An outdated adage that will get tossed round in soccer regularly is it’s onerous to beat the identical staff 3 times.
On Saturday, the Giants will try and show that right as they’ll play the Eagles for the third time after dropping the primary two video games this season, together with the ultimate recreation of the common season, 22-16.
But rather more is at stake in the course of the NFC Divisional Round matchup at Lincoln Financial Field this time round.
“Every game’s different in this league,” Giants coach Brian Daboll stated. “Every time you play a staff — whether or not it’s the second time, third [time] — it’s all completely different.
“What matters most is our process leading up to it and then how we play.”
How typically does a staff beat the identical opponent 3 times in a season?
Since 1970, when the AFL and NFL merged, there have been 24 cases of groups assembly 3 times in a season after one staff gained the primary two video games of the collection. The staff that gained the primary two video games has gained the third matchup 15 occasions, which incorporates the 49ers 41-23 victory over the Seahawks final weekend.
The narrative that it’s troublesome to beat a staff 3 times in a season isn’t true in any respect if historical past is a sign. If something, the staff that swept each common season matchups is extra prone to win the third assembly than lose it.
“Honestly, it’s more difficult,” Giants huge receiver Sterling Shepard advised the Daily News about attempting to defeat the Eagles. “Because just about all of your movie is out from the entire yr.
“On high of that, taking part in in opposition to the fellows — that may assist you within the side of individually figuring out what guys love to do and what they don’t like. But you positively need to work on switching stuff up as a result of they’ve seen most of it.
“Having variations of different things that you’ve run. It can help you individually knowing guys like to squat at the sticks or just little nuances.”
Both the Giants and the Eagles are utterly completely different groups from their first assembly on Dec. 11. Philadelphia ran throughout New York to the tune of 253 yards and averaged 8.2 yards per carry within the 48-22 route.
The Eagles had been additionally within the midst of a five-game profitable streak earlier than dropping to the Cowboys on Christmas Eve. After the loss to the Eagles, the Giants recuperated to defeat the Commanders and the Colts to qualify for the playoffs for the primary time since 2016. That and final week’s 31-24 victory at Minnesota has given the Giants confidence that they cannot solely dangle with the very best groups within the NFC, however they’ll beat them, as Big Blue was a -2.5 level underdog in Minnesota.
Their protection has been one of many keys to the Giants the final 5 weeks, as Big Blue has allowed 107 speeding yards per recreation throughout that span. Against Vikings and three-time Pro Bowl working again Dalvin Cook, the Giants solely allowed 61 speeding yards the complete recreation. Also, the final time the Giants performed the Eagles, they held Jalen Hurts and their offense to only one landing.
“They’re a talented team with a lot of superstars on the roster on both sides of the ball and special teams,” Giants security Julian Love stated. We discovered loads about them, they discovered loads about us.
“The third time go around with them, it’s going to be a battle.”
HURTS NOT WORRIED
The Giants defenders know that Hurts’ sprained throwing shoulder will probably be lower than 100%.
But when requested about it on Wednesday, Hurts didn’t look like too involved in regards to the Giants paying specific consideration to it.
“It’s football,” Hurts stated. “I’ve got a bounty on me every week I go out there on the field. So, I’m going to go out there and just play my game, and whatever happens, happens.”
Hurts sprained a joint in his proper shoulder in opposition to the Bears on Dec. 18. He returned for the season finale in opposition to the Giants as he completed the sport 20-of-35 for 229 yards and an interception. However, the Eagles solely known as just a few designed runs for Hurts all through the sport, as he had solely 13 yards on 9 makes an attempt.
The Eagles’ bye final weekend allowed Hurts to relaxation his shoulder as he might be in a greater place to make use of each his expertise as a runner and as a passer.
“We know we’re playing a really good team,” Hurts stated. “They have a extremely good protection, they usually do loads of actually good issues — that’s on either side of the ball.
“We know we have to come prepared, put in a great week of preparation to go out there and play well Saturday.”
INJURY REPORT
The Giants had a walkthrough on Tuesday as they performed in opposition to the Vikings on Sunday. Every participant participated, however Azeez Ojulari (quad), cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackson (again) Love (hamstring), and defensive again Fabian Moreau had been all restricted.
Safety Jason Pinnock (stomach) was a full participant. The harm designations had been simply an estimate.
Ojulari exited the sport in opposition to the Vikings and didn’t return. Prior to final weekend’s recreation, Ojulari handled an ankle harm he sustained in the course of the first matchup in opposition to the Vikings as he was held out of the season finale loss in opposition to the Eagles.
Pinnock was carted off the sphere across the halfway level of the fourth quarter in opposition to the Vikings and checked into an area hospital. He later returned to the stadium and traveled again with the remainder of the staff that very same night time.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com