Jameis Winston replaced the injured J.J. McCarthy long enough to throw a go-ahead touchdown pass as the New York Giants beat the Philadelphia Eagles 19-11 at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, handing the Eagles their seventh straight loss.
The win, the Giants’ first road victory against Philadelphia since October 27, 2013, keeps New York top of the NFC East at 5-2-1, according to the Associated Press via Sportsnet. The Eagles, who started the season 2-0, fall to 2-7 and have now lost seven in a row — their longest losing streak in years.
It was a miserable afternoon for Philadelphia, and a triumphant one for a Giants side who are now the surprise leaders of their division.
Winston’s moment
Winston’s go-ahead touchdown pass was the decisive moment of a tight, low-scoring game. Brought on after McCarthy’s injury, the veteran quarterback did what he has done throughout his career — made the big play when his team needed it most.
The Giants’ defence did the rest, holding the Eagles to 11 points and keeping Philadelphia’s offence under control throughout. It was a complete team performance from a side who have exceeded every expectation this season.
For the Eagles, the defeat is a new low. Seven straight losses after a 2-0 start is a collapse of historic proportions, and the pressure on the coaching staff and the front office is now immense.
The NFC East race
The Giants lead the division at 5-2-1, with Dallas at 4-5 and Washington at 2-6-1 after their defeat to the Rams. Philadelphia, at 2-7, are bottom — and their season is effectively over with two months still to play.
It is a remarkable turnaround for a Giants side who were not expected to compete this season, and a stunning collapse for an Eagles team who started the year with Super Bowl ambitions.
What comes next
The Giants go into the week as division leaders, with a Thursday night game against Washington next on the schedule. The Eagles, meanwhile, face a long final stretch and hard questions about their future. Seven straight defeats is the kind of run that ends seasons — and sometimes ends regimes.
Read more: Williams Scores Late as Cowboys Rally Past Colts 27-23 ; Mahomes Throws Two TDs as Chiefs Rout Jets 35-12 in Kansas City
