PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles wrapped up the regular season with a franchise-record-tying 14th win, defeating the New York Giants 20-13 during their Week 18 matchup. The cold and windy conditions at Lincoln Financial Field marked the final game of the regular season for both teams, with the Eagles already locked in as the NFC’s No. 2 seed for the playoffs.
With key players resting to avoid injury for the postseason, third-string quarterback Tanner McKee took the reins and showcased his potential. McKee started strong, tossing his first career touchdown to rookie Ainias Smith on his initial drive, and later added another touchdown pass to E.J. Jenkins.
“He’s the first quarterback with three passing touchdowns on his first seven career pass attempts since at least 1991,” reported Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports. McKee finished the game with impressive stats, completing 27 out of 42 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns, earning him a passer rating of 100.6.
The Eagles’ defense made it challenging for the Giants, limiting them to just 84 total yards of offense, which included only 54 rushing yards. The Giants struggled throughout the game, reflecting their disappointing season, which ended with just three wins against 14 losses.
Despite the Eagles’ offensive successes, they faced challenges with missed opportunities. Kicker Jake Elliott had his first miss of the season from 39 yards, as he struggled with windy conditions. Elliott’s miss was particularly concerning as the Eagles looked to establish momentum heading toward the playoffs.
McKee’s contributions were bolstered by solid performances from other rookies. Ainias Smith’s 15-yard touchdown marked his first NFL score, and E.J. Jenkins also celebrated his first career touchdown catch, helping the Eagles extend their lead to 17-3 early in the fourth quarter.
Defensively, Sydney Brown sealed the win for the Eagles with a timely interception, marking the end of his comeback season from injury issues. Brown’s performance was particularly emotional after facing challenges recovering from ACL surgery sustained last season.
The pivotal moments of the game highlighted the Giants' struggles. Key penalties against New York, including defensive end Boogie Basham jumping offsides on fourth-and-three and Kayvon Thibodeaux’s roughing-the-passer penalty late, allowed the Eagles to extend drives and score, demonstrating how mistakes can shift the game’s momentum.
Reflecting on the season, Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged the importance of this victory as they look to carry the momentum forward. “It feels great to get this win and finish the season strong,” he noted. “We’re ready to face the Packers next week with everything at stake.” The Packers will visit Lincoln Financial Field for the wildcard playoff clash, with the kickoff time still to be determined.
The Eagles have proven they can rely on their depth and rookie talent, showcased magnificently during Week 18. From McKee’s efficient outing to the strong defensive effort, it looks promising as they transition from regular season to postseason play.
Looking to the future, many fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Eagles handle the pressure of playoff football. After finishing the season with only three losses and the resurgence of quarterback Tanner McKee, anticipation is high for what lies ahead.