The rivalry between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles has always carried fire, intensity, and no shortage of drama — but this week, that rivalry just got even hotter. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who stunned the league earlier this month by leading the Giants to a shocking 34-17 victory over the defending Super Bowl champions, has once again grabbed headlines ahead of the rematch at Lincoln Financial Field.

As the two NFC East foes prepare to meet again this Sunday, Dart’s confident words have set the tone for what’s shaping up to be one of the most heated matchups of Week 8. The rookie isn’t backing down, even as the Eagles surge back from their brief stumble to reclaim their dominance in the league.

“It’s going to be intense for sure,” Dart told reporters. “I can’t wait to go out there and compete and feel the hostility in the air. The rivalry between the two organizations – it’s going to be really cool. I kind of compare it to an SEC rivalry, so I’m really excited for the atmosphere.”

That “hostility” he’s referring to? It’s no secret. Eagles fans are notorious for making Lincoln Financial Field one of the toughest stadiums in the NFL to play in — loud, passionate, and unrelenting. It’s the kind of environment that has broken the nerves of even seasoned veterans. For a rookie like Dart, the challenge is enormous. But for him, that’s exactly what makes it exciting.

The Giants’ first victory against the Eagles was no fluke. Dart completed 17-of-25 passes for 195 yards, threw one touchdown, and ran for another. His poise, mobility, and energy breathed new life into a struggling Giants offense. However, as the rookie himself acknowledged, this time around will be an entirely different story. The Eagles have had time to regroup — and revenge is clearly on their minds.

Philadelphia enters the rematch with a 5-2 record, riding a wave of momentum after bouncing back from a mid-season slump. Their defense has tightened up, and the offense — led by Jalen Hurts and a fully healthy receiving corps — looks every bit as explosive as it did during their Super Bowl run.

When asked about Dart’s comments, one Eagles veteran didn’t hold back, delivering a quote that immediately lit up social media.

“He can talk all he wants — but when you walk into Philly, you’re walking into a storm,” the Eagles star said. “Our fans don’t forget, and neither do we. Let’s see if he still smiles after the first hit.”

That statement perfectly captures the mindset inside the Eagles’ locker room right now: determined, vengeful, and ready to reclaim their pride after that Week 6 upset. It’s not just about the scoreboard — it’s about sending a message.

Dart, for his part, seems more than willing to embrace the “villain” role. The young quarterback told reporters that he enjoys being the target of opposing fans’ energy, comparing it to the adrenaline rush of big college rivalry games. “It just amps up the moment,” he said. “It’s a lot more fun to play in front of that than to play in front of no one at all.”

That kind of confidence can be infectious — but it can also backfire quickly in Philadelphia. Over the years, countless players have walked into The Linc with swagger, only to be swallowed by the roar of the home crowd and the pressure of the moment. The Eagles have built their reputation on feeding off that energy, and Sunday’s atmosphere will be no exception.

Still, the Giants have a chance to shock the world again. With a 2-5 record, they desperately need a statement win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Dart’s leadership and composure will be put to the ultimate test against a defense that’s known for blitzing young quarterbacks relentlessly.

Oddsmakers aren’t giving New York much of a chance — ESPN BET currently lists the Giants as 7.5-point underdogs — but that might just add fuel to their fire. Dart and his teammates have already shown that they can rise above expectations once. Doing it again, however, would cement Dart’s growing reputation as a fearless young leader who thrives in chaos.

For the Eagles, this isn’t just another divisional game. It’s personal. The memory of that earlier loss — especially on national TV — still stings. With the home crowd behind them and a point to prove, Philadelphia will look to remind the league why they remain one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL.

Whether Dart’s defiance will inspire another upset or provoke a dominant response from the Eagles remains to be seen. One thing is certain — when the Giants step onto that field in Philadelphia, the hostility will be real, the noise will be deafening, and every play will feel like a battle.

And as that Eagles star warned, “You can talk before the game all you want — but in Philly, it’s the hits that do the talking.”