As the New York Giants prepare for their pivotal rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, the spotlight shines on Lincoln Financial Field’s notorious reputation as the NFL’s most hostile environment.
Veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton, the longest-tenured Giant, ranks Philly crowds No. 1 in sheer antagonism.
“They’re probably number one in hostility, for sure,” Slayton told reporters on Wednesday. “It feels hostile. It feels like you’re on the wrong side of town. But in a football game, you kind of like it that way. It’s like, we came over here, we’re going to try to cause a ruckus.”
Echoing Slayton’s sentiment, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart — making his anticipated Philly debut — views the venomous vibe as fuel. Dart likened the Eagles-Giants rivalry to SEC showdowns.
“It’s going to be intense for sure. I can’t wait to go out there and compete and kind of just feel the hostility in the air,” he enthused. “I kind of compare it to an SEC rivalry… I’m really excited for the atmosphere.”
Dart thrives on the chirping, admitting he relishes pregame taunts from rowdy student sections.
“I like to hear it,” he said, embracing the villain role on the road. “It just amps up the intensity.”
For Slayton, an SEC alum himself, the parallel is uncanny.
“You play in that conference, it’s the same way going to those away stadiums,” he said. “That’s what makes it great, that competitive fire.”
As the Giants chase their first Philly win in over a decade, this cauldron could ignite a breakthrough — or break spirits. Dart’s composure under fire, honed in SEC infernos, positions him to silence the boos. Will the Giants turn hostility into home-field havoc?
Eagles fans, brace for battle.