PHILADELPHIA
Because they couldn’t win on the road, the New York Giants ensured they won’t open at home if they make the playoffs.
Three of Eli Manning’s career-high 63 passes were intercepted, including one that Malcolm Jenkins returned for a touchdown, and the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Giants 24-19 Thursday night to snap a five-game losing streak and prevent New York from clinching a playoff spot.
“We didn’t play well
enough,” Manning said. “I got off to a bad start and spotted them a 14-0 lead.”
The loss gave Dallas the NFC East title — and home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs. The Giants (10-5) still own the top wild-card position and will end their four-season playoff drought this weekend if Detroit, Green Bay, Tampa Bay or Atlanta loses.
If not, they get in with a win at Washington next week.
“We need to be confident,” Manning said. “We can get healthy and get a little break these next couple days and come back and practice and play better football.”
After Darren Sproles gave the Eagles (6-9) a 7-0 lead on a 25-yard TD run, Jenkins picked off Manning and ran it back 34 yards for a 14-0 lead. Jenkins got another interception in the second half, the second time he’s had two picks in a game in his eight-year career.
“I want to be wherever the ball is,” Jenkins said. “If I play deep too long a lot of times, I get bored.”
Carson Wentz threw a touchdown pass to Nelson Agholor and later shook off a late hit that forced him to miss his first snaps of the season. The rookie quarterback even threw a lead block on a double reverse after he passed concussion tests.
Then the defense delivered a stop on fourth down before Terrence Brooks clinched the win with an interception at the Eagles 5.
“My name was called and I made the most of it,” said Brooks, who had not played a defensive snap this season before getting in for two plays against the Giants.
Notes — The Giants couldn’t do the deed themselves
Thursday night and now must wait for the weekend’s action. They have plenty of opportunity to qualify for the postseason while opening holiday gifts. If the Falcons (9-5) lose at Carolina, New York is in. If the Packers (8-6) lose to Minnesota, New York is in. Should Tampa Bay fall at New Orleans, the Giants advance. And if Detroit (9-5) is beaten by Dallas, the Giants are playoff-bound.
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