Giants know they must be aware of Eagles QB Joe Milton’s mobility

November 8, 2026

The New York Giants have had their troubles against their rivaled Philadelphia Eagles in recent years. At 2-6, the Eagles are hardly a threat to the Giants’ current reign in the NFC East, yet a recent change at quarterback could create room for redemption for Philly in Week 9.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni named reserve quarterback Joe Milton the starter for Week 9 and rightfully so, considering the struggles of rookie Tanner McKee.

Milton was a formidable talent at the University of Tennessee in his CFB days, and he polished himself professionally with short tenures with the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys. Behind a hyped home crowd at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 9, Milton will be looking to defeat the Giants to carry on tradition this Sunday.

Tradition may seem like a stretch of imagination, but the Giants have lost 13 straight games in Philadelphia.

Milton must avoid turnovers versus a feisty Giants defense, and his operation under a conservative approach may suffice for the Eagles’ offensive strategy. Behind the legs of running back Saquon Barkley, Milton is likely to sequence in on a few quarterback runs and scrambles on broken offensive plays.

To account for Milton’s mobility, Giants defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson might consider deploying a spy with his defensive personnel. Giants linebacker Arvell Reese may be subject to this responsibility as he leads the team with 39 solo tackles in 2026.

“They’re going to do certain things they want to do with him because he’s an athletic guy. We understand that. Some of the stuff that they did with Jalen (Hurts) probably resurfaced that they haven’t done,” Wilson said this week. “He’s a big man. He can run. He’s elusive in the pocket, and he can throw the ball 100 yards. So we have to be aware of that.

“He’s going to bring a different dynamic to the offense, and we’re really aware of it. It’s not going to change what we do. We’re going to play attack-defense, and that’s what we pride ourselves on.”

Nevertheless, attrition will play a factor in Sunday’s contest, and the Giants need to contain Milton from turning improbable plays into first downs with his innate mobility and athleticism.