AT A GLANCE
The New York Giants defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the season finale, 27-10, ending a five-game losing streak to their rivals, including last season's postseason matchup. Entering the game, the Eagles needed a win and a Cowboys loss to repeat as NFC East champions, which still hasn't happened in the division since the early 2000s.
UP NEXT
The offseason begins for the Giants, who finished 6-11 overall and 3-3 in the NFC East. General manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll, who a year ago led the Giants to a 9-7-1 record and the franchise's first postseason win since Super Bowl XLVI, will hold their second season-ending press conference Monday morning from the Quest Diagnostics Training Center.
View photos from the Giants' Week 18 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Josiah Scott (34) and safety Sydney Brown (21) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) stiff arms Philadelphia Eagles safety Kevin Byard (31) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants cornerback Nick McCloud (44) forces a fumble on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins (18) reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (32) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden (41) reacts after recovering a fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants cornerback Nick McCloud (44) celebrates with teammates after forcing a fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) carries the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden (41) recovers a fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants place kicker Mason Crosby (21) is congratulated by a teammate after kicking a field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates with quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants tight end Darren Waller (12) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) makes a catch against Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith (3) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) avoids a tackle by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Bradley Roby (33) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates with quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants safety Dane Belton (24) sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) hands the ball to a fan after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) carries the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship (32) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) hands the ball to a fan after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE OFFENSE
Center John Michael Schmitz, the Giants' second selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, missed the finale due to a shin injury. He ends his rookie season having started all 13 games in which he played. The Minnesota product missed Weeks 5-7 with a shoulder injury.
Ben Bredeson moved over to center from right guard, where Mark Glowinski made his sixth start of the season.
Matt Peart made his first start since 2021 at right tackle after Tyre Phillips tore a quad tendon in Week 17. Phillips was placed on injured reserve and will require surgery.
Tyrod Taylor was limited in practice this week but made his second consecutive start at quarterback and his fifth of the season. However, he suffered a thumb injury early in the game and was replaced by Tommy DeVito for the third drive. Taylor then returned to start the second quarter. Overall, Taylor completed 23 of 32 passes for 297 yards and a touchdown with one interception.
Taylor's touchdown came on a 19-yard pass to wide receiver Darius Slayton, who found the end zone in three consecutive games to end the season.
Wan'Dale Robinson's rookie season ended with a torn ACL in a game where he posted his first – and only – 100-yard game of his career. Now healthy, the young wide receiver has shown down the stretch why the Giants drafted him in the second round. On Sunday, he had receptions of 33, 26 and 19 yards, which led to 17 points on two Saquon Barkley touchdowns and a short Mason Crosby field goal.
Sunday was the fifth multi-touchdown game of Barkley's career on the ground, including last year's Wild Card victory in Minnesota.
On Saturday, the Giants signed quarterback Jacob Eason and tight end Tyree Jackson to the active roster from the practice squad, but both were inactive for the game.
Wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who spoke this week about the possibility of Sunday being his last appearance in a Giants uniform, was the last Giants player announced during pregame introductions. Shepard was also an honorary game captain and participated in the opening coin toss.
Entering Sunday, Shepard (369) was three catches away from surpassing Jeremy Shockey (371) for fifth-most in Giants history. The top four, in order, are Amani Toomer (668), Tiki Barber (586), Joe Morrison (395), and Odell Beckham Jr. (390). The Giants made sure to get him into the select group as Shepard finished with three catches for 18 yards.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE DEFENSE
Rookie cornerback Deonte Banks, who was listed as doubtful with a shoulder injury, did not suit up. Banks, the Giants' 2023 first-round draft choice, started the season's first 15 games before he was inactive last week. Nick McCloud started in his place.
McCloud continued the incredible run of takeaways this season, swatting the ball away from wide receiver A.J. Brown as the Eagles were driving in Giants territory in the first quarter. Micah McFadden recovered the ball.
Safety Jason Pinnock had the Giants' longest active starting streak until Sunday. Pinnock injured his toe last week in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Prior to that game, he had missed just six plays the entire season. Because he was one of the few regulars who started the 2022 season finale in Philadelphia, Pinnock's starting streak was at 17 games, including all 16 this season.
Dane Belton started in place of Pinnock. A week ago, in relief duty, the second-year pro became the first Giant with two interceptions and a fumble recovery in the same game since Stevie Brown on Oct. 28, 2012, at Dallas.
Belton recorded his first career sack midway through the second quarter on Jalen Hurts.
In the span of roughly 30 game seconds late in the first half, Xavier McKinney grabbed two interceptions from two different quarterbacks. The first was off Hurts before he was replaced by Marcus Mariota, who finished out the game for Philadelphia.
Jihad Ward forced the fourth turnover of the game on a sack, and fellow outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari recovered the fumble.
The Giants reversed roles with the Eagles and dominated the first half with a 24-point shutout.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT SPECIAL TEAMS
Mason Crosby opened and closed the scoring with the 399th and 400th field goals of his career from 24 and 21 yards, respectively. The previous 395 were made for the Green Bay Packers.
IN-GAME INJURY REPORT
PHI: S Sydney Brown (knee), WR A.J. Brown (knee), S Reed Blankenship (groin), OL Cam Jurgens (eye)
NYG: QB Tyrod Taylor (thumb), WR Jalin Hyatt (hamstring), TE Darren Waller (burner), CB Nick McCloud (back)
INACTIVES
PHI: CB Darius Slay (knee), WR DeVonta Smith (ankle), RB D'Andre Swift (illness), G Tyler Steen, DT Fletcher Cox, QB Tanner McKee
NYG: WR Parris Campbell, CB Deonte Banks (shoulder), OLB Benton Whitley, C John Michael Schmitz (shin), TE Tyree Jackson, DT Timmy Horne, QB Jacob Eason
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