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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants had just been wiped off their own field six weeks ago when Jihad Ward delivered his impassioned speech. Their playoff hopes were hanging by a thread following an embarrassing 48-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium in Week 14.
The Eagles had compiled over 400 total yards, with more than 200 coming on the ground. They seemingly just ran and ran for big gains and touchdowns. It almost didn’t matter whether it was Jalen Hurts, Miles Sanders or Boston Scott.
There was nothing the Giants could do to stop them.
“It’s about who the f–k wants it more,” Ward said afterwards. “It’s more to it than just doing your job. It’s more to it than, ‘Do I know my playbook?’ You have to do more. Well, how bad do you want it? And nobody is going to sit here and give it to us. It’s really how bad do you really, really want it.”
The Giants apparently got the message. They’ll get a third crack at the Eagles (8:15 p.m. ET, FOX) in the divisional round of the playoffs.
They met again in Week 18, but the Giants barely played any starters and Philadelphia was working without its star right tackle and a quarterback.
Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson will start. Hurts wasn’t on the injury report most of this week and is expected to be at full health.
“I’m expecting Jalen Hurts, the MVP candidate,” Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale said.
But the Eagles aren’t the only ones who will look different from the last time these teams met.
Martindale will have the benefit of fielding a defense that barely resembles the unit that gave up almost 50 points just six weeks ago. New York is in significantly better shape now.
Top cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, safety Xavier McKinney and…
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