A Giant opportunity for Philly

Eagles look to get back to winning ways against New York

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. >> After turning over half their roster, it’s not surprising the New York Giants are losing.

The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles are another story. They were expected to make a run at being the first team to repeat since the New England Patriots won title games after the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

The Eagles (2-3) head into Thursday night’s game at MetLife Stadium against the Giants (1-4), looking to avoid their first threegame losing streak since the 2016 season. A fourth loss would be more than they had last season.

While some might point to a Super Bowl hangover, it’s also a combination of having a target on their backs, injuries and bad play.

“We know we’re going to get everybody’s best and we’ve seen it already this season,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson said.

“I’ve addressed the team that way. It doesn’t mean we have to; it’s not about panic mode or anything in that nature, it’s just a heightened sense of urgency. The mistakes we’re making are selfinflicted and it’s keeping us from possibly winning a game or two here or there, and we understand that.”

So do the Giants. They have not played horribly in coach Pat Shurmur’s first season. They are not making enough plays, and too many mistakes.

Odell Beckham Jr., who caught a touchdown and threw another in the Giants’ 33-31 loss to Carolina last weekend, is glad this is a short week and the Eagles are the opponent in the weak NFC East where no team has a winning record. “Defending Super Bowl champs

EAGLES >> PAGE 3

MARK ZALESKI — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Head coach Doug Pederson and the Eagles (2-3) head into Thursday night’ game at MetLife Stadium against the Giants (1-4) looking to avoid their first three-game losing streak since the 2016 season.