The New York Giants will look to bounce back in Week 16 when they head down the turnpike to battle their division rival Philadelphia Eagles.
This will be the first of two games between the two teams in this final three-game stretch.
The Giants are coming off a 24-6 loss against the New Orleans Saints, which snapped Big Blue’s three-game winning streak.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are off their third straight loss and hope to stop the bleeding against the Giants.
Here are three causes for concern ahead of Monday’s matchup.
A sense of urgency for the Eagles
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After starting off 10-1, the Eagles have dropped three straight with the playoffs right around the corner.
The Giants will present the Eagles with one of their weaker opponents of the season as they hope to get right on Christmas Day.
Philly will likely come in with a sense of urgency hoping to start some momentum prior to the postseason.
Welcome to the rivalry, Mr. DeVito
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With the Giants fresh off a game where they reverted back to the issues they faced at the beginning of the season, the Eagles will pose one of the bigger threats the Giants have faced all season.
The Giants have not faired well in recent memory against the Eagles and the last time the two teams met, the Giants were knocked out of the playoffs by the Eagles in a lopsided game on Philadelphia’s path to the Super Bowl last season.
After the Giants gave up seven sacks in Week 15, the Eagles will likely look to take advantage of that and it may be a long day for the Giants’ offensive line.
Regardless of the Eagles’ losing streak or the fact that the game is on Christmas Day, Philly fans will be out in full force.
Between the talent level of the Eagles and the hostile environment playing in Philadelphia presents, it may be a rude awakening for quarterback Tommy DeVito.
Late down efficiency
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Unlike the games during their winning streak, the Giants defense was not able to force turnovers and contain the Saints’ offense last week.
The week 16 matchup will be no easier for Big Blue
The Eagles have the fifth-highest run percentage in the league and will likely be able to control the pace of the game.
Unfortunately for the Giants, the Eagles are among the league’s best at extending drives on third and fourth down — ranking third in the league in third-down efficiency and first in the league in fourth-down efficiency.
Keeping the Eagles off the field will be a tall task for Wink Martindale’s defense on Monday.
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