Eagles got physical to beat Blue

PHILADELPHIA — Justin Pugh said after Thursday night’s 24-19 loss to the Eagles that coach Ben McAdoo walked into the locker room and explained why the Giants did not get the job done.

“They had nothing to play for and we gave them something to play for, is what coach said,’’ Pugh said.

Indeed, the Eagles (6-9) snapped a five-game losing streak and were the more physical team, especially in the way they played pass defense.

“It’s every week, we get the same kind of coverage, the same kind of physical play and to go along with it we get the same no-calls,’’ Victor Cruz said. “We threw it 63 times, no holding calls, no pass interferences.’’

The Eagles said they were just playing to the rules.

“When you get in a game like that and on certain plays, the ref doesn’t really come to you and say anything,’’ Eagles cornerback Nolan Carroll said. “He just says ‘It’s cool, let it go.’ That is when you can tell you have a little more freedom to play. Not necessarily to say we are out there cheating, but they are letting us play football.’’

Cornerback Janoris Jenkins tested his sore back during pregame warm-ups, with McAdoo, general manager Jerry Reese and strength and conditioning coach Aaron Wellman watching intently. The player they call Jackrabbit never seemed to run at full speed and the decision was made to have him sit this game out. Jenkins’ place in the starting lineup was taken by Dominique RodgersCromartie, who started at corner alongside rookie Eli Apple. RodgersCromartie had a first-half interception of Carson Wentz.

Rookie LB B.J. Goodson came out of the game with a concussion. … DT Damon “Snacks’’ Harrison went out with a knee issue but was able to return. … Reserve CB Trevin Wade made two big first-half plays that prevented points. He made an open-field tackle on dangerous Darren Sproles to leave the Eagles short of a first down and recovered a muffed punt return by Dwayne Harris near midfield.

The pick-six thrown by Eli Manning in the first quarter was the 21st of his career. Only Drew Brees (23) and Philip Rivers (22) have more since 2004.

Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. wore special white cleats with grass taken from their field at Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans inserted inside the clear plastic molding on the bottom of the shoes.