Eagles Defeat Giants, 38-20: 10 Takeaways From Philadelphia’s Convincing Win

The Philadelphia Eagles were punched in the face by the New York Giants during their first matchup of the regular season in Week 6. But Philadelphia wasn’t going to let that happen at home, as the Eagles dominated their way to a convincing 38-20 victory in Week 8.

Despite missing star wide receiver A.J. Brown and starting center Cam Jurgens, Philadelphia’s offense put on a show. The Eagles showcased the dominant rushing attack that we were used to seeing last season, as Philadelphia ran for 276 rushing yards against the Giants.

Here are my 10 takeaways from Philadelphia’s convincing in Week 8.

Welcome Back, Saquon Barkley!

Following a historic performance last season, Eagles superstar running back Saquon Barkley was off to a rough start in 2025. Philadelphia’s offensive line struggled to create holes on the ground and Barkley was averaging just 3.3 yards per carry this season.

Yet the Eagles turned back the page to last season in Week 8, as Barkley had 14 carries for 150 yards and one touchdown against the Giants. It was an epic performance that provided much-needed reassurance ahead of Philadelphia’s bye week.

Jalen Hurts Deserves MVP Consideration

After back-to-back losses to the Denver Broncos and the Giants, it felt like the sky was falling in Philadelphia. There were some calling for Jalen Hurts to be benched and inexplicably questioning his ability to lead the offense.

Yet Hurts has once again silenced his biggest critics when the outside noise is at its loudest. Hurts genuinely enjoys being doubted and explained that to legendary quarterback Tom Brady following Philadelphia’s win.

“Well I like it that way, I like it that way,” Hurts said to Brady regarding the outside noise on FOX. “I just smile and accept the challenge that comes.”

Hurts has certainly given Philadelphia’s fans plenty of reasons to smile in 2025. He currently leads the NFL with 20 total touchdowns and surely deserves to be in the MVP conversation this season.

I Was Wrong About Brett Toth

Prior to Week 8, I was critical of Brett Toth’s play at left guard and center this season. I didn’t understand Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland’s fascination with Toth. Yet after his performance on Sunday, I can understand it now.

Toth played incredibly well against the Giants and made me look like an absolute idiot. While I still believe that it was fair to criticize Toth’s play prior to Week 8, I have no problem admitting that I was wrong following this performance.

Dallas Goedert Bet on Himself (and Won)

The Eagles appeared ready to move on from starting tight end Dallas Goedert in the offseason. Yet Goedert ultimately agreed to a restructured contract to stick around for one more season in Philadelphia.

While some questioned why Goedert didn’t seek a trade and possibly sign a contract extension with his new team, now it’s easy to see that he made the right decision. Goedert has flourished in 2025, as he has already hauled in a career-high seven receiving touchdowns.

The 30-year-old tight end is also on pace to exceed his single-season career-high of 59 receptions. Goedert bet on himself in the offseason and it looks like his decision could pay off in a massive way in free agency.

Tank Bigsby Runs Away With RB2 Job

Barkley wasn’t the only running back that enjoyed a big day on the ground against the Giants in the City of Brotherly Love. Tank Bigsby had nine carries for 104 yards as he solidified himself as RB2 in Philadelphia moving forward.

While the 24-year-old running back struggled as a kick returner, he is now back at his natural position and flourishing for the Eagles. Bigsby showed more juice against the Giants than either Will Shipley or A.J. Dillon has shown all season long.

Jalyx Hunt Has Officially Arrived

In my takeaway article following Philadelphia’s win in Minnesota, I had mentioned that Jalyx Hunt was racking up plenty of pressures and that the sacks would eventually come. Well Hunt finally recorded his first sack of the regular season against the Giants in Week 8.

Depending on which statistical platform you use, Hunt recorded between seven and nine total pressures in Week 8. After recording a pick six against the Vikings, Hunt followed it up with an impressive performance against the Giants.

While many were skeptical of Philadelphia’s decision to select a safety-turned-edge rusher in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the bet is starting to pay off. Hunt is following a similar career trajectory as Nolan Smith Jr. and he might have officially arrived in Week 8.

The Curious Case of Jihaad Campbell

Following the return of Nakobe Dean, Jihaad Campbell saw his role reduced significantly in Week 8. According to Pro Football Focus, Campbell played just 21 total defensive snaps against the Giants. Eight of those snaps were at edge rusher.

Meanwhile, Dean played 33 total defensive snaps against the Giants. Given Dean’s ability to read and react against the run, that is likely why he got the nod over Campbell in Week 8. Yet it’ll be interesting to monitor Campbell’s usage following the bye week as well.

Kelee Ringo’s Revenge Game

When the Giants embarrassed the Eagles in Week 6, Kelee Ringo struggled mightily. I jokingly said that Ringo made Lil’Jordan Humphrey look like he was Lil’Julio Jones. Yet Ringo bounced back against the Giants on Sunday.

After allowing four receptions on five targets for 73 yards in Week 6, Ringo didn’t allow a single catch on Sunday. According to Pro Football Focus, Ringo was targeted three times and didn’t allow a reception in his revenge game against the Giants.

Howie Roseman Needs To Add a Pass Rusher

Despite a promising performance against the Giants, Philadelphia’s pass rush still isn’t consistent enough. While Nolan Smith Jr. and Brandon Graham are expected to return after the bye week, Howie Roseman should still add another pass rusher before the trade deadline.

There are several intriguing pass rushers reportedly available including Dre’Mont Jones, Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb. Roseman shouldn’t let one promising performance overshadow Philadelphia’s season-long pass rushing struggles.

Returner Problems Have Been Solved

After being unable to properly field kickoffs for the first six weeks of the regular season, the Eagles have finally figured it out. Xavier Gipson and Will Shipley have emerged as Philadelphia’s kick return duo and looked competent doing so.

Gipson also replaced Jahan Dotson as the team’s punt returner in Week 8. While Dotson often calls for a fair catch, Gipson gained 17 yards on his only punt return on Sunday, which actually exceeded Dotson’s season-high of 15 yards.