Eagles rout the Giants, 38-7, and advance to the NFC championship game

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni often refers to each week throughout the NFL season as an individual round of a heavyweight boxing match.

In the latest round Saturday evening, the top-seeded Eagles knocked the sixth-seeded New York Giants out of the playoffs in the NFC divisional round with a dominant 38-7 victory at Lincoln Financial Field.

Jalen Hurts and Dallas Goedert emphatically set the tone. After the Eagles tight end hauled in a short completion from Hurts on the opening drive, Goedert turned upfield and noticed Giants’ No. 1 cornerback Adoree’ Jackson standing in his way. With the football tucked in his left hand, Goedert closed his right fist, cocked his arm back, and delivered a pointed stiff-arm punch to Jackson’s chin. It was a nasty blow that symbolized the Eagles’ readiness as they began their playoff push.

“He’s trying to punish somebody,” Hurts said of Goedert. “The physicality he plays with, how he came out there ... he’s not trying to spare no man. He’s trying to apply pressure. He definitely created energy and enthusiasm.”

Just five plays later, Goedert hauled in another completion, and he danced his way into the end zone. His score represented one of five touchdowns with the Eagles outgaining the Giants in total net yards 416-227.

“Jalen said he’s starving for this,” Goedert said. “We all follow along. He’s the leader of this place. He had it in him, so we all followed suit.”

The Eagles advanced to the NFC championship game. They’ll host either the San Francisco 49ers or the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Jan. 29, at 3 p.m.

» READ MORE: Dallas Goedert’s punch sets the tone in Eagles’ knockout of Giants

Before kickoff, Hurts told Fox sideline reporter Pam Oliver from the home sideline that he was “nowhere near 100%.” The 24-year-old also hinted that he was dealing with some sort of bug.

Only Hurts knows the true pain that the second-team All-Pro quarterback is dealing with. He suffered a sprained throwing shoulder a month ago and was sidelined for two games before Hurts returned in the regular-season finale against the Giants. Heading into Saturday’s game, Hurts was omitted from the injury report, an indication that he was nearing full health. Regardless, Hurts was a clear beneficiary of the bye week, and he answered lingering questions with his performance in his second career playoff game.

Sirianni and offensive play caller Shane Steichen reopened the playbook, deploying Hurts in his typical form. Between a mix of run-pass options and designed quarterback runs, Hurts proved he was ready for the task. Hurts completed 16 of 24 passes for 154 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also embraced contact as a dual threat; Hurts rushed nine times for 34 yards and one touchdown.

“We all know [my ability to run] adds an extra dynamic to what we can do,” Hurts said. “You work really hard for these opportunities. I’m very eager to continue to grow. I’m eager to go through anything and everything with this group.”

» READ MORE: No worries: Eagles’ 38-7 demolition of the Giants sets up a Super Bowl run

Wide receiver DeVonta Smith and Goedert paced the offense with a combined 11 catches, 119 receiving yards, and two touchdowns.

“It’s always big to start fast,” Goedert said. “I think that stiff-arm got some energy going for our team. I think our whole team was ready to go. When I face up against a DB, I try to stiff-arm him every time. They’re too small, they can’t reach me. I landed one that I’ve been waiting to land for a while.”

Reserve tailback Kenneth Gainwell led the Eagles with a career-high 112 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. Renowned “Giant killer” Boston Scott added 32 rushing yards and his own touchdown. Scott has recorded touchdowns in each of his nine career games, including the playoffs, against the Giants.

“I [knew] it was going to be a big game after the first drive because of how much push we were getting from the offensive line,” Gainwell said. “I’m always going to keep driving my feet. I make sure once I know I have contact, the defender doesn’t win. I try to give myself one or two extra yards, and always fall forward.

“Everybody brought their swagger today. Everybody came ready. The O-line came ready, knowing we weren’t leaving here without a win.”

Ex-Giant James Bradberry had said he felt a sense of vindication ahead of the playoff matchup against his former team. The All-Pro cornerback then laid the wood on defense, recording an interception and two passes defensed against Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. Bradberry also recorded a key stop on third down that forced one of the Giants’ five punts.

“We knew Daniel could make plays with his legs, and our defensive line did a good job of keeping him in the pocket when we needed to,” Bradberry said. “There were some times back there where we were getting coverage sacks. We were tight in our coverage, tight on our man, and it allowed them to rush the quarterback and get some plays on the ball.”

The pass rush constantly disrupted Jones and running back Saquon Barkley in the backfield. Barkley managed just 61 yards on nine rushes, with 39 on one carry. With Haason Reddick, Fletcher Cox, Josh Sweat, and Brandon Graham combining for five sacks, Jones struggled to establish any rhythm in a hostile environment. He completed 15 of 27 passes for 135 yards with zero touchdowns.

The Eagles recorded a whopping 26 first downs compared to New York’s 13.

“Some guys never get to this position, so I know for me — I’m just taking it all in because you just have to have a focus that’s out of this world,” Graham said. “So many people, especially being the No. 1 seed, everybody wants to beat you. Everybody’s talking stuff about you. You’ve got to block the noise out. You’ve got to stay focused to what’s at task, and that’s winning the next one.

“That’s what we’re on now. We’re enjoying this win and we’re on to the next one because we’re getting closer to our dreams right now.”

Right tackle Lane Johnson made his return from his two-game absence. Johnson is battling through a torn tendon in his groin area suffered during the team’s loss to the Cowboys on Christmas Eve. The injury is serious enough that it will eventually require surgery. However, Johnson is pushing that procedure back to the offseason in an attempt to be available for his team.

Johnson apparently labored throughout the game, but the All-Pro selection displayed perseverance while he appeared on every offensive snap. The Eagles will benefit from an extra day of rest as they await the winner between the 49ers and the Cowboys.

“Lane is a warrior, he’s a true warrior,” Hurts said. “He’s a very important piece to this team. I’m very grateful for him.”

Left guard Landon Dickerson limped off the field during the second quarter. He was briefly replaced by Andre Dillard. Dickerson returned after a brief absence and he played through the fourth quarter.