The Giants really aren't going to start the season 0-3, are they?
Let's hope so.
It will be a decidedly desperate Big Blue that rolls down the Jersey Turnpike for the Eagles' home opener at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Giants should be as hot as the temperatures, which are expected to soar into the 90s.
It shouldn't matter. At this point the Eagles are a better team - and should get the win. But this is the Giants, and weird things always happen against the Giants. So I wouldn't be stunned if the Eagles cough this one up.
The Giants are in flames because of two fundamental problems: They can't run the ball and can't protect quarterback Eli Manning. Add in an Odell Beckham not playing at 100 percent and you have big problems.
This game likely will boil down to the Eagles defensive line vs. the Giants shaky offensive line. Those guys have been getting torched all week in New York. Coach Ben McAdoo even poured a little fire on his QB, criticizing some of the decision making of Manning. But if Manning gets even adequate protection, he could have a field day against a very banged-up Eagles secondary. The D-line can't allow that to happen.
Doug Pederson insists "we" have to fix the Birds' non-existent run game. Yo, Doug, you're the coach. Try calling some running plays. Give Carson Wentz a break. Don't look for that to happen. Look for Wentz to be dropping back - and often running for his life - again this Sunday. If he's again the Birds leading rusher, they could be in trouble.
A win could almost be the kiss of death for the Giants' season.
Pucker up, Big Blue.
THE PICK: Make it Eagles 23, Giants 17. Count on the D-Line to get to Eli enough to force a crucial late turnover to seal the deal
LAST WEEK: As I feared, Doug Pederson completely shirked the run game, despite being in a tie game with the highly respected Chiefs into the fourth quarter. Pederson says he will change his ways. I will believe it when I see it. Expect to see Carson Wentz chucking it downfield all day again Sunday. I don't think Wentz will rack up another 300-yard day against the Giants, but I do think he will take another heavy dose of punishment. The loss to Andy Reid drops the Eagles to 1-1, while my record remains spotless at 2-0.
GAME BY GAME: Chiefs 27, Eagles 20. (My Pick: Chiefs 33, Eagles 17)
Eagles 30, Redskins 17. (My Pick: Eagles 26, Redskins 13)
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