PHILADELPHIA — The Giants trailed by a touchdown in the second quarter Monday night when they got a 9-yard reception from Odell Beckham Jr. for a first down and an extra 15 yards from a roughing the passer penalty on Eagles defensive end Cedric Thornton. Just like that, the Giants were in Eagles’ territory.
And then they weren’t.
A seemingly safe dump-off pass to Rashad Jennings picked up 6 yards and, as Jennings appeared about to pick up the first down, he was hit from behind by safety Malcolm Jenkins, causing a fumble that linebacker DeMeco Ryans recovered. The Giants never threatened again in a 27-7 loss at Lincoln Financial Field.
“It was a momentum swing,’’ Jennings said. “Didn’t hold onto the ball. We put our defense in a tough situation. Our defense played well and we kind of left them hanging. I feel I was a big part of us losing this game.
“It was a routine play, setting up the blocks, the ball was right beside me and the guy made a play, came from behind and somehow it came out. We kind of shot ourselves in the foot, everybody kind of took turns. I take a lot of credit for this ‘L.’ ’’
Remember all the nice things that were said and written about the Giants’ offensive line? A mute button and a delete button might be needed after the performance of the line, which allowed three sacks after giving up only four in the first five games.
LB Jonathan Casillas was forced out in the fourth quarter with a neck injury. … The Giants got interceptions from Brandon Meriweather, Jayron Hosley and the first career INT for rookie Landon Collins. … Fullback turned defensive tackle Nikita Whitlock was used early in the game in pass-rush situations and in the third quarter used a spin move to put a big hit on Sam Bradford. … Strange but true: When the Eagles won the toss and deferred, the Giants got the ball first for the first time this season.
The Giants were hoping this would be the week their best defensive end, Robert Ayers, would return to the lineup but it was not to be, and he missed his fourth consecutive game with a strained hamstring. … Eagles CB Nolan Carroll on his pick-six interception of Eli Manning: “He came back to the intended receiver at the last minute. I just saw him and the ball came out.’’ … Bradford threw three interceptions for the Eagles, but said “A win is a win. To beat that team by 20 points … very pleased with that result.’’
