Eagles vs. Giants instant observations: Saquon Barley, Dallas Goedert power Birds to rare win without A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles solidify NFC East lead with dominant win over Giants, but cracks in their armor still exist.

The Eagles' Week 6 matchup against the Giants was a wake-up call, revealing some weaknesses that need to be addressed. The Birds' second win of the season by more than one possession and first regular-season win by more than a possession since last year's 41-7 thrashing of the Cowboys showcased their resilience but also highlighted areas for improvement.

One notable aspect of Sunday's game was the Eagles' decision to utilize under-center formations, which yielded significant benefits. This tactical shift allowed Saquon Barkley to run wild, with two touchdowns on plays initiated from under center. Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra saw increased playing time in three-tight end personnel groupings, further empowering the Eagles' offense.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts continued his impressive form, throwing four touchdown passes. DeVonta Smith lined up both inside and outside, taking advantage of the absence of A.J. Brown. The star wide receiver's ability to thrive even when paired with other talented receivers underscores his value as a consistent target for Hurts.

Tight end Dallas Goedert is having the season of a lifetime, with seven touchdown receptions now under his belt – two more than he accumulated over the last three seasons combined. His impressive performance showcases the Eagles' depth and ability to adapt without star receiver A.J. Brown.

The run defense improved significantly compared to their Week 6 matchup against the Giants. Despite struggling with edge depth, the Eagles showed some signs of improvement in containing the opposing offense's rushing attacks. However, there is still work to be done in creating a consistent inside running game and addressing the void left by Brandon Graham's injury.

A notable controversy arose during the game when Deonte Banks appeared to gain possession on a Tush Push play for two yards, only for the referee's whistle to blow prematurely, rendering it non-reviewable. The ensuing challenge from Giants coach Brian Daboll resulted in a loss, sparking debate over the officiating aspect of the sport.

The return game finally broke through with Will Shipley scoring touchdowns off consecutive kickoffs, demonstrating an improvement in this area that should be sustained moving forward.

As the Eagles enter their bye week, they can take comfort in having navigated a difficult stretch but also acknowledging areas for growth. The coaching staff will need to focus on refining their offense's consistency and identifying potential upgrades at cornerback, EDGE, or interior offensive line positions before the trade deadline.

I don't think the Eagles are as solid as everyone makes them out to be . I mean, sure, they won big against the Giants, but that game was basically a gift wrapped for Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley . It's like the Giants were just phoning it in and not even trying to stop them.

And don't even get me started on those under-center formations . I know some people are saying they're a game-changer, but I think they're just a crutch for the Eagles' offense. They're relying too much on Barkley and not enough on other players to step up.

And what about their run defense? Yeah, they improved from last week, but it's still not great . They need to figure out how to stop teams from running all over them.

I'm also not sold on the idea that Dallas Goedert is having a season of a lifetime . I mean, sure, he's been getting touchdowns, but so has everyone else on this team. And what about when they're not scoring? Do they have any other plays?

The controversy with Deonte Banks was just ridiculous . Come on, guys! Get it together.

And finally, can we please talk about how the return game is still a total disaster . Will Shipley scoring touchdowns off consecutive kickoffs is cute and all, but that's not going to cut it for long.

The Eagles are definitely looking strong this season , but I'm not sold yet. They gotta work on that run defense, it's like they're still figuring out how to stop big plays in the hole . And what's up with that Tush Push play? Can't let officials make those calls and ruin the game . But overall, it's great to see Hurts lighting it up and Goedert having an amazing season . Bring on the bye week so they can work on their weaknesses before making a push for the playoffs!

omg so glad eagles won but c'mon refs what's good deonte banks' play was ROBBED that whistle blew like 2 sec too early i'm still salty about it anyway i think goedert is for real like 7 td's in one game bruh that's crazy and shipley's return game has been a lifesaver finally! but edge depth still needs work & they need to get a new CB or something

omg i'm surprised they didnt choke against the giants lol guess that means they're actually good this season . anyway, its cool that under-center formations worked out for them, but isnt that kinda a cop-out move? like, can't they just stick to what they know and trust their QB instead of trying to be all fancy and stuff?

anyway, saquon barkley is still a beast and i'm loving the increased playing time for goedert - he's really stepping up his game this year . but seriously though, defense needs to improve, esp in creating that inside running game... Brandon Graham's injury is still killing me .

also, refs are just the worst, right? i mean, cant they just get it together for once?

so they're like super good now? i mean, dominantly winning games is awesome, but what's with all these weaknesses they got exposed? i was watching the game and that tush push play looked so close to being reviewed, i was on the edge of my seat! what's going on with refs lately? and omg deonté banks, who is he again? did they get a new corner or something?

I'm loving how the Eagles are finally living up to expectations ! But let's be real, they're still not as deep on defense as I thought they'd be. Those edge issues need to be addressed ASAP or else teams will start exploiting them. And I mean, what's up with the refs? That Tush Push play call was legit! ‍ Can't believe it got blown dead by the whistle. Anyway, Hurts is looking like a solid QB, but Goedert is just on another level ...

I just got back from the most epic food truck fest and OMG, I tried this insane Philly cheesesteak roll that literally melted in my mouth ! I swear, it's gonna be a game-changer for the Eagles' offense if they can figure out how to keep Saquon Barkley on a hot streak all season . And have you seen those new cornerbacks trying out? Reminds me of when I tried out for the school soccer team in middle school ... anyway, did I tell you about my favorite food truck?

the eagles are lookin good right now but we gotta keep an eye on that run defense, they still got some work to do gotta be honest, it's a bit concerning that deonte banks play was whistled down like that, should've been reviewed will shipley's return game is definitely a bright spot tho

idk about this eagles team, they're lookin good rn i mean, jalen hurts is straight fire 4 touchdowns? that's crazy. but at the same time, their run defense is still kinda weak gotta work on that before they can take over nfc east for real. and what's up with those officiating decisions? seems like deonte banks got a bad break there... anywayz, the eagles are lookin solid rn, but let's see how they do when they come back from their bye week

I'm loving how the Eagles are starting to gel, but I gotta say, that under-center formation has me intrigued ... I mean, it's cool that Saquon Barkley had a monster game, but can they keep doing that every week? And what's up with Dallas Goedert's stats? 7 TDs in one season is crazy . On the other hand, their run defense has improved, so that's a plus... still gotta work on that inside running game tho .

And omg, that Tush Push play was such a close call ... I'm all for reviewing those plays, especially when it comes to challenges like that one . But overall, I'm hyped for the Eagles' chances this season! They're learning from their mistakes and adapting... they just gotta keep pushing forward .

By the way, have you guys been watching the Giants? They seem so inconsistent this season . Maybe they'll turn it around after the bye week? Fingers crossed

I'm loving how the Eagles are playing right now they got some real chemistry going between Hurts and Goedert, it's crazy to see how much better their offense is with that third tight end grouping DeVonta Smith stepping up is a big plus too, he's always been an X-factor player but now he's carrying the load

But, gotta say, the edge depth still worries me they got some good pass rushers, but can't seem to keep 'em healthy for more than like 3-4 games at a time... and cornerbacks are still a major concern gotta get those guys sorted out or else Philly's gonna struggle to close out those wins

On the bright side, it's clear they've got some real depth issues to work on Goedert's having the season of a lifetime, but what about Dallas? and will Shipley's return game magic last? we'll see

I'm feeling kinda neutral about this win . On one hand, it's awesome that they were able to bounce back from that tough game last week and show some grit against the Giants. Jalen Hurts is still throwing like a beast , and Goedert is killing it out there! But at the same time, I'm not getting too excited about their defense - they still got exposed on those running plays . And that Tush Push call? Come on, refs... . Anyway, gotta keep an eye on those areas for improvement and see how they come out of this bye week .

the giants definitely exposed some weaknesses in that eagles defense they gotta work on creating a consistent inside run game and find a way to cover their edge better it's good that they were able to bounce back with some solid wins tho

I think the Giants were way overdue for that win lol . They've been struggling all season. I'm glad the Eagles could capitalize on it and solidify their lead in the NFC East. But seriously, Saquon Barkley is a beast! He's definitely one of the top running backs in the league right now. And Dallas Goedert is just insane ! Seven touchdowns already this season? That's unheard of! The Eagles' offense is looking stronger by the week. But I do think they need to work on their run defense - that was a major concern last week .

idk what's more entertaining - watchin eagles play or see the refs make calls . seriously though, that under-center formation was fire , saquon barkley went wild and i'm not mad about it . also, dallas goedert is a beast mode tight end right now , 7 touchdowns and counting . but on the other hand, run defense still got work to do , needs some improvements before playoffs . trade deadline better watch out, eagles are gettin ready to upgrade

omg I'm so confused what's a Tush Push play is that like a rugby thing? and btw did they say anything about the weather conditions in philly on sunday? i hope it wasn't super rainy cuz I saw some pics of the eagles' stadium and it looked kinda gloomy anyway back to the game... Saquon Barkley is so fast I bet he's like a gazelle or something

Wow interesting that Saquon Barkley was able to run wild with under-center formations!

omg u guys i cant even lol so the Eagles are killin it rn they got this dominant win over the Giants but idk how much longer they can keep this up cuz like i know they got some major weaknesses exposed during that game like what was up with their run defense tho? its all over the place right now and they need to fix that ASAP or else theyll get caught slippin by those other teams. also why didnt deonte banks get a call on that Tush Push play lol that was so weird but overall i gotta give them credit for comin thru like they did on offense especially jalen hurts and devonta smith are straight fire right now

I'm still salty about that Tush Push call ... I mean, what's up with that? Deonte Banks clearly had possession, it's crazy they didn't review it properly. It's not like that kind of mistake is going to change the course of the game . On a more serious note, though, the Eagles are looking good this season, especially with Hurts at the helm . Goedert's on fire! 7 TDs in a season? That's insane . They just need to tighten up that defense and they'll be unstoppable . Bring on the bye week, I'm excited to see what they do next!