NFL Playoffs: 5 bold predictions for Eagles vs Giants

Bold predictions for Eagles vs Giants: Jalen Hurts will take three sacks

The Eagles managed to dispatch the Giants by a score of 22-16 in the finale, but Hurts didn’t have a banner day at quarterback. Part of the reason for his and his offense’s collective struggles was the pressure they faced from New York’s ferocious defensive front.

The Giants got to Hurts for three sacks in the regular-season finale and they’ll work hard to achieve that goal once again on Saturday night. Kayvon Thibodeaux has gotten a lot of praise for his pass rushing from the perimeter, but don’t overlook Dexter Lawrence’s work on the inside. Collapsing the Philadelphia pocket on the interior will be a large part of the Giants’ defensive game plan.

Predictably, the Eagles’ offensive coaching staff will work hard to get the ball out of Hurts’ hands early in the game. That doesn’t mean he won’t get some chances to throw deep balls via play-action. That’s where New York’s defense can really get home against the mobile passer.

Hurts taking three sacks won’t be a death sentence for Philadelphia’s offense in this one, but it’s crucial they limit the overall amount of pressure he faces on obvious passing downs. Hurts has been good at avoiding turnovers this year but that could all go for naught if he makes a few bad decisions against the Giants in his playoff opener of 2023.