Matchups not involving Jalen Hurts that may decide Eagles vs. Giants in Week 7

Here's a confession. We're addicted to behind-the-scenes access, sports documentaries, and following NFL Insiders on X. Subplots and backstories always tell the tale. Each play of an NFL game has meaning, but each Philadelphia Eagles win this season has come down to a play here or there to fuel the outcome.

That's also true of the losses, and here we go again. Eagles vs. Giants is scheduled for the 184th time. This one's at MetLife Stadium.

Big Blue's home turf has been a nightmare place to visit for Jalen Hurts, and maybe it will be again. Who knows? We can guess, but it's hard to know what to expect.

Frankly, we expect some rocky patches but also an Eagles win. These games are rarely pretty. QB1 will again be under the microscope, but his tale isn't the only subplot worth mentioning.

Here are six key matchups that may decide the game that don't include Philly's franchise signal-caller.

Nick Sirianni vs. his assistant coaches

Sometimes, it's hard to decipher whether the Eagles' coaches are all in sync with one another. Nick Sirianni says he calls plays that don't work.

Vic Fangio says he didn't actually call a play. Kellen Moore says his relationship with Nick isn't any different from one he's had with another head coach. The eyeball test tells us all that something is wrong even if we can't pinpoint what it is.

Certain sects of Gotham seemed just as displeased with Brian Daboll and his staff. Can we say this coaching duel comes down to the one that's 'less inept'?

Fred Johnson vs. Brian Burns (or Boogie Basham?)

Brian Burns didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but until further notice, we're going to assume he is playing. He's an elite pass rusher who will primarily line up versus Eagles reserve left tackle Fred Johnson.

Fred is the 'next man up' now that we know Jordan Mailata will miss a few weeks. He's assigned with protecting Jalen Hurts' blind side.

Boogie Basham gets the call if, for whatever reason, Burns can't go. Let's hope for an A-1 performance from Fred and Lane Johnson on the edges.

Eagles interior O-line vs. Dexter Lawrence

Life continues with Cam Jurgens anchoring an O-line Jason Kelce once anchored. So far, so good.

Landon Dickerson and Mekhi Becton are his bookends up front. They'll have their hands full with some guy named Dexter Lawrence. He promises this Week 7 matchup will be a 'war'.

Malik Nabers vs. the Eagles secondary

Like Burns, we're assuming Malik Nabers will play. He's in concussion protocol but was a full participant in practice on Thursday.

He has notched 35 receptions, 386 yards receiving, and three trips to the end zone so far this season. This comes while only appearing in four games with three starts.

A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith vs. Deonte Banks and Cor'Dale Flott

Yeah, we know we said 'matchups that don't involve Jalen Hurts'. We also know he's involved in this one to a huge degree as he's charged with getting the ball into the hands of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

Let's not be technical...

All we're saying is this. Philly's success on offense is hugely tied to the dynamic duo. This week, they line up versus Giants corners Deonte Banks and Cor'Dale Flott.

Josh Sweat, Bryce Huff, & Nolan Smith vs. Joshua Ezeudu & Jermaine Eluemunor

If you look at surface stats, you'd think Josh Sweat hasn't done a whole lot. If you dig deeper, you'll see he's been just as good as most of the pass rushers in the league this season. Bryce Huff and Nolan Smith are on the other end of that spectrum, but we'd argue their ineffectiveness is tied to improper usage.

Jermaine Eluemunor will be asked to keep Huff in check this week. On the other side of the formation, the G-Men, like Philly, are without their starting tackle. Andrew Thomas is out, and that means Joshua Ezeudu is in. This could contribute to a big day for Sweat.

He has tallied nine tackles (six solo), two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups in 11 career games versus the Giants.