This is a game that features rivals that know each other very well, of course. The Giants have been revitalized by the insertion of first-round pick Dart into the starting lineup – they are 2-2 with Dart operating the offense on a full-time basis – and the Eagles know just how slick and dangerous he can be.
"They use him well and take advantage of his ability to move and create," Uche said of Dart, who is coming of a big game against the Broncos in which a late-game interception marred a three-touchdown, 283-yard passing performance as Denver's 33 fourth-quarter points marred a terrific New York outing on the road. "You have to respect everything he does. He's a first-round pick for a reason."
Seeing the Giants so soon after the first meeting – the Eagles will face the same situation late in this 2025 campaign when they play at Washington in Week 16 and then host the Commanders to finish the regular season in Week 18, so it is something to handle.
This is different and tricky and no doubt emotionally charged.
"I would say the 'pro' is that you already know who they are. We played them on a short week the first time and a lot of the material that we studied was sped up. I'm sure we'll see some unscouted looks still," Blankenship said. "At the end of the day, they're going to do what they want to do and obviously they've got some playmakers on their side of the ball right now and they're playing confident football, so it's our job to put a stop to it."
The message this week for the Eagles? Mailata has one that the entire locker room feels.
"The message this week is, be physical," he said. "Let's be physical up front, both sides of the ball and dominate. That's the message."