Random Thoughts during Divisional Playoff Weekend

by John Kincade

Eagles vs Giants Build-up 

The most interesting part of the early week coverage of the Eagles Divisional Playoff Weekend is that Jalen Hurts has now been completely removed from the Injury Report. I find the decision to do so fascinating and I will also acknowledge that I thoroughly expected more gamesmanship from the Eagles coaching staff. The chess game of whether a player is truly ready to go has been a part of the post season drama cross all professional sports. Nick Sirianni obviously believes that is no longer necessary. Is it a message from Jalen Hurts that he prefers that he take the reins off and let him run the offense just as he did pre-injury? I’m not sure what the agenda behind it was and it is possible that they believe that the shoulder injury has completely healed. It’s great news for Eagles fans as they approach this big game. Yesterday I was advocating that in the first offensive series the Eagles needed to call at least one design run yo show the Giants that Hurts means business and is back. It appears Hurts and the Eagles coaching staff didn’t want to wait until Saturday night. It’s impressive and bold. That is exactly what Hurts has been during his Eagles career and what the Eagles need their game plan to be on Saturday.

The Giants are NOT a hot team on a roll

One of the false narratives being trotted out this week other than the “it’s hard to beat a team 3x in a season” is that the Giants are a team that is on a roll coming into this playoff game. The Giants started out 6-1 and since then stumbled to a 3-6-1 finish. They weren’t a hot team, they in fact blew a tire and were riding on their rims across the finish line. They looked great on Sunday beating a Vikings team that has fallen apart after starting the season on a rampage. They were blown out by the Cowboys, Lions and Packers down the stretch. They were the only 13 win team to ever have a negative point differential. There is little comparison between the Eagles and the Vikings.

The Cowboys got a gift and took advantage of it

By the NFL awarding all division winners a home game and one of the top 4 seeds, the 12 win Cowboys dropped all the way to the 5th seed and had to travel to Tampa Bay to play the 4th seeded Tampa Bay Bucs. They were the champions of the NFC South but only had an (8-9) record. Let’s make that (8-10) after the listless performance they put out on the field on Monday night.

The Cowboys faced the weakest opponent in the playoff field based on record. It has created yet another buzz that the Cowboys are “back”. I’ll feel confident in this. Dallas rarely puts together a string of fantastic outings. They did look impressive in victory, but the 49ers will be the real test. It gives them a chance to gain revenge for last years home wildcard loss. If they win this game, that will be one dangerous opponent rolling into South Philly should the Eagles defeat the Giants.