Running back Boston Scott’s success against the New York Giants is something of a running joke, but with two remaining matchups against the division rivals left on the regular season slate, the struggling Philadelphia Eagles could certainly benefit from a pair of big games by the 28-year-old.
Under embattled offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, Scott has received just 16 carries this season. However, he’s averaged nearly five yards per tote on those carries. With quarterback Jalen Hurts struggling to protect the ball, there’s an argument to be made for leaning on the running game a bit more in the final three regular season games. Obviously, D’Andre Swift — who has 896 rushing yards in his first season with the Eagles — will be at the forefront of that, along with Kenneth Gainwell. But history tells us it would be wise for the Eagles to give Scott the ball a few more times against the Giants.
In eight career regular season games against the Giants, Scott has carried the ball 86 times for 414 yards, an average of 4.8 yards per carry. Scott has 1,287 career rushing yards, nearly a third of which (32%, to be exact) have come against the Giants. What’s more, he’s added in 17 catches for 222 yards in his career against the Giants. That’s 39 percent of the 566 receiving yards Scott has posted during parts of six seasons. Oh, and 10 of his 16 career touchdowns (63 percent) have come against the Giants well.
Perhaps most notably, Scott rushed for three touchdowns against the Giants in Week 17 of the 2019 season, helping quarterback Carson Wentz and an undermanned Eagles team to lock up a playoff spot.
Why Scott has had so much of his career success against the Giants is unclear, but some things don’t have to make sense, especially against an opponent you see twice a year.
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In theory, the Eagles shouldn’t have any problem defeating the Giants twice in the next three weeks, given that New York is 5-9 and their season has been a disaster from the word go. However, coach Brian Daboll’s squad has shown some fight in recent weeks, and strange things can happen when you play a division-rival twice in such a short period of time. That feels especially true for a reeling Eagles team.
The Eagles will welcome the Giants to Lincoln Financial Field for the first of those two matchups on Monday, a Christmas Day tilt. Depending upon which sportsbook you look at, the Eagles are either 11.5 or 12-point favorites against the Giants in Week 16. Perhaps if the Eagles lean on Scott a bit more, they’ll not only end their three-game losing streak, but cover that rather large spread.
Let’s break down the significance of Boston Scott’s success against the New York Giants and how the Philadelphia Eagles can leverage that in their upcoming games. It’s an interesting topic that has become something of a running joke, with Scott having an inexplicable high level of success against the Giants. This success could prove to be a significant advantage for the Eagles in their bid to secure wins in the remaining matchups against the Giants.
When considering the Eagles’ offensive strategies, it’s important to acknowledge the impact of the player rotation and their roles. Scott, under embattled offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, has received a relatively low number of carries this season with just 16 carries to his name. However, despite this limited action, Scott has managed to average nearly five yards per carry. This impressive and efficient performance suggests that the Eagles could benefit from a shift in their offensive approach to include an increased focus on the running game in the final three regular season games. Given quarterback Jalen Hurts’ struggles in protecting the ball, a stronger emphasis on the running game could provide the team with the stability and consistency needed to secure wins.
Now let’s delve into Scott’s remarkable success against the New York Giants. Throughout his career, Boston Scott has demonstrated an incredible aptitude for performing against the Giants. In eight regular season games against the Giants, Scott has carried the ball 86 times for 414 yards, averaging an impressive 4.8 yards per carry. This level of performance has been consistent and notable, showcasing his ability to consistently deliver impactful plays. Additionally, Scott has showcased his versatility by contributing to the team’s receiving yardage, with 17 catches for 222 yards.
Notably, his standout performance came during Week 17 of the 2019 season when he rushed for three touchdowns against the Giants, providing a pivotal contribution to the team’s playoff aspirations. This remarkable performance highlights his ability to rise to the occasion and deliver exceptional results when it matters most.
It’s important to acknowledge and appreciate the impact of such consistent success, particularly when it comes to facing a division rival such as the Giants. The significance of these performances cannot be understated, and they provide a compelling argument for Scott to play a more prominent role in the upcoming games.
Looking ahead to the upcoming matchups, the Eagles, despite being favored against the Giants, must not underestimate the resilience and competitive spirit of their opponent. The Giants have displayed moments of formidable resistance in recent matchups, and facing a division rival twice in such a short period of time presents its own set of challenges. As the Eagles prepare to welcome the Giants to Lincoln Financial Field for their first of two matchups, it’s crucial that they approach the games with a strategic and adaptive mindset, ensuring they make the most of their strengths, including leveraging Scott’s proven success against the Giants. This approach could prove instrumental in breaking their losing streak and securing a more decisive win.
The upcoming games against the Giants hold significant implications for the Eagles, and the team’s ability to utilize Scott’s success could play a critical role in determining the outcome. By enhancing Scott’s involvement in the offensive game plan, the Eagles can maintain a more balanced and effective approach, reducing their reliance on Hurts and other key players, and mitigating the impact of their vulnerabilities. This strategic reconfiguration could prove instrumental in boosting the Eagles’ offensive performance and securing much-needed victories as they strive to advance in the season.
In conclusion, the significance of Boston Scott’s success against the New York Giants goes beyond being a running joke; it presents a compelling opportunity for the Philadelphia Eagles to leverage his strengths and achieve more favorable outcomes in their upcoming matchups. By capitalizing on Scott’s remarkable track record against the Giants, the Eagles can reinforce their offensive strategy, enhance their competitive advantage, and position themselves for a more decisive and impactful performance. In doing so, they stand to overcome their recent challenges and secure vital wins that could be pivotal in determining their success in the current season.