Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
The New York Giants are gearing up for a tough Thursday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles — one that could define their offensive identity moving forward. With injuries piling up at wide receiver and rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart still adjusting to NFL speed, the Giants’ tight ends may once again be the focal point of their offensive game plan.
Rookie Theo Johnson, in particular, has emerged as one of the Giants’ most consistent red zone weapons. But against an Eagles defense ranked among the best in the league — especially when defending tight ends — Johnson and his teammates face a serious test.
Theo Johnson’s Red Zone Momentum: Can He Stay Hot?
Few players have risen faster in the Giants’ offense than Theo Johnson. The rookie tight end has scored three touchdowns over his last two games, quickly developing chemistry with Jaxson Dart. But the Philadelphia Eagles defense has a reputation for shutting down tight ends, allowing just one touchdown to the position all season.
Giants.com analysts John Schmeelk, Dan Salomone, and Matt Citak shared their “Fact or Fiction” takes on whether Johnson can continue his scoring streak.
Read More>>Caroline Marks
John Schmeelk: Predicting a Tight Red Zone Battle
Schmeelk remains cautious about Johnson’s chances of finding the end zone again. While acknowledging the rookie’s recent success, he points out that predicting touchdowns is always risky — especially against a defense that rarely gives up points inside the 20-yard line.
“Theo Johnson has been a popular target down there,” Schmeelk explained, “but I’ll go with the odds and say someone else scores against an Eagles defense that rarely gives up red zone touchdowns.”
Schmeelk expects the Giants to focus on the running game or possibly design a play-action pass to fellow tight end Daniel Bellinger or veteran Chris Manhertz. With the Eagles’ defensive front controlling the line of scrimmage, he anticipates limited red zone opportunities for both teams.
Dan Salomone: Expect a Bigger Role for Theo Johnson
Salomone sees things more optimistically. With Darius Slayton sidelined by a hamstring injury and rookie standout Malik Nabers out for the season, the Giants’ offense could lean even more on its tight ends.
“Theo Johnson and the tight ends could be in line for plenty of targets again,” Salomone said. “His timing with Dart could be the difference-maker near the end zone.”
Salomone believes Johnson’s growing confidence and strong chemistry with Dart make him a prime candidate to extend his touchdown streak, especially in short-yardage situations where the Giants have struggled to convert.
Matt Citak: Eagles’ Defense Could End the Streak
Citak takes a more skeptical approach. Despite Johnson’s recent success, he points to Philadelphia’s dominance against tight ends as a major obstacle.
“It’ll be tough for Johnson to extend his scoring streak to three games,” Citak noted, emphasizing how well the Eagles defend the middle of the field.
Through five weeks, the Eagles have allowed only 19 receptions for 141 yards to tight ends — a testament to their disciplined linebackers and coverage schemes. Citak expects Johnson to be targeted, but doubts he’ll find the same space he enjoyed in previous matchups.
Can the Giants’ Tight Ends Combine for 10+ Receptions?
With wide receivers sidelined, another key question emerges: Can the Giants’ tight ends combine for more than 10 catches, as they did last week against the Saints?
John Schmeelk: Fiction – Expect a More Balanced Attack
Schmeelk believes the Giants will utilize more 12 personnel sets (two-tight-end formations), but he’s not convinced they’ll reach double-digit receptions again.
“With linebackers Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell playing at an elite level, the Eagles make things difficult for tight ends,” he said.
Given Philadelphia’s ability to limit tight end production, Schmeelk expects the Giants to spread the ball more evenly across their offense.
Dan Salomone: Fact – Tight Ends Could Carry the Load
Salomone remains optimistic, predicting that short passes to tight ends could serve as the Giants’ best counter to the Eagles’ pass rush.
“All completions and points will come at a premium,” he said, “but the tight ends have produced when called upon.”
If Jaxson Dart leans on quick, safe throws, the tight ends could again combine for 10 or more catches — particularly if the Giants’ offensive line struggles against the Eagles’ front seven.
Matt Citak: Fiction – Targets Won’t Equal Catches
Citak expects heavy targeting for Johnson and Bellinger, but not enough completions to reach the 10-catch mark.
“They’ll get their opportunities,” Citak said, “but this secondary makes tight end production extremely hard.”
Citak predicts the Eagles’ linebackers will disrupt passing lanes, limiting catch efficiency even if the volume is there.
Final Takeaway: Giants Tight Ends Face Their Biggest Test Yet
As the Giants prepare for their Week 6 clash with the Eagles, the outcome could hinge on how well their tight ends perform against one of the league’s most disciplined defenses. Theo Johnson has become a focal point of the offense — but maintaining his touchdown streak or helping the unit surpass 10 receptions will demand near-perfect execution.
If the Giants’ tight ends can thrive under pressure, they may just keep their season hopes alive against a divisional powerhouse.
Read More>>Johnny Depp Net Worth 2025
[…] Read More>>Giants vs Eagles […]