Giants vs. Eagles : 5 Halftime Adjustments for New York

In a game where defense has ruled thus far, the Eagles are edging the Giants 10-3 heading into halftime. Still without any points on the scoreboard, New York has several adjustments it can make for the second half. 

1. Protect Eli Manning  

Eli Manning has been pressured all night, leading to a medley of incomplete passes and a very costly interception. Even against an Eagles secondary down one of its key cornerbacks, Eli is facing a formidable challenge and will need more time to make sound decisions.  The offensive line needs to step up in a big way.

2. Let the rookie run

Giants fans have been calling for Da’Rel Scott to get more looks with Ahmad Bradshaw sidelined, but so far the rookie has barely had a chance to prove himself. Brandon Jacobs was stuffed on a third-and-short play that really cost the Giants, possibly opening the door for more Scott carries. 

3. Get the receiving corps involved

The usually dangerous Giants receiving corps has really struggled in this one. Eli has targeting all of his feature wideouts but only Victor Cruz has more than one reception. It doesn’t matter if it’s Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, or Mario Manningham, but one of these guys needs to start making plays downfield to keep the star-studded Philadelphia secondary on its toes.

4. Shut down DeSean Jackson

He might not be the smartest wideout on the field—that taunting penalty was downright idiotic—but he’s easily the most dangerous. It looks as though his knee injury isn’t going to slow him down going forward, so New York should consider double coverage on DeSean with Jeremy Maclin out.

5. Start fast out of the gates

Against a team as underachieving and downtrodden as the Eagles, the Giants need to start fast out of the gates in the second half to swing the momentum of the game back in their favor. They blew their chance at this in the first half, and can’t afford to come out sluggish again.