PHILADELPHIA — Last week’s thrashing of the Colts at MetLife Stadium effectively concluded the in-it-to-win-it portion of the Giants’ regular season.
First-year head coach Brian Daboll was able to make the uncomplicated option to view Sunday’s events as a reward for the franchise’s arduous efforts, which resulted in the team’s first postseason appearance since 2016.
Daboll was aware that his decision to rest nearly all of his starters in the regular-season finale against the highly-motivated Eagles may result in a loss versus a formidable NFC East foe.
At Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles’ starters defeated the Giants’ B-team, led by third-string quarterback Davis Webb, 22-16.
If it appeared that the Giants coaching staff was more focused on facing the Vikings in the playoffs, act accordingly. It also appeared that the Giants’ bench players were determined to make this game competitive.
The Eagles (14-3) required this victory to secure the NFC’s top seed and the conference’s lone and highly sought first-round bye.
The Eagles’ preseason game was not particularly impressive, but they did welcome back quarterback Jalen Hurts, who missed the previous two games with a right shoulder injury.
Now, the Giants can turn their entire attention to the next NFC Wild Card playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium versus the Vikings.
It will be a rematch of the Christmas Eve classic in Minneapolis, which the Vikings won 27-24 on a 61-yard field goal by Greg Joseph at the final minute after Daniel Jones led the Giants on a late fourth quarter drive to tie the game.
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