EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Coach's Corner, Giants.com's exclusive weekly interview with head coach Pat Shurmur.
Q: How was the Shurmur family Christmas?
Shurmur: "It was good. Relaxing. Got a chance to share a couple meals and be around the girls (his wife Jennifer and daughters Allyson, Erica and Claire). It was good."
Q: Is it difficult when you still have a game to play to completely get away from it for a day?
Shurmur: "I think we're all used to it. Certainly, we play games through the Thanksgiving holiday and the Christmas holiday and the New Year holiday. To get away for a couple hours changes the schedule a little bit, but there's still plenty of time during the week here to get ready to play."
Q: What would it mean for this team to finish the season with a three-game winning streak?
Shurmur: "Well, what it would mean is that we won our last game. I think that's important. Unfortunately, we're one of the 20 teams that won't be competing in the playoffs. But for our fans and for our team, to go out and put a winning performance on the field will be very important."
Q: You just played an exciting, emotional game involving two teams that aren't going to be in the playoffs. Does it add any juice for your players, for your team, to play in a game at the end of the season with playoff implications (Philadelphia will clinch the NFC East title with a victory)?
Shurmur: "For us, the one thing we do know is that this is our last game this season. We need to do everything in our power to let it all go and do everything we can to win the game. I think that's the important piece for us. How it plays out for our opponent, that's for them to consider. I think the important thing for us is to do what we can to put a winning a performance on the field."
Q: You have had your highest point totals of the season the last two weeks with two different quarterbacks. Each time, Saquon had a big game. Is that an indication that he is the catalyst of the offense right now?
Shurmur: "I don't know. You might be reading into that. It's very important that you run the ball and throw the ball and be able to do it in every game. I think Saquon has displayed that he's probably feeling as good as he has felt all season in the last couple of weeks, and it has showed up for him on the field."
View rare photos of the all-time series between the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) grabs the ball after intercepting a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Torrance Small (80) during the second quarter of their NFC divisional playoff game Sunday, Jan. 7, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. Sehorn went on to run it in for a 32-yard touchdown. (AP Photo/Beth A. Keiser)
New York Giants against the Philadelphia Eagles, Dec. 10, 1933. Ken Strong of the Giants going round end for a four-yard gain. (AP Photo)
New York Giants back Steve Filipowicz is pinned to his own goal post by Philadelphia Eagles back Gil Steinke after he intercepted a pass intended for Steinke in the third quarter of the Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants football game at the Polo Grounds in New York City Nov. 10, 1946. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants halfback Kyle Rote catches a 22 yard pass from Charley Conerly, not shown, and carries Philadelphia Eagles Eddie Bell (81) into the end zone with him, to score the last Giants touchdown in the third period of their game Nov. 20, 1955 at the Polo Grounds in New York City. Other Eagles defenders are Linebacker Wayne Robinson (52) and Bob Hudson (42). The Giants won 31-7. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
New York Giants Coach Allie Sherman, Capt. has a pat on the back for his quarterback Y.A. Tittle after Tittle directed giants to stunning 38-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in New York Yankee Stadium on Nov. 12, 1961. Tittle has 18 completions, three for touchdowns, in 24 attempts. His aerials were good for 307 of the 440 yards the giants gained in the game. (AP Photo/John Lindsay)
Y.A. Tittle, New York football Giants? quarterback, is shown during workout at Yankee Stadium in New York on Dec. 8, 1961 where the team is preparing for upcoming game with the Philadelphia Eagles. (AP Photo/John Lindsay
Kyle Rote (44), New York Giants end, gets his fingers on the ball but fails to hang on as a pass into the end zone by back Charlie Conerly is incomplete in second period of a Giants Philadelphia Eagles pro-football game, Dec. 10, 1961, Philadelphia, Pa. Jimmy Carr (21) of the Eagles also reaches for the ball. (AP Photo)
New York Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle (14) hands football off to fullback Alex Webster (29) who goes for touchdown. Action took place in second quarter of game against the Philadelphia Eagles at New York?s Yankee Stadium on Nov. 10, 1963. (AP Photo)
Quarterback Fran Tarkenton of the New York Giants gets off a pass as he rushed by defensive end Mel Tom of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter Nov. 27, 1967 in New York's Yankee Stadium. (AP photo)
Philadelphia Eagle Mike Evans (59) against New York Giants Henry Davis (66) during a game on November 17. 1968 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. The New York Giants beat the Philadelphia Eagle 7-6. Mike Evans played for 6 season all with the Giants. Henry Davis played for 6 season with 2 different teams.(David Durochik via AP)
Bob Tucker (38), New York Giants tight end leaves Philadelphia Eagles defenders strewn behind him as he goes for touchdown on pass from quarterback Fran Tarkenton. This occurred at end of first period of Saturday's Giants- Eagles pre-season pro-football game in Princeton University's Palmer Stadium on Sept. 5, 1970. Eagles identifiable by number are Bo Burries (17) right safety, backs Ray Jones (21) and Jim Raye (30). Giants won, 27-7. (AP Photo)
New York Giants running back Larry Csonka (39) divers over Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Wilbert Montgomery (95) and defensive end Manny Sistrunk (79) for third period touchdown that put the Giants ahead temporarily in Giants-Eagles NFL game in Philadelphia, Sunday, Dec. 12, 1977. Eagles won in last seconds, 17-14. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)
New York Giants wide receiver Walt Love (46) runs a pass route during play against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFL football game in 1973. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Running back Vince Clements (29) of the New York Giants dives for the goal line against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1972. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants quarterback Craig Morton looks downfield for a receiver late in the Giants Philadelphia Eagles game at Yale Bowl in New Haven, Connecticut, on Sunday, Dec. 8, 1974. Face to-face in front of Morton are Eagles Jerry Patton (77 in light jersey) and Giants Tom Mullen. Due to heavy rains, the field was a sea of mud. (AP Photo)
Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski drops the football as he is hit by New York Giants George Martin (75) in wild card playoff game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 1981, Philadelphia, Pa. The fumble was not allowed, but Jaworski lost nine yards on the sack play. The rest of the players are unidentified. (AP Photo)
New York Giants Joe Danelo is lifted in the air by teammate Gordon King as teammates rush out onto the field to greet him after he kicked a game-winning field goal in the final seconds of Sunday, Jan. 3, 1982 NFL game at Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium. The Giants defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 26-24 (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham is sacked by New York Giants Carl Banks as he attempts to pass during third quarter NFL action in Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 30, 1985. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Randal Cunningham is sacked by New York Giants' Lawrence Taylor for a two-yard loss during third quarter action in an NFL game at Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium, Nov. 9, 1986. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)
New York Giants' Mark Bavaro, left, receives congratulations from teammates George Adams, center, and Stephen Baker after Bavaro caught a 19 yard pass for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles at Giants Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, Dec. 6, 1987. The Giants won 23-20 in overtime. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham is tackled by New York Giants' Lawrence Taylor as he ran for a three yard gain in the fourth quarter of game at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia on Sunday, Nov. 15, 1987. Taylor was injured on the play and helped off the field. The Giants won the game, 20-17. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) left, talks with Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Seth Joyner as they leave the field after the Giants beat the Eagles at Giants Stadium, Oct. 17, 1993. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Philadelphia Eagles' Herschel Walker, top center, gets stopped by Phillippi Sparks (22), bottom, of the New York Giants after a 4-yard gain in the first quarter of their game, Sept. 4, 1994, at Giant Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Giants' Michael Brooks (94) and Eagles' Calvin Williams, right, watch the play. The Giants won their season opener beating the Eagles 28-23. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel, who turned 48 years-old, has a bucket of Gatorade dumped on him by quarterback Dave Brown in celebration of their 31-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford N.J. on Sunday, August 31, 1997. Giants Corey Miller (57) and Charles Way (30) watch. (AP Photo/Dan Hulshizer)
New York Giants defensive tackle Robert Harris (97) celebrates after sacking Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ty Detmer in the third quarter of their game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sunday, August 31, 1997. (AP Photo/Dan Hulshizer)
New York Giants quarterback Danny Kannell passes under pressure from Philadelphia Eagles' Tim McTyer (24) and William Thomas (51) during the fourth quarter at Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 7, 1997. The Giants defeated the Eagles 31-21. (AP Photo/Chris Gardner)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer (81) is seen in action during an NFL Game against the Philadelphia Eagles Nov. 22, 1998, in East Rutherford, N. J. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Kent Graham (10) looks to throw a pass during an NFL Game against the Philadelphia Eagles Nov. 22, 1998, in East Rutherford, N. J. (Allen Kee via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles offense face the New York Giants defense during an NFL game Nov. 22, 1998, East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel looks at the replay screen during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Dec. 27, 1998 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Dan Hulshizer)
New York Giants' defensive end Michael Strahan celebrates after running back an interception of a tipped pass 44-yards for a touchdown to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 23-17 in overtime Sunday, Oct. 31, 1999 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/George Widman)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) greets Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Hugh Douglas after an NFL game at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 29, 2000. The Giants defeated the Eagles 24-7. (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) scores a 32-yard touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb tries to tackle him during the second quarter of their NFC divisional playoff game Sunday, Jan. 7, 2001, in East Rutherford, N.J. Sehorn set himself up for the play by intercepting a pass by McNabb intended for Eagles' Torrance Small. (AP Photo/Beth A. Keiser)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb tries to dodge New York Giants Mike Barrow, Michael Strahan and Jason Sehorn in the fourth quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Oct. 22, 2001. McNabb was sacked on the play but the Eagles went on to win 10-9. (AP Photo/Jeff Zelevansky)
New York Giants head coach Jim Fassel reacts after referees overturned a ruling on a completed Philadelphia Eagles pass in the fourth quarter at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Oct. 22, 2001. (AP Photo/Jeff Zelevansky)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) rushes upfield Oct. 28, 2002 at the Vet in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants 17 - 3. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins (5) scrambles from the pocket Oct. 28, 2002 at the Vet in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants 17 - 3. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
New York Giants place kicker Matt Bryant, left, kicks the game winning field goal from holder Matt Allen, right, in overtime against the Philadelphia Eagles Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 10-7 in overtime giving them a wildcard birth in the playoffs.(AP Photo/Chris Gardner)
New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey, left, catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown over Philadelphia Eagles free safety Brian Dawkins (20) during the fourth quarter Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 10-7 in overtime to make the playoffs as a wildcard team. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants safety Shaun Williams celebrates after intercepting a pass intended for the Philadelphia Eagles' Chad Lewis in overtime at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. on Saturday, December 28, 2002. The Giants won 10-7. (AP Photo/Bernie Nunez)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Dorsey Levans, right, is stopped by New York Giants' Mike Barrow, (58), Shaun Williams, (38), Brandon Short (53), and Michael Strahan, (92), during the second quarter Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 10-7 in overtime giving them a wildcard berth in the playoffs. (AP Photo/Chris Gardner)
New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey reacts to the fans after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Shockey caught ten passes for 98 yards and a touchdown as the Giants made the playoffs by beating the Eagles 10-7 in overtime. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants will play at the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan . 5, 2003 in a Wild Card Playoff. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber breaks away from Philadelphia Eagles defensive end N.D. Kalu (94) Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Barber gained 203 yards on 32 carries. The Giants will play at the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan . 5, 2003 in a Wild Card Playoff.(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive back William Peterson plays tight pass defense December 28, 2002 at the Meadowlands. The Giants defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime 10 - 7. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants linebacker Dhani Jones goes nose to nose with Philadelphia Eagles fullback Cecil Martin December 28, 2002 at the Meadowlands. The Giants defeated the Eagles in overtime 10 - 7. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer grabs a sideline pass December 28, 2002 at the Meadowlands. The Giants defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime 10 - 7. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants defensive end Kenny Holmes sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback A. J. Feeley December 28, 2002 at the Meadowlands. The Giants defeated the Eagles in overtime 10 - 7. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins scrambles for a gain December 28, 2002 at the Meadowlands. The Giants defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime 10 - 7. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb (5) fumbles the ball as his sacked by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Looking on are Giants end Kenny Holmes (90) and Eagles running back Brian Westbrook (36). (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The New York Giants' Plaxico Burress, right, celebrates with teammate Jeremy Shockey after Burress scored in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. , Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005. The Giants won, 27-17. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
New York Giants defender Osi Umenyiora (72) sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike McMahon (4) in overtime Sunday, Dec 11, 2005, in Philadelphia. Behind them is Giants Carlos Emmons. Giants' Kenderick Allen recovered McMahon's fumble on the play at the Eagles 27, setting up Giants kicker Jay Feely's winning kick four plays later as the Giants won in overtime, 26-23. (AP Photo/George Widman)
New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin celebrates stopping the Philadelphia Eagles on a fourth-and-one yard running play to take over on downs in the fourth quarter of their football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006, in Philadelphia. Behind Coughlin is linebacker Chase Blackburn (57). The Giants won, 30-24, in overtime.(AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)
New York Giants' Tiki Barber eludes Philadelphia Eagles' Brain Dawkins on his way to a touchdown in the first quarter during NFL football action Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) breaks a tackle by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Omar Gaither (96) as Eagles linebacker Dhani Jones (55) and Giants tackle Kareem McKenzie (67) look on during second quarter NFL football Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey looses his helmet when he collides with Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Omar Gaither during the second quarter of the NFL wild card football game in Philadelphia Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber heads down field during the second quarter of the NFL wild card football game in Philadelphia Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress comes down with a touchdown reception between Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown (24) and safety Quintin Mikell during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb fumbles the ball as he is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants sacked McNabb 12 times as they beat the Eagles 16-3. Umenyiora had a team-record six sacks. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, right, talks with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb (5) after the NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007. The Giants won 16-3. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter of NFL football in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants Plaxico Burress, left, leaves Philadelphia Eagles Sheldon Brown on the ground as he runs for a 31-yard pass completion in the fourth quarter of a football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007, in Philadelphia. The Giants won 16-13. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss #89 brings in a pass in the endzone for a touchdown during the NFL Game against the New York Giants on October 9th, 2008. The Giants won 36-31 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Brian Garfinkel)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning #10 motions to his line during the NFL Game against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 9th, 2008. The Giants won 36-31 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Brian Garfinkel)
Philadelphia Eagles' Mike Paterson (98) chases New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Philadelphia. Eagles won 36-31. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
New York Giants tight end Kevin Boss #89 jumps to avoid a tackle during the NFL Game against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 9th, 2008. The Giants won 36-31 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Brian Garfinkel)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles safety Quintin Mikell, right, during the first half of an NFL football game in Philadelphia, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick tries to run out of the grip of New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck during the first half of an NFL football game in Philadelphia, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw pushes off of Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Trent Cole during the second half of an NFL football game in Philadelphia, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning looks t pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants guard Kevin Boothe (77) and tackle Shawn Andrews (73) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants wide receiver Derek Hagan pulls in a touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagless in Philadelphia, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Miles Kennedy)
New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck strips the ball from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick during the second half of an NFL football game in Philadelphia, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Manning (10) calls signals at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday September 24, 2011 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, right, reacts as he scores a touchdown past Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel in the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning points out the defense in the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) scores a touchdown as he gets past Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (24) in the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, in Philadelphia. Giants won 29-16. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich (58) tackles Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (25) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. Herzlich, a cancer survivor, was not drafted and made the Giants as a free agent. He is starting in the middle for fellow rookie Greg Jones. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes (9) kicks a field goal during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) catches a touchdown pass in front of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (24) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' David Wilson (22) breaks a tackle by Philadelphia Eagles' DeMeco Ryans for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) calls out the defense during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants' Rueben Randle (82) celebrates with teammate Victor Cruz (80) after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
New York Giants defensive tackle Linval Joseph (97) sacks Philadelphia Eagles' Matt Barkley (2) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New York Giants players huddle before the snap against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning throws against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 19, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Byron Maxwell (31) tries to tackle New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 19, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
New York Giants tight end Will Tye (45) crosses the goal line for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches a pass during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants 27-24. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants 27-24. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) breaks free for a touch down reception during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants 27-24. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The New York Giants play the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) sacks Philadelphia Eagles' Carson Wentz (11) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates a touchdown score by Saquon Barkley (26) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur walks the field before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Q: In a game like you had last Sunday, when you had 522 yards, (Daniel) Jones is throwing the ball for a lot of yards and Saquon is having a big game, as a play-caller, are you more inclined to try different things or do you prefer to stick with what's working because you're producing so much?
Shurmur: "Throughout the game, you're doing different things to keep the defense off balance. Unlike a couple of games previous, we were converting on third down and we were scoring in the red zone, so you have an opportunity to get to some of the things that you wouldn't get to if you're not converting on third down. That's really more of the message. There's a set group of plays that we go into the game with, and then we adjust as we go."
Q: A lot has been made of Daniel's turnovers, but he's had four 300-yard games, and in those games, he has 15 touchdown passes and no interceptions. Is that an indication he can be a high-volume producer and avoid those mistakes?
Shurmur: "I think that's fair. The turnovers, he's thrown 11 interceptions and in a couple of games, he had multiple interceptions. Certainly, he has to take care of the football. But every time there's a turnover, there are reasons for it, some of which were not his fault. Ultimately, he's responsible because he's the one with the ball in his hands. But I think Daniel can be a very productive quarterback. Certainly, part of producing and helping your team win is to eliminate the mistakes that affect that."
Q: When did Deone Bucannon learn he would start in Washington, and how did he do filling in for (Alec) Ogletree?
Shurmur: "He's really been an off-and-on starter all year. He's the starter in some of our packages. But when Tree couldn't make it, we found that out during warmups, unfortunately. So then, Bucannon had a bigger role."
Q: DeAndre Baker was the subject of a lot of criticism early (in the season). The last couple of games, he's knocked away a couple of passes against Miami, he had 10 tackles the other day. Is he, for lack of a better term, starting to get it? Is he coming on a little bit at the end of the year?
Shurmur: "I think he's playing better. That comes with experience. Obviously, when you're starting rookies in the secondary, there are some growing pains there, for the player and the team. I think as he's becoming more consistent in his play, it's showing up and people are recognizing that. I still feel like he has a long way to go, but he's had many more good plays and fewer bad plays."
Q: One guy who doesn't get a lot of attention is Cody Core. He leads the team in special teams tackles for a team that's top 10 in both punt and kickoff coverage. He also seems to have a knack for downing the ball on punts. Has he been kind of an unsung producer for you guys?
Shurmur: "He's not unsung in our view. Part of why we brought him here was because he's had an impact his whole career on special teams, and I think this year is no different."
Q: Is that ability to down the punt on the one or two-yard line, is that a special skill for a player?
Shurmur: "Everything that happens on the field, the players have to have a knack for, certainly. Part of it is his effort to get down there, and then his judgement and spatial awareness of knowing where he's at and doing the right thing with the ball."
Q: Are there unique challenges to playing a team twice in four games?
Shurmur: "No, I think everybody is faced with this. Obviously, the game plan… The teams are probably as similar as they're going to be, as opposed to playing a team early in the year and late in the year. Teams tend to change. But even in the last couple of weeks, you have injuries, you get players back. In this game, we're going to have Dan Jones playing quarterback instead of Eli (Manning). So, there are changes, even within a month."
Q: The Eagles are third in the league in run defense. As you watch them on tape again this week, why are they so effective?
Shurmur: "Well, they have excellent players. They're outstanding in really all three levels of their defense. They have a defensive line that you need to account for. They're very disruptive. Their linebackers do a good job with their run fits, along with their safeties that play low at linebacker-level quite a bit. So, that's why. They're talented."
Q: They've had a lot of injuries at wide receiver and (running back Jordan) Howard was out for a while. Their top three receivers are tight ends and backs. Does that change the defensive mindset at all because their wide receivers aren't as involved as they've been?
Shurmur: "No. That's what we faced when we played them the first time. I think they have a very balanced offense. They obviously run the passing game through the inside receivers and the running backs. It's kind of a controlled passing game. They're trying to utilize the players that they have. They still throw it to their wideouts quite a bit. It's not like you don't cover them. They can be very effective when they do. I think like most offenses, it starts… they call a lot of run plays, like we do. They count on the quarterback (Carson Wentz) to make good decisions and be efficient with the ball. Then when big plays show up, try to take advantage of it."
Q: Greg Ward, a former college quarterback, he has 22 catches over the last five games. Does he look now like a good wide receiver?
Shurmur: "He does. There are a lot of former quarterbacks playing in the league, whether they played quarterback in high school or college. Having that skillset is good. But he's a wideout, he's had an effect and he's been productive for them."
Q: They're second in the league in third down conversions and time of possession. They like to keep the offense on the field and wear you down. It's important in every game, but does getting them off the field on third down become particularly vital this week?
Shurmur: "It's important every week. I think that's fair to say. We have to execute better than them and we have to get off the field."
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