The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing themselves for a pivotal matchup with the New York Giants in Week 17. While the Eagles need this game to advance to the playoffs, Jordan Howard is the biggest X-Factor for the Eagles against the Giants.
Back in Week 9, Howard suffered a shoulder injury in his first game against his former team in the Chicago Bears. The bruising back would remain sidelined for the next six weeks before finally being cleared for contact in Week 17.
As a result, the Eagles are expecting to have Howard available on Sunday versus the Giants. Before his injury, Howard was able to produce 525 yards on 119 rushing attempts and six touchdowns.
While he was out with an injury, Miles Sanders and even Boston Scott saw increased roles in the offense. In addition, Philadelphia chose to sign Jay Ajayi to provide some depth at the running back position.
But ahead of Howard's return to the field in Week 17, the Eagles released Ajayi. That goes to show that Doug Pederson is planning on giving Howard a decent-sized workload in his first game since the beginning of November.
Throughout the season, the Eagles have dealt with plenty of injuries on the offensive side of the ball. Among them, DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery, and Nelson Agholor have all missed time; with Jackson and Jeffery landing on injured reserve.
Along with the wide receivers, Philadelphia will also be without Zach Ertz in Week 17. Therefore, the Eagles could have to rely on the rushing attack to keep the offense afloat on the road.
Carson Wentz has been fantastic for the Eagles in recent weeks with his late-game heroics. But for Philadelphia to avoid relying on a late-game score, they should attempt to prevent themselves from throwing the ball too often.
Yes, Wentz and company should have success against a decimated secondary of the Giants. On the other hand, becoming one-dimensional in the NFL can lead to a loss versus any team in the league.
Many believe that the Eagles are going to defeat the Giants with ease on Sunday. However, Howard could be the deciding factor on whether or not Philadelphia plays beyond December in 2019.
New York comes into the final week of the season with the 26th ranked pass defense in the NFL. As for their run defense, they have a middle-of-the-pack group that ranks 19th in the NFL.
Provided that, Jordan Howard is poised for a big-time performance in his return to Philadelphia's offense. The 25-year-old running back can set the tone early and give the Eagles momentum by gashing New York's defense on the ground.
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