The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.
The Philadelphia Eagles are an underrated team.
John Schmeelk: Fact - They are considering how well they have played in recent weeks, winning two straight and three out of four behind the most dominant rushing attack in football. They are now only two games in the loss column behind the first-place Cowboys, and given their schedule the rest of the season it would be hard to argue the Eagles are not in good position to grab one of the three wild -card spots in the conference.
Dan Salomone: Fact – This sentiment has been building for a few weeks now as Philadelphia won three of its past four games (only loss was on a last-second field goal against the Chargers). The run game has been an absolute beast in that stretch, rushing for 236, 176, 216, and 242 yards. This team is starting to make noise.
Lance Medow: Fact - At 5-6, no one may be crowning the Eagles but this team is executing at a much different level than earlier in the season, especially with the ground attack. Philadelphia has run for over 200 yards in each of its last two games and ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards per contest with 153. What makes their run game so unique is the fact that quarterback Jalen Hurts plays an integral role and you always have to account for him. That's one of the reasons why the Eagles are efficient on third down (46%, fourth in the NFL) and in the red zone (67%, tied for sixth). The defense also seems to be getting more comfortable and their interior defensive line will pose quite a challenge for the Giants' offensive line, thanks to the presence of six-time Pro Bowler Fletcher Cox and veteran Javon Hargrave. This team is clicking at the right time.
Matt Citak: Fiction – Philadelphia has won three of their last four games, which has brought them to 5-6. However, those three wins came against the Lions, Broncos and Saints, none of whom seem to be true playoff contenders. The Eagles have been riding on the success of their run game lately, as they have registered over 175 rushing yards in each of their last four contests. Eventually, teams will start stacking the box and force Jalen Hurts to throw the ball more (he hasn't topped 170 passing yards during this recent stretch). But with five of their last six games against the Giants (twice), Jets and Washington (twice), the Eagles could do enough to sneak into the playoffs in one of the wild-card spots. But chances are they won't last long, even if they do make it to the postseason.
The Giants' offense will look significantly different after the coordinator change.
John Schmeelk: Fiction - You cannot revamp an offense or completely change a playbooks in just a few days. There are changes that could have some impact on the margins but could yield better results.
Dan Salomone: Fiction – Joe Judge admitted it's not ideal to make a change in the middle of the season, but he said there's never a wrong time to do what he feels is best for the team. Asked about what the change will mean on the field this week, Judge said, "In a short week, you're not going to go ahead and completely blow up an offense and redo things, but you are going to look to use things a little bit differently. Maybe that's personnel, maybe that's scheme, maybe that's situation calls, whatever it may be."
Lance Medow: Fiction - Let's not overlook the fact that the Giants are in the midst of a short week after playing on Monday night. If you think they're going to completely revamp the scheme over the span of a few days, then there's nothing to tell you. Could a different play caller impact the flow and tone of the game? Sure, but it would be very surprising if the look of the offense undergoes a significant face lift given the short turnaround. Case in point, when Jason Garrett missed Week 15 last season against the Browns due to COVID-19 protocols, the Giants offense didn't change dramatically.
Matt Citak: Fiction – Although you can expect the offense to look a little different following the change at offensive coordinator, it is unrealistic for it to undergo drastic changes, especially on a short week. The offense will likely take more shots down the field, and it's fair to expect more touches from playmakers Saquon Barkley, Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney.
View rare photos of the historic rivalry between the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.
In honor of Michael Strahan's jersey retirement (and history with the Eagles), the Giants will have at least three sacks.
John Schmeelk: Fiction – Consider how many times are the Eagles are going to throw the football! They have run the ball so well that the Giants are going to have to force them into throwing it. Jalen Hurts is also extremely mobile, and he is playing behind one of the league's best offensive lines. But he also holds the ball longer than any other quarterback and can scramble into trouble. If the Giants can get a lead and make the Eagles abandon the run, this answer will be different.
Dan Salomone: Fact – The Giants were not pleased with their performance in Tampa Bay, especially when it came to the pass rush. They will make it a point of emphasis this week. With that said, the biggest key will be finding a way to limit the run game.
Lance Medow: Fiction - Jalen Hurts has been sacked 20 times in 11 games. Given his mobility and tendency to extend plays, he may give the Giants some chances for sacks but New York has collected at least three sacks in a game just twice in 10 opportunities and Patrick Graham's unit has only four sacks in the last three games combined.
Matt Citak: Fiction – The Giants' defense has picked up 20 sacks through the first 10 games of the season, but has just three over the past three games. On the other side of the field, the Eagles have allowed only 20 sacks through 11 games, as Jalen Hurts' athleticism has made it difficult for opposing defenses to get to the young quarterback. Three of Philadelphia's starting offensive linemen have pass block grades of 76+ from Pro Football Focus (Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, and Jack Driscoll).
After Michael Strahan, Eli Manning will be the next Giants legend to go to space.
John Schmeelk: Fact - It is hard for me to argue otherwise. Eli has the financial means, a TV show to document it, and a personality where making bad space jokes and using bad space puns would make for entertaining television.
Dan Salomone: Fiction – From Africa to London to New York, Osi Umenyiora has been an ambassador for the NFL all over the world. Why not take it a step farther?
Lance Medow: Fact - A big reason why Michael Strahan is going to space is through his work on "Good Morning America," so given Eli Manning has also delved into television, it would make sense for him to be next on the list. The more important question is whether his brother, Peyton, will be invited to come along?
Matt Citak: Fact – There is no denying that Michael Strahan has had just about the most successful post-playing career of any NFL player in recent memory. His rise in the entertainment industry has been truly remarkable, so it was no surprise when it was announced that he would be going to space. Eli Manning is less than two years removed from his playing days, and yet he already seems to be all over the place. From the Monday Night Football broadcast to numerous commercials, Manning is crushing the retirement life. The bigger question is if he would even have interest in a trip to space.
View photos of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Giants legend Michael Strahan.