New York Giants

GMenHQ goes all-in with Philly Football Talk on Giants - Eagles rivalry

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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This week GMenHQ caught up with Jon Marks of PhillyFootballTalk.com to discus the state of the New York Giants – Philadelphia Eagles rivalry, as well as Sunday’s game. The Eagles – Giants rivalry began in 1933, and the teams have played 168 times over the years. Currently, Big Blue holds an 83-79-2 edge over the Birds, despite the fact that Philadelphia has won the last four meetings. Can the G-Men take down the Dirty Birds? A Wild Card playoff berth might be at stake, so here’s what Jon Marks has to say:

GMenHQ Q&A with Philly Football Talk

GMenHQ: The chatter around the NFL this week is that Doug Pederson really blew it against the Cowboys on Sunday? From your perspective, is that accurate? Explain why or why not.

Jon Marks: It is accurate. He coached scared, way too conservative with play calling and decision-making in the 2nd half. He was coaching to not lose instead of coaching to win and it cost him

GMenHQ: Who has been the biggest disappointment for offense and defense on the team this season?

JM: Offensively, I’d have to say tight end Zach Ertz. Every season seems like it’s going to be the season Ertz has the breakout, but I’m not sure that’s ever going to happen. He was paid like an elite tight end in the offseason and he has all the tools to be a Gronk-lite type of player, but just never seems to be consistent enough to do it

On defense, I’ll say a tie between linebacker Mychal Kendricks and Vinny Curry. Kendricks still has big play ability, but isn’t getting the snaps or production in defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s defense. Defensive eEnd Vinny Curry was given a $47 million contract extension in the offseason and has only provided eight tackles and one sack in seven games. Not very good production.

Dec 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks (95) celebrates his interception with inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) in the second quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT

GMenHQ: Evaluate Doug Pederson so far. Give me a letter grade for his season up until now.

JM: I’d give Doug a solid B. I can’t say i was expecting much from Doug. Remember, the Eagles interviewed him for the job and afterwards they immediately tried to hire Ben McAdoo, called Hue Jackson, and interviewed Tom Coughlin. So the Eagles obviously weren’t sold on him either.

Doug has done a nice job. Coming off of Chip Kelly and his nonsense college offense, it’s nice to see a guy who has an idea of what an NFL offense should look like. His game plans have been pretty good, play calling (expect Cowboys game) and clock management has been excellent.

GMenHQ: What do you like about this team? What would you change?

JM: I like the defensive identity of the team. They don’t have the most talent, but they play tough and they compete on every play. I also love the quarterback. He has every intangible that you want and has all of the other skills to really be a difference maker for a decade plus.

What would I change? The wide receivers are terrible, I like the corners because they are tough and compete, but they need an upgrade in talent.

GMenHQ: What’s your favorite Eagles-Giants memory?

JM: God there are so many. The Giants have the Super Bowls, the Eagles have the miracle finishes. I’ll go with Randall Cunningham on Monday Night Football taking the hit from Carl Banks, staying up and firing a TD to Jimmie Giles.

GMenHQ: Give us a prediction.

JM: I don’t think the Giants match up well against the Eagles defense. They can get to the quarterback and the Giants can’t run the ball. Carson Wentz makes one more play than Eli and ODB. Eagles 26-Giants 19