PHILADELPHIA, PA. – In a game that showcased backup talent and set the stage for postseason aspirations, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants 20-13 at Lincoln Financial Field.
The victory capped a stellar 14-3 regular season for the Eagles, securing the NFC’s No. 2 seed and setting up a wild-card playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers. For the Giants, the loss marked the end of a difficult 3-14 season and solidified their position at No. 3 in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tanner McKee Impresses in First NFL Start
With franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts sidelined due to a concussion, the Eagles turned to third-string quarterback Tanner McKee. The 24-year-old rookie delivered a performance that belied his inexperience, completing 22 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. McKee’s composure and accuracy were on full display, particularly on the Eagles’ opening drive, where he completed all three of his passes for 48 yards, culminating in a 15-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Ainias Smith.
“I just feel like I showed I have confidence in myself to go out and operate the offense,” McKee said postgame. “I’ll be ready whether I’m the No. 1, the 2, the 3, the 6, whatever it is.”
McKee’s second touchdown pass, a 7-yard strike to E.J. Jenkins in the fourth quarter, extended the Eagles’ lead to 17-3 and provided a glimpse of his potential as a reliable backup for the future. With Kenny Pickett still nursing rib injuries and Hurts expected to return for the playoffs, McKee’s performance offers the Eagles a valuable insurance policy heading into the postseason.
Giants’ Rookie Standouts Shine
Despite the loss, the Giants found reasons for optimism in their young talent, particularly rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers finished the game with five catches for 64 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. This performance capped one of the most remarkable rookie seasons by a wide receiver in NFL history.
Nabers set several records during the 2024 season:
- Single-season receptions record for the Giants: Nabers’ 109 catches surpassed Steve Smith’s 107 in 2009.
- Most receptions by an NFL rookie wide receiver: His 109 receptions edged out the previous record of 105 set by the Rams’ Puka Nacua in 2023.
- Most games with five or more catches by a rookie: Nabers recorded 14 such games, breaking the record of 12 set by Terry Glenn (1996) and tied by Anquan Boldin (2003).
- Second-most receiving yards by a Giants rookie: Nabers’ 1,204 yards trailed only Odell Beckham Jr.’s 1,305 in 2014.
“Malik’s consistency and ability to perform at a high level week in and week out have been incredible,” said Giants coach Brian Daboll. “He’s a cornerstone for our offense moving forward.”
Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy also contributed to the Giants’ bright spots, rushing for 59 yards on 14 carries and adding two receptions for seven yards. Tracy’s season total of 839 rushing yards placed him second among Giants rookie running backs, behind only Saquon Barkley’s 1,307 yards in 2018. Tracy and Nabers combined for 2,329 scrimmage yards, setting a Giants rookie record and joining elite company as one of only three rookie duos in NFL history to each surpass 1,000 scrimmage yards in a season.
Defensive Highlights
The Eagles’ defense was anchored by standout performances from safety Sydney Brown and defensive lineman Jordan Davis. Brown, named the game’s highest-graded player by Pro Football Focus (PFF), recorded an interception and allowed just three yards in coverage. Davis dominated the line of scrimmage, earning a PFF grade of 90.7.
For the Giants, linebacker Dyontae Johnson made an impact in his first significant defensive appearance, leading the team with 10 tackles. Kayvon Thibodeaux added 1.5 sacks, and Brian Burns contributed a half-sack, bringing his season total to 8.5, just behind team leader Dexter Lawrence.
Eagles Prioritize Health Ahead of Playoffs
With the No. 2 seed secured, the Eagles rested a slew of starters, including Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith. Barkley’s absence ended his bid to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, as he finished the year with 2,005 yards. While some fans expressed disappointment, the Eagles’ coaching staff prioritized long-term health over individual accolades.
“We’ll settle our sights on the playoffs,” said Eagles coach Nick Sirianni. “The goal is the Super Bowl, and we need everyone healthy to get there.”
Offensive Line Challenges Persist for Giants
Injuries continued to plague the Giants’ offensive line, forcing them to start their 10th different combination this season. Tyre Phillips replaced Evan Neal at right tackle, marking his first start since suffering a torn quad tendon in December 2023. Despite the constant shuffling, Greg Van Roten remained a steady presence, starting all 17 games and playing every offensive snap.
Special Teams Notes
Giants kicker Graham Gano delivered a strong performance, connecting on a season-long 53-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Gano’s seven points on the day moved him into sixth place on the Giants’ career scoring list with 420 points. Philadelphia’s Jake Elliott also contributed, making field goals from 24 and 32 yards but missing a 39-yarder on a windy day.
The Giants executed a successful fake punt in the second quarter, with safety Dane Belton running for a 10-yard gain on fourth-and-three. It marked the team’s first successful fake punt since 2018.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles will host the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round next week. Philadelphia enters the playoffs as 3.5-point favorites and looks to replicate their Week 1 victory over Green Bay in Brazil, where Barkley scored three touchdowns in a 34-29 win.
The Giants, meanwhile, face an offseason filled with uncertainty. Coach Brian Daboll’s future remains unclear after a second consecutive losing season, though he emphasized his commitment to the team’s process.
“Three wins, not good enough,” Daboll admitted. “A lot of work to be done.”
With the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Giants have a prime opportunity to address their roster needs and build around emerging stars like Nabers and Tracy.
Final Thoughts
The Eagles’ decision to rest their stars paid off, as their backups secured a confidence-boosting win while preserving the health of key players for the playoffs. For the Giants, the game provided a glimpse of their future, with standout performances from rookies Nabers and Tracy offering hope for a brighter 2025 season.
As both teams move forward, Philadelphia’s focus shifts to a potential Super Bowl run, while New York’s attention turns to rebuilding and capitalizing on their high draft position. For now, the 2024 regular season concludes with two franchises on very different trajectories.