Giants collapse late to Eagles, 22-21: Instant analysis

Analyzing the heartbreaking loss to the Eagles.

The New York Giants entered Thursday night’s tilt with the Eagles in Philadelphia having dropped 11 of the last 12 meetings. They had not defeated the Eagles in Philadelphia in seven years.

In a nationally televised game between two stumblebum-level teams fighting for second place in the putrid NFC East, the Giants almost got off the schneid but could not hold a five-point lead with under five minutes to play.

The final was 22-21 in favor of Philadelphia. The Giants (1-6) once again shot themselves in the foot all game long, dropping passes, missing blocks and committing undisciplined penalties.

It wasn’t a pretty game by any stretch. Even the game’s most exciting play was botched. Giants quarterback Daniel Jones showed off his legs again but could not close the deal as the turf reached up and grabbed him.

This season has been a nightmare for Giant fans and this game will go down as a typical loss for this franchise which has become a laughing stock. They’ve won only 13 of their last 55 games.

It’s about as ugly as it’s ever been around here. Instead of ending the night in second place, they could find themselves in last place if Washington defeats Dallas on Sunday.

It wouldn’t be so bad if they lost this game with to an Eagles team that was at full strength.

Notes

  • Jones’s 80-yard run is officially the longest by a quarterback in the history of the franchise.
  • Wide receiver Sterling Shepard retuned to the lineup after missing four games with turf toe. He caught six of eight targets for 69 yards and had a touchdown.
  • Running back Devonta Freeman left the game in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury and was spelled by Wayne Gallman, who performed admirably (10 rushes for 34 yards and a TD; five receptions for 20 yards).
  • Rookie left tackle Andrew Thomas, who has struggled all season, perhaps had his worst game in his short NFL career. He was spun around like a top by the Eagles defenders all gear long, surrendering countless pressures, QB hits and tackles for losses.