Eagles find form vs. Giants
All the Philadelphia Eagles needed to get over their Super Bowl hangover was a little more urgency, some big plays — and a timely game against the New York Giants.
Carson Wentz threw a season-high three touchdown passes, and the visiting Eagles got an early lift from their defense and special teams in beating the struggling Giants 34-13 on Thursday night, avoiding their first three-game losing streak since the 2016 season.
“I’m really proud of the way we played in all three phases,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson said. “We have a very resilient group.”
Wentz sandwiched touchdowns passes of 13 and one yard to Alshon Jeffery around a 10-yarder to tight end Zach Ertz to help the Eagles (3-3) build a 31-6 lead. They beat the Giants (1-5) for the fourth consecutive time and seventh in eight games. Corey Clement scored on a one-yard run, and Jake Elliott added field goals of 33 and 30 yards for the defending Super Bowl champions.
Rookie running back Saquon Barkley scored on a 50-yard run and rushed for 130 yards in one of the few bright spots for the Giants’ offense, which was booed repeatedly in losing at home for the third time.
Barkley has gained at least 100 yards from scrimmage in his first six career games. He is one off the NFL rookie record set by the Kansas City Chiefs’ Kareem Hunt. Giants quarterback Eli Manning was under pressure all game and finished 24-for-43 for 281 yards.
Brown will contest lawsuits
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown plans to fight two lawsuits filed against him stemming from an incident at a Florida apartment complex last spring.
Ophir Sternberg seeks damages against Brown, claiming objects thrown by Brown from the 14th floor of an apartment building came close to striking Sternberg’s father and Sternberg’s 22-month-old son in April. Brown said in a statement that the lawsuits contain “false claims.”
OT Castonzo nears return for Colts
Indianapolis Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo hopes to make his season debut Sunday against the New York Jets. Castonzo was a full participant in practice the last two days, and all indications are he will start.