Ian Book, Eagles backup QB with ‘style’ and ‘swag’, could hold Giants playoff hopes in his hands – The Denver Post

The Eagles player who could decide the Giants’ playoff fate this season didn’t even play in Sunday’s 48-22 demolition at MetLife Stadium.

Ian Book, Philly’s third quarterback, was inactive and quietly packing in his locker with a smile after his team improved to 12-1. And he sees the hypothetical scenario that could unfold.

The Eagles could have the NFC’s top seed locked away ahead of their Week 18 rematch with the Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on Jan. 8.

If that happens, MVP candidate Jalen Hurts would not play. Backup Gardner Minshew could. But Book certainly would.

He might even start.

“Of course it’s on my mind,” Book, 24, told The News of this possible scenario. “I’m sure Gardner thinks the same.”

NFL players don’t live in assumptions. They can not. And Book has made it clear that he and the entire Eagles team are ‘only focused on our next game’.

Still, with the slippery Giants (7-5-1) likely needing at least two more wins in the remaining four games against the Commanders, Vikings, Colts and Eagles, it’s possible Book decides on their spell.

And the Giants who know Book, Notre Dame’s winningest quarterback (30 wins), have a lot of respect for what the dual-threat QB can do on the field.

“He’s a great game director. He’s one of the smartest guys I’ve ever met, so he knows the system inside out,” said Giants linebacker Jaylon Smith, a former Notre Dame star, about Book.”He also plays with a bit of style and a bit of swag, so he’s not afraid to throw the big shot. I love him. In fact, I’ve talked to him after the match, I saw him. He learns a lot there by being a sponge, by soaking everything in it.

This is exactly what Book does.

Eagles assistant quarterbacks coach Alex Tanney, the former Giants QB, said Sunday that Book had “put in the work” and “bought in everything” he was learning to “grow” and s ‘to improve.

Book also praised the Eagles’ process and coaching. When asked what he likes about the team, he replied: “The attacking-minded head coach. Nick was great.

It revolves around the “offensive scheme”, their meetings and the preparation of the team.

“Everyone here is connected,” Book said. “They do everything here to make you better, from how they organize your lifts, to your diet, to your reps. They rate the reps on your practice squad. One of their pillars is to “connect and everyone here is connected.”

What’s so interesting about projecting Book’s possible impact in Week 18, however, is that he has virtually no sample size in the NFL after being drafted in the fourth round last year. last by the New Orleans Saints.

His only regular season appearance came in Week 15 last December. It went badly in a 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins, but then-rookie Book hadn’t found out until the previous Thursday that he was going to play.

Quarterbacks Trevor Siemian and Taysom Hill both tested positive for COVID-19 during a team-wide outbreak, which pushed Book into the emergency department. So it’s not like he’s clinging to the need to redeem himself.

“I deleted that game,” he said. “I’m not sure anyone will find these circumstances again unless there is another Covid outbreak. But obviously I want to come back and show what I can do.

For now, Book will help the Eagles prepare for next Sunday’s opponent, the Chicago Bears.

“Learn to act like Justin Fields this week, so that should be fun,” Book said with a laugh.

In January, he could end up having the Giants’ playoff hopes in his hands.

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