Philadelphia Eagles vs New York Giants Match Player Stats (Jan 5, 2025)
Philadelphia Eagles vs New York Giants match player stats from their Week 18 meeting at Lincoln Financial Field showcase why depth matters in the NFL. The Eagles secured a 20-13 victory despite resting most of their starters, tying their franchise record with 14 wins while giving valuable experience to their second-string players.
Table of Contents
Game Context and Roster Decisions
The Eagles entered this contest with their playoff seeding locked as the NFC’s number two seed. Head coach Nick Sirianni made the pragmatic choice to rest key personnel ahead of the postseason. Jalen Hurts sat out due to concussion protocol, while Kenny Pickett was unavailable with a rib injury. This opened the door for rookie Tanner McKee to make his first NFL start.
Philadelphia’s inactive list read like a Pro Bowl roster: Saquon Barkley (who finished the season with 2,005 rushing yards), A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jalen Carter, Josh Sweat, and Nakobe Dean all watched from the sidelines. The Giants, wrapping up a disappointing 3-14 campaign, fielded their regular lineup in search of a season-ending upset.
Complete Team Statistics
| Statistic | Eagles | Giants |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 303 | 238 |
| First Downs | 21 | 10 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 3/14 (21.4%) | 4/14 (28.6%) |
| Fourth Down Efficiency | 1/2 (50%) | 2/4 (50%) |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 2/3 (66.7%) | 1/2 (50%) |
| Time of Possession | 32:12 | 29:48 |
| Penalties-Yards | 1-0 | 6-40 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Sacks-Yards Lost | 2-17 | 0-0 |
The first down disparity (21-10) illustrates Philadelphia’s control of the game flow. Despite fielding backups across the board, the Eagles sustained drives and kept their defense off the field. New York’s six penalties for 40 yards proved costly, particularly on third downs where both teams struggled to convert.
Quarterback Statistics and Performance
| Player | Comp/Att | Comp % | Yards | TD | INT | Rating | Sacks-Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanner McKee PHI | 27/41 | 65.9% | 269 | 2 | 0 | 100.6 | 2-17 |
| Drew Lock NYG | 22/29 | 75.9% | 138 | 1 | 1 | 82.3 | 0-0 |
McKee’s debut exceeded expectations. Operating behind an offensive line comprised entirely of backups, he displayed poise in the pocket and accuracy downfield. His 269 passing yards and two touchdowns without an interception marked one of the most impressive first starts by an Eagles quarterback in recent memory. Lock completed a higher percentage of his passes but struggled to generate explosive plays, managing just 138 total yards through the air.
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Summary
First Quarter
- PHI: Ainias Smith 15-yard TD reception from McKee (Jake Elliott PAT good) – 6:58
- End of Quarter: Eagles 7, Giants 0
Second Quarter
- PHI: Jake Elliott 24-yard FG – 1:47
- Note: Elliott missed from 39 yards earlier in the quarter
- Halftime: Eagles 10, Giants 0
Third Quarter
- NYG: Graham Gano 25-yard FG – 7:38
- End of Quarter: Eagles 10, Giants 3
Fourth Quarter
- PHI: E.J. Jenkins 7-yard TD reception from McKee (Elliott PAT good) – 14:45
- NYG: Malik Nabers 45-yard TD reception from Lock (Gano PAT good) – 10:41
- NYG: Graham Gano 53-yard FG – 7:26
- PHI: Jake Elliott 32-yard FG – 0:51
- Final: Eagles 20, Giants 13
The scoring pattern reflects a game of momentum shifts. Smith’s first career touchdown gave Philadelphia early control. Jenkins made his first NFL reception count, hauling in a touchdown pass. Nabers provided the Giants’ highlight with his spectacular 45-yard score, but Elliott’s late field goal sealed the victory.
Ground Game Analysis
| Player | Team | Attempts | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Singletary | NYG | 16 | 60 | 3.8 | 0 | 12 |
| Tyrone Tracy Jr. | NYG | 14 | 59 | 4.2 | 0 | 15 |
| Will Shipley | PHI | 10 | 32 | 3.2 | 0 | 8 |
| Kenneth Gainwell | PHI | 11 | 14 | 1.3 | 0 | 4 |
| Drew Lock | NYG | 2 | 3 | 1.5 | 0 | 3 |
| Team TotalsPHI | PHI | 25 | 51 | 2.0 | 0 | 8 |
| Team TotalsNYG | NYG | 32 | 122 | 3.8 | 0 | 15 |
Philadelphia’s rushing attack managed just 51 yards on 25 attempts without Barkley. The 2.0 yards per carry average underscores how vital their Pro Bowl back has been to offensive balance. New York found moderate success on the ground, with Singletary and Tracy combining for 119 yards, but couldn’t capitalize with touchdowns.
Receiving Statistics Breakdown
| Player | Team | Rec | Targets | Yards | Avg | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jahan Dotson | PHI | 7 | 11 | 94 | 13.4 | 0 | 22 |
| Malik Nabers | NYG | 5 | 8 | 64 | 12.8 | 1 | 45 |
| Dallas Goedert | PHI | 4 | 6 | 55 | 13.8 | 0 | 19 |
| Darius Slayton | NYG | 3 | 5 | 40 | 13.3 | 0 | 17 |
| Will Shipley | PHI | 4 | 4 | 35 | 8.8 | 0 | 11 |
| Ainias Smith | PHI | 4 | 6 | 35 | 8.8 | 1 | 15 |
| Kenneth Gainwell | PHI | 2 | 3 | 9 | 4.5 | 0 | 6 |
| Tyrone Tracy Jr. | NYG | 2 | 3 | 10 | 5.0 | 0 | 7 |
| E.J. Jenkins | PHI | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 1 | 7 |
Dotson seized his opportunity with both hands, nearly doubling his season receiving total with 94 yards. His seven receptions led all players and demonstrated why the Eagles traded for him. Nabers capped his record-breaking rookie campaign in style, finishing with 109 receptions to break Steve Smith’s 2009 Giants record of 107 catches. His 45-yard touchdown showcased the game-breaking ability that makes him a cornerstone for New York’s rebuild.
Defensive Performances
| Player | Team | Total | Solo | Assists | TFL | Sacks | INT | PD | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oren Burks | PHI | 17 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | PHI | 11 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dyontae Johnson | NYG | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sydney Brown | PHI | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Burks delivered one of the finest individual defensive performances of the Eagles’ season. His 17 tackles rank among the highest single-game totals in recent franchise history. Playing in a contract year, Burks made a compelling case for increased playing time and compensation. Sydney Brown’s interception of Lock, which he returned 21 yards, effectively ended New York’s comeback hopes.
The Giants’ defense managed two sacks of McKee for 17 yards lost, though game statistics didn’t specify which defenders recorded them. Their inability to generate consistent pressure allowed the rookie quarterback to find his rhythm.
Special Teams Impact
| Category | Player | Made | Attempted | Long | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | Jake Elliott (PHI) | 2 | 3 | 32 | 6 |
| Field Goals | Graham Gano (NYG) | 2 | 2 | 53 | 6 |
| Extra Points | Jake Elliott (PHI) | 2 | 2 | – | 2 |
| Extra Points | Graham Gano (NYG) | 1 | 1 | – | 1 |
Elliott’s missed 39-yard attempt in the second quarter represented his only blemish. His 32-yard field goal with 51 seconds remaining provided crucial insurance. Gano’s perfect day included a 53-yard field goal, though attempting kicks from that distance typically indicates offensive struggles.
Historical Significance and Milestones
This victory carried significance beyond the standings. Jeffrey Lurie celebrated his 300th win as Eagles owner, a testament to sustained organizational excellence. Nick Sirianni earned his 50th career victory in just his fourth season. The Eagles’ 14 wins tied their franchise record established in 2022.
NFC East Recent History
| Season | Eagles Wins | Giants Wins | Point Differential |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 0 | 17 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 | -3 |
| 2022 | 2 | 0 | 34 |
Philadelphia has won five of the last seven meetings, asserting divisional dominance during their recent playoff runs.
Tactical Analysis
Philadelphia’s game plan centered on protecting McKee while evaluating roster depth. Quick-hitting passes neutralized the Giants’ pass rush attempts. Conservative red zone play-calling reflected a desire to avoid turnovers over maximizing scoring. Defensively, the Eagles’ backups maintained gap discipline and tackled well in space.
New York’s strategic failures stemmed from third-down inefficiency (28.6% conversion rate) and untimely penalties. Their decision to attempt fourth down conversions twice (converting both) showed appropriate aggression given their record, but sustainable drives remained elusive. The 40 penalty yards came at critical junctures, stalling momentum when they threatened to make the game competitive.
Looking Ahead: Draft and Playoff Implications
For Philadelphia, McKee’s performance provides reassurance at the backup quarterback position. His competence could save resources that might otherwise be allocated to a veteran backup. The defensive depth, particularly Burks’ showing, bodes well for playoff rotations.
The Giants face a comprehensive rebuild despite Nabers’ individual brilliance. Holding the second overall pick in the 2025 draft positions them to address quarterback or offensive line concerns. Their 3-14 record masks some competitive performances, but significant roster upgrades remain necessary.
Individual Achievement Notes
Tanner McKee: Joined an exclusive group of Eagles quarterbacks to throw multiple touchdowns without an interception in their first start. His 100.6 passer rating ranks among the best debuts in franchise history.
Malik Nabers: Became the first Giants rookie to surpass 100 receptions, establishing a new franchise record that may stand for years.
Oren Burks: His 17-tackle performance represents the highest single-game total by an Eagles linebacker in the past five seasons.
Ainias Smith & E.J. Jenkins: Both players scored their first career touchdowns, with Jenkins achieving the rare feat of scoring on his first NFL reception.
For continued coverage of both franchises, visit NFL.com’s Giants analysis and ESPN’s Eagles coverage.
Additional divisional matchup analysis: Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles match player stats and Washington Commanders vs New York Giants match player stats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were the playoff implications of this game?
A: None for Philadelphia, who had secured the NFC’s second seed. The Giants were eliminated from playoff contention weeks earlier.
Q: Which key Eagles players were inactive?
A: Jalen Hurts (concussion protocol), Kenny Pickett (ribs), Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jalen Carter, Josh Sweat, and Nakobe Dean all sat out to rest for the playoffs.
Q: How significant is Malik Nabers’ reception record?
A: Nabers’ 109 catches broke Steve Smith’s 2009 franchise record of 107 receptions. As a rookie, this achievement places him among the NFL’s elite young receivers.
Q: What were the weather conditions at Lincoln Financial Field?
A: Standard January conditions in Philadelphia – cold but clear, with no significant weather impact on gameplay.
Q: Was this McKee’s first NFL appearance?
A: McKee had limited mop-up duty in previous games but this marked his first start and extended playing time.
Q: How do the draft positions look for 2025?
A: The Giants hold the second overall pick. The Eagles will select near the end of the first round following their playoff run.
Conclusion
Philadelphia Eagles vs New York Giants match player stats reveal a game that served different purposes for each franchise. The Eagles successfully evaluated their depth while avoiding injuries before the playoffs. The Giants competed admirably but couldn’t overcome their talent deficit. McKee’s impressive debut and Nabers’ record-breaking season provided the individual storylines in an otherwise predictable divisional matchup. Philadelphia heads to the playoffs with confidence in their depth, while New York begins another crucial offseason of roster building.
