles in the NFC Championship game. I’d expect the atmosphere to be even more hostile than usual.
Do you think Nick Sirianni got paid to mention Pizza Hut or is he really just a fan of bad pizza?
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Pizza Hut is my go-to choice when I want a slice from a traditional chain, so I think coach Sirianni was just being overly honest like he always does. Now the name drop could land him a Pizza Hut sponsorship down the line if the Eagles make it to the Super Bowl, but I think he was just being his normal, “college-like” self.
Jalen Hurts looked a little hesitant in Week 18. He's not on the injury report this week but is there any lingering concern over his shoulder?
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Hurts is still aching, but he’s prepared to play in pain. Days after the Week 18 matchup, he admitted that he was still sore, and thankful for Philadelphia earning the bye and No. 1 overall seed after the Week 18 win. I don’t think you’ll see as many designed runs from Hurts, but he’s fully prepared for contact on his throwing shoulder.
How do you see this game playing out and who's headed to the NFC Championship?
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The Giants are a confident team after the Wild Card win over the Vikings, but Philadelphia enters this matchup knowing they dominated Minnesota and New York (NFC) during the regular season when it mattered.
I see the Giants delivering an early punch that the Eagles are able to survive, and Philadelphia eventually will settle down and pick the Giants apart on the way toward a 31-17 win at home.
