When Nate Sudfeld entered for the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter of a one-score game, the New York Giants players watching — like much of the rest of the country — couldn’t believe it.
The Giants needed the Eagles to beat the Washington Football Team to earn a playoff berth, and quarterback Jalen Hurts had kept the contest close. Philadelphia trailed 17-14 when Sudfeld entered. His four drives went as follows: interception, fumble, punt, end of game.
And those Giants players, understandably, were apoplectic over the decision. With the loss, the Eagles earned the No. 6 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Coach Doug Pederson had the chance to test out Sudfeld — who finished 5-for-12 with 32 yards and two turnovers.
The primetime matchup to decide the NFC East title left New York on the outside looking in, and at 6-10, the Giants’ season is finished.
I think the eagles just hate us more than washington. That’s only thing that could make sense right?
— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) January 4, 2021
Current Mood. @budlight pic.twitter.com/DPyvnNmPPf
— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) January 4, 2021
Why on gods green earth is Jalen Hurts not in the game
— Darius Slayton (@Young_Slay2) January 4, 2021
You play the game to win point blank period JJ Watt said it best the other day outside of how it effects us this just disrespectful to the game
— Darius Slayton (@Young_Slay2) January 4, 2021
Can someone make it make sense to me what’s going on….?
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) January 4, 2021
This is why we don’t like the Eagles. https://t.co/Efe7kEPtES
— Eli Manning (@EliManning) January 4, 2021
Late Sunday night, though, NBC’s Peter King spoke to Giants defensive back Logan Ryan, who put the loss into perspective.
“There will be a lot of opinions about whether they were trying to win,” Ryan said. “You want to play the game to win, but I don’t play for the Eagles, I don’t coach for the Eagles. It’s their team. Winning six games doesn’t give us much right to get pissed off about this. We didn’t play consistent enough all year to earn it.”
With the win, Washington will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild card round next week.
“Give credit to Washington,” Ryan said. “Ron Rivera, what he’s been through, and Alex Smith, his journey. Wow.”
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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