The Philadelphia Eagles survived to defeat the New York Giants 23-17 in overtime to end their three-game losing streak and tie the Dallas Cowboys for first place in the NFC East with a 6-7 record.
The Eagles could not get anything going in the first half. Only to have kicker Jake Elliot make a field goal while the Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning threw two touchdown passes to wide receiver Darius Slayton. The Giants were leading the Eagles 17-3 at halftime. The fans were not afraid to show how disappointed they were with this team, given the high expectations going into the season.
The Eagles began to make a comeback thanks to three players who were promoted from the practice squad led by running back Boston Scott along with wide receiver Greg Ward and tight end Josh Perkins. Scott revived the team with his speed, quickness, agility, and scoring a touchdown. The plays that Scott ran were meant for Darron Sproles as admitted by Head Coach Doug Peterson.
Boston Scott had ten carries for fifty-nine yards and one touchdown. Greg Ward caught a touchdown but was called back due to a penalty. While he did miss a touchdown catch, Ward finished with four catches for thirty-four yards, and tight-end Josh Perkins made five catches for thirty-seven yards. These three, along with Zach Ertz caught nine balls for ninety-one yards and two touchdowns. His second touchdown in overtime was the game-winning play that helped the Eagles end their three-game losing skid.
In my last post on the Eagles, which you can read here, I talked about why loyalty was hurting the Eagles. They have a lot of young guys looking for playing time that are right there in front of them. Instead, they rely on veteran players who are near the end of their careers to keep doing what they have been doing for over ten years. The problem is, they are older and easily injured.
Hopefully, what Boston Scott, Greg Ward, and Josh Perkins did Monday night opened the eyes of the Eagles’ front office. If not, they are missing out on players who can contribute to this team for a long time if given a chance. Last week, the Eagles released Mack Hollins, who was claimed by the Miami Dolphins. While Hollins did not catch a ball, he did draw a defensive pass interference call.
There are three games left in the season, with players like Alshon Jeffery out for the year, these young guys need to continue to play regardless of what happens from here on out. If they are not with the Eagles next year, some other teams will pick these guys up.
I hope after Monday night’s game, the Eagles will consider playing the young guys more and let the veteran players mentor them while they are still here. There has to come a time when the younger players are given a chance to play rather than sit idly on the sideline.
