The Pittsburgh Panthers stole a win against undefeated Connecticut Monday night in Petersen Events Center. The sixth ranked Panthers topped fourth ranked UConn 78-63 in a Big East battle of supremacy. Both teams have been ranked in the Big East’s top two for the past decade and another chapter was added to the rivalry last night. The Panthers improved to 13-1 in beating the Huskies for the fourth consecutive time in the series between the teams. Kemba Walker stole the show for the Huskies with 31 points, but it was the Panthers who were too much for Uconn’s defense. Walker added five steals and four rebounds. Junior Ashton Gibbs led Pitt with 21 points and senior Brad Wanamaker turned in 14 as the Panthers won their third straight game. Pittsburgh held the previously unbeaten Huskies to 32 percent shooting. Connecticut is now 10-1 on the season.
The Panthers showed last night why they remain an unblemished 8-0 against top five teams since 2002. Four players scored in double digits for Jamie Dixon’s Panthers. Pitt marched to a 37-28 halftime lead as the efficient offense and transition defense finally showed up on the same night for the home team. Nasir Robinson logged 11 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Pitt. Panthers’ center, Gary McGhee, also contributed 11 points while snagging 11 rebounds in the victory. McGhee and Robinson recorded double-doubles as Pitt held a commanding and comfortable lead throughout the conference’s first matchup of top ten teams.
The steamrolling Panthers shot 52 percent from the field and Gibbs was a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Pittsburgh never trailed during the contest and even carried a 17 point lead at one point during the second half. The Huskies attempted a late comeback but Pitt’s balance and depth were too much to overcome. Connecticut shot the ball poorly and was clearly outplayed. Walker was a one-man wrecking crew, putting up nearly half of Connecticut’s 63 points. Walker finished with a game high in buckets, but he needed 27 shots to do so. The Connecticut junior shot just 10-for-27 from the field. Connecticut has lost five of their last six conference openers. Jim Calhoun is just 1-for-5 at Pitt’s arena.
Parting Points: Jerry Jones is searching for the next Cowboys’ coach. Dallas is 4-3 under interim coach, Jason Garrett. The “boys genius” seems to make the most sense for me (unless Bill Cowher suddenly becomes available).
The Saints clipped the Falcons in a meeting between two of the NFC’s best teams.
How good is Dustin Brown? I love this Ithaca, NY native for the Los Angeles Kings. If you take anything from the plus/minus statistic, Brown is in the top three. (Personally, I don’t think that’s a great measure of individual performance)
This is post #700 and the final one of 2010! Have a Happy New Year.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Frozen Fumble
The Aaron Rodgers-led Packers romped the New York Giants in a playoff clash at Lambeau Field. Rodgers unleashed four touchdown passes and threw for 404 yards to keep Green Bay’s playoff hopes alive in a 45-17 New York thrashing. The Packers’ offense shredded New York’s defense for a season high 515 yards as the Giants fell to 9-6. New York has an outside chance of making the post-season but they will have to do so through the backdoor. Big Blue failed in their attempt for win-and-you’re-in Sunday afternoon at the frozen tundra. The Giants couldn’t stop Rodgers or hold on to the ball. Eli Manning threw four interceptions as his turnover numbers continue to climb to epic proportions. Green Bay entered Sunday’s game needing two games to make the playoffs. The Packers host Chicago in the final regular-season game next week. New York must beat the Redskins and hope the Packers lose next week or the Saints lose their final two games.
Green Bay raced out to a 14-0 lead and were the only team to score in the opening quarter. Jordy Nelson outran the Giants secondary for an 80 yard touchdown on the Pack’s second possession of the game. James Jones’ three yard reception from Rodgers gave Green Bay a two touchdown edge with less than two minutes left in the first quarter. The G men finally hit the end zone when Hakeem Nicks hauled in a 36 yard touchdown pass from Manning to cut the Green Bay lead in half. The Giants’ quarterback was 17-for-33 in the loss, with a pair of touchdown passes and 301 yards. After the Giants recovered a Nelson fumble in the red zone, Manning found Mario Manningham five minutes before halftime to tie the game at 14-14. The 85 yard play was the longest of Manning’s career, but the splendor would be thwarted on the next Packer drive. Green Bay fullback, John Kuhn, turned a 79 yard drive into a seven point Packers’ lead with an eight yard run up the middle. The Giants went into the locker room down by a touchdown.
Mason Crosby’s 31 yard field goal made it 24-14 in favor of the home team. Lawrence Tynes kicked a 38 yarder through the uprights as the Giants and Packers traded field goals to begin the second half. Rodgers tossed two more touchdown passes in the final two quarters to give Green Bay a sizable lead. Rodgers hit Donald Lee from one yard out and Kuhn with a five yard dish as the Pack overpowered Big Blue. Kuhn finished the Sunday scoring with another touchdown run with 4:20 left in regulation to lift the Packers 45-17. Green Bay scored 24 points off the Giants’ six turnovers. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs lost fumbles as New York added to their 36 turnovers this season. Greg Jennings caught seven passes for 142 yards for Green Bay. Manningham caught four passes for 132 yards to lead New York receivers.
Parting Points: Playoff clinchers so far-New England, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York (Jets), Chicago,& Atlanta
Green Bay raced out to a 14-0 lead and were the only team to score in the opening quarter. Jordy Nelson outran the Giants secondary for an 80 yard touchdown on the Pack’s second possession of the game. James Jones’ three yard reception from Rodgers gave Green Bay a two touchdown edge with less than two minutes left in the first quarter. The G men finally hit the end zone when Hakeem Nicks hauled in a 36 yard touchdown pass from Manning to cut the Green Bay lead in half. The Giants’ quarterback was 17-for-33 in the loss, with a pair of touchdown passes and 301 yards. After the Giants recovered a Nelson fumble in the red zone, Manning found Mario Manningham five minutes before halftime to tie the game at 14-14. The 85 yard play was the longest of Manning’s career, but the splendor would be thwarted on the next Packer drive. Green Bay fullback, John Kuhn, turned a 79 yard drive into a seven point Packers’ lead with an eight yard run up the middle. The Giants went into the locker room down by a touchdown.
Mason Crosby’s 31 yard field goal made it 24-14 in favor of the home team. Lawrence Tynes kicked a 38 yarder through the uprights as the Giants and Packers traded field goals to begin the second half. Rodgers tossed two more touchdown passes in the final two quarters to give Green Bay a sizable lead. Rodgers hit Donald Lee from one yard out and Kuhn with a five yard dish as the Pack overpowered Big Blue. Kuhn finished the Sunday scoring with another touchdown run with 4:20 left in regulation to lift the Packers 45-17. Green Bay scored 24 points off the Giants’ six turnovers. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs lost fumbles as New York added to their 36 turnovers this season. Greg Jennings caught seven passes for 142 yards for Green Bay. Manningham caught four passes for 132 yards to lead New York receivers.
Parting Points: Playoff clinchers so far-New England, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York (Jets), Chicago,& Atlanta
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Boxing Bevy
The term “box” is bountiful in sports. The word is used profusely in almost every athletic game we play. Since today is Boxing Day, let’s revisit the boxes we encounter in our favorite sports.
First, there’s the actual sport of boxing. The combative fist-fight competition is one dating back to ancient history. When I think of boxing, I think of red Everlast gloves, bloody noses and knockouts (KO’s). I think of jabs and uppercuts, Rocky movies and Ali’s rope-a-dope. Boxing was as American as any other sport in its heyday. Boxing developed an international following because fans embraced contenders like Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson and The Manassa Mauler, Jack Dempsey. The interest is waning in the sport today. Manny Pacquiao is the king of the sport in this 21st century society. I’d like to see boxing revived because it’s a true combat sport that requires physical skills, balance and good reflexes.
Box out is a term frequently used in basketball. Coaches team the proper technique of “boxing out” because defense and rebounding are imperative to the game. Boxing out requires a defensive player to make contact with the person they are guarding. Boxing out is protecting the hoop by drawing the player away from the basket. Good body positioning and pivoting are key to a successful box outs.
Most professional hockey players are familiar with the penalty box. It’s the area on the side of the rink where players who commit penalties must sit for a set number of minutes during a game. The infraction could be for hooking, tripping, cross-checking or interference. Nobody wants to be in the penalty box because it leaves your team short-handed on the ice unless both teams commit penalties.
The service box is of upmost importance in tennis. The left and right service boxes are divided by a center line and bounded off by the service line. Any serve landing within the box is playable. Players must aim their serve into the opposite diagonal box and avoid hitting the net. Service placement is so vital to being an effective tennis player.
Eight in the box defense is common in football. The alignment consists of eight of the eleven players near the line of scrimmage. Defensive lineman and linebackers are usually considered in the “box”, normally occupied by seven players. Coaches will call for an “eight in the box” defense against a strong running team to make a solid defensive front. It’s typical for a safety to leave his post and line up near the line of scrimmage in this formation.
The batter’s box is 36 inches wide. It’s the area where the batter must stand when receiving a pitch in a baseball game. When I played Little League, there were several kids who had trouble staying in the box. Many feared getting beaned, but stepping out of the box during a delivery is not permitted. As soon as a batter steps out of the box, the ball is dead and the batter is out. As you can see, the batter’s box has gigantic implications.
Parting Points: Cowboys lose a tight one on Christmas night…
Book for Sunday- “The Imperfectionists” by Tom Rachman
First, there’s the actual sport of boxing. The combative fist-fight competition is one dating back to ancient history. When I think of boxing, I think of red Everlast gloves, bloody noses and knockouts (KO’s). I think of jabs and uppercuts, Rocky movies and Ali’s rope-a-dope. Boxing was as American as any other sport in its heyday. Boxing developed an international following because fans embraced contenders like Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson and The Manassa Mauler, Jack Dempsey. The interest is waning in the sport today. Manny Pacquiao is the king of the sport in this 21st century society. I’d like to see boxing revived because it’s a true combat sport that requires physical skills, balance and good reflexes.
Box out is a term frequently used in basketball. Coaches team the proper technique of “boxing out” because defense and rebounding are imperative to the game. Boxing out requires a defensive player to make contact with the person they are guarding. Boxing out is protecting the hoop by drawing the player away from the basket. Good body positioning and pivoting are key to a successful box outs.
Most professional hockey players are familiar with the penalty box. It’s the area on the side of the rink where players who commit penalties must sit for a set number of minutes during a game. The infraction could be for hooking, tripping, cross-checking or interference. Nobody wants to be in the penalty box because it leaves your team short-handed on the ice unless both teams commit penalties.
The service box is of upmost importance in tennis. The left and right service boxes are divided by a center line and bounded off by the service line. Any serve landing within the box is playable. Players must aim their serve into the opposite diagonal box and avoid hitting the net. Service placement is so vital to being an effective tennis player.
Eight in the box defense is common in football. The alignment consists of eight of the eleven players near the line of scrimmage. Defensive lineman and linebackers are usually considered in the “box”, normally occupied by seven players. Coaches will call for an “eight in the box” defense against a strong running team to make a solid defensive front. It’s typical for a safety to leave his post and line up near the line of scrimmage in this formation.
The batter’s box is 36 inches wide. It’s the area where the batter must stand when receiving a pitch in a baseball game. When I played Little League, there were several kids who had trouble staying in the box. Many feared getting beaned, but stepping out of the box during a delivery is not permitted. As soon as a batter steps out of the box, the ball is dead and the batter is out. As you can see, the batter’s box has gigantic implications.
Parting Points: Cowboys lose a tight one on Christmas night…
Book for Sunday- “The Imperfectionists” by Tom Rachman
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Greatest Gifts
My heart still beats like crazy every Christmas morning. I still get excited seeing all the presents under the tree and watching my family as they open each gift. My sister and I used to have a Christmas Eve routine. We’d stay awake, indicated by coughing signals throughout the night. When the living room was dark and quiet, we’d meet in the hallway and tiptoe to the tree just to see the presents. That element of surprise and happiness may never go away, even as we become adults.
It’s probably very easy shopping for me. Anybody who has a sports fan on their Christmas gift list knows what to buy. It’s a pretty sure bet any present having to do with their favorite team will suffice. I’ve gotten sleigh-loads of sports gifts through the years. There’s the OSU toothbrush my sister bought me, the perfectly-folded white tennis shorts I received from my mother, and the World Series hardcover my dad got me one year. I’ve gotten baseball bats and caps, sports ornaments, and dozens of Yankee paraphernalia. Treasured gifts include the handheld Tiger baseball game I played hour after hour the year my Grandmother bought it for me. One Christmas, I opened, with much delight, a basketball shooting toy similar to a pinball machine. My two favorite sports-related gifts are a David Wells autographed ball cap from his perfect game and a Troy Aikman jersey. Another gift I still cherish is a leather Yankee bracelet given by a friend a few years back.
Every year, I look forward to at least one sports gift. It’s a sure bet I’ll get a few—after all, sports is what I do. It’s who I am. But I don’t think the greatest gifts come in tangible form. No, the greatest gifts are those you can’t put on a shelf or over your head. A parent’s love. Your sister’s comradery. The blessing from a friend. A co-worker’s acknowledgment. The smiling stranger. The greatest gifts come from the feeling you get when you exchange glances with a loved one on December 25th. Or when you think about a friend you lost this year before you go to bed on Christmas Eve. It’s the sight of a colorful Christmas tree and a beautiful life you’ve been blessed with. Or that sparkling person who somehow moves you to tears with the slightest gesture. Snazzy bats and signed baseballs can’t compare to the gift of a human heart. So here’s a big thank you to those people who have given me a piece of their heart on Christmas. Here’s to those who will always have a place in mine—the one that still beats like crazy every Christmas morning.
Parting Points: Song for Xmas-“Thank You” by Dido.
It’s probably very easy shopping for me. Anybody who has a sports fan on their Christmas gift list knows what to buy. It’s a pretty sure bet any present having to do with their favorite team will suffice. I’ve gotten sleigh-loads of sports gifts through the years. There’s the OSU toothbrush my sister bought me, the perfectly-folded white tennis shorts I received from my mother, and the World Series hardcover my dad got me one year. I’ve gotten baseball bats and caps, sports ornaments, and dozens of Yankee paraphernalia. Treasured gifts include the handheld Tiger baseball game I played hour after hour the year my Grandmother bought it for me. One Christmas, I opened, with much delight, a basketball shooting toy similar to a pinball machine. My two favorite sports-related gifts are a David Wells autographed ball cap from his perfect game and a Troy Aikman jersey. Another gift I still cherish is a leather Yankee bracelet given by a friend a few years back.
Every year, I look forward to at least one sports gift. It’s a sure bet I’ll get a few—after all, sports is what I do. It’s who I am. But I don’t think the greatest gifts come in tangible form. No, the greatest gifts are those you can’t put on a shelf or over your head. A parent’s love. Your sister’s comradery. The blessing from a friend. A co-worker’s acknowledgment. The smiling stranger. The greatest gifts come from the feeling you get when you exchange glances with a loved one on December 25th. Or when you think about a friend you lost this year before you go to bed on Christmas Eve. It’s the sight of a colorful Christmas tree and a beautiful life you’ve been blessed with. Or that sparkling person who somehow moves you to tears with the slightest gesture. Snazzy bats and signed baseballs can’t compare to the gift of a human heart. So here’s a big thank you to those people who have given me a piece of their heart on Christmas. Here’s to those who will always have a place in mine—the one that still beats like crazy every Christmas morning.
Parting Points: Song for Xmas-“Thank You” by Dido.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Thursday Take-Twos (Tattoo edition)
Reports out of Columbus about a possible investigation into the Ohio State football team have Sugar Bowl implications. During last night’s game between Boise State and Utah, OSU alum and ESPN reporter, Kirk Herbstreit indicated the university is meeting with officials regarding allegations about players’ participation in receiving tattoos for autographs. According to the report, as many as nine football players are being charged with allegations of trading undocumented autographs and memorabilia for tattoos. Herbstreit reported the IRS raided a tattoo parlor, where the memorabilia was discovered. The investigations were apparently an offshoot of another probe by law enforcement agencies of unlawful behavior by the parlor owner, according to the Columbus Dispatch. The NCAA is looking into the charges of illegal benefits. All players remain eligible at this time for the upcoming Sugar Bowl against Alabama. Several starting players are being named in the tattoo allegations and their status for the bowl could be in jeopardy if the committee takes action. At the very least, the allegations are a distraction to the team as they prepare to beat an SEC school in a bowl game for the first time.
Speaking of tattoos and athletes, is Carmelo Anthony headed to the New York Knicks? Anthony has a “live now, die later” tat on his left arm. The Knicks should adopt that motto and go hard for the Denver superstar. Melo told the Nuggets he will not sign a three year contract extension unless he is traded to the Knicks. If Anthony remains in Denver for the rest of the season, he will become an unrestricted free agent. A trade to Manhattan would be ideal for the upstart Knicks, who added a top flight player in Amare Stoudemire this off-season. Danilo Gallinari and Landry Fields are among the players the Knicks could swap in exchange for Melo. The Nuggest have interest in rookie Fields, who has starred in every game and been a huge reason for New York’s surge this season. The NBA trade deadline is February 24th. Anthony, a former Syracuse standout, would be a nice fit for New York. Fans are split on adding Anthony to the lineup because the Knicks are so hot right now. Defensive-minded and one of the best pure scorers, Melo would boost the Knicks to serious title contenders if he was traded. Sympathy and prayers go out to the 26 year old Nuggets’ All-Star who recently lost his sister to a pre-existing medical condition.
Parting Points: I wrote this blog this morning…so here is the update. Five OSU players have been suspended for five games in 2011. Terrelle Pryor, Dan Herron and Devier Posey are among the players listed. Totally unfair, when you consider Cam Newton was able to suit up the entire season, win the Heisman and participate in the national championship game for doing FAR worse than the Buckeyes.
Speaking of tattoos and athletes, is Carmelo Anthony headed to the New York Knicks? Anthony has a “live now, die later” tat on his left arm. The Knicks should adopt that motto and go hard for the Denver superstar. Melo told the Nuggets he will not sign a three year contract extension unless he is traded to the Knicks. If Anthony remains in Denver for the rest of the season, he will become an unrestricted free agent. A trade to Manhattan would be ideal for the upstart Knicks, who added a top flight player in Amare Stoudemire this off-season. Danilo Gallinari and Landry Fields are among the players the Knicks could swap in exchange for Melo. The Nuggest have interest in rookie Fields, who has starred in every game and been a huge reason for New York’s surge this season. The NBA trade deadline is February 24th. Anthony, a former Syracuse standout, would be a nice fit for New York. Fans are split on adding Anthony to the lineup because the Knicks are so hot right now. Defensive-minded and one of the best pure scorers, Melo would boost the Knicks to serious title contenders if he was traded. Sympathy and prayers go out to the 26 year old Nuggets’ All-Star who recently lost his sister to a pre-existing medical condition.
Parting Points: I wrote this blog this morning…so here is the update. Five OSU players have been suspended for five games in 2011. Terrelle Pryor, Dan Herron and Devier Posey are among the players listed. Totally unfair, when you consider Cam Newton was able to suit up the entire season, win the Heisman and participate in the national championship game for doing FAR worse than the Buckeyes.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Final Exam
You put into play all the images in your mind
The words and ways you memorize the lines
It’s like observing from the sidelines
The pusher who turns back the ball every time
She defends every shot as if spitting out terms
For a final exam she knew before she learned
But how do you beat a pusher this stern
When she scales the court with all her burn
Why, don’t play her game or lower your own
But move quickly to receive the fair volleys that drone
Take the dinks over net and break the rhythm and tone
By sending a passing shot to the backcourt alone
At that moment you’ll realize you’ve passed the test
You can settle in for all the rest
The answers lie not in the observers’ request
But in the one who questions her own bequest
The words and ways you memorize the lines
It’s like observing from the sidelines
The pusher who turns back the ball every time
She defends every shot as if spitting out terms
For a final exam she knew before she learned
But how do you beat a pusher this stern
When she scales the court with all her burn
Why, don’t play her game or lower your own
But move quickly to receive the fair volleys that drone
Take the dinks over net and break the rhythm and tone
By sending a passing shot to the backcourt alone
At that moment you’ll realize you’ve passed the test
You can settle in for all the rest
The answers lie not in the observers’ request
But in the one who questions her own bequest
Monday, December 20, 2010
Eagles’ Explosive Endeavor
The New York Giants endured an incredulous debacle of a loss Sunday at the new Meadowlands Stadium. Big Blue lost a 38-31 decision to the NFC East rival Eagles on the final play of the game. DeSean Jackson, the speedster in green and white, raced a punt return back 65 yards for the winning touchdown with 13 seconds left in regulation. Jackson has burned teams with his speed all season, but none as electrifying and dramatic as the winning runback of yesterday’s 31-31 ball game. The Eagles scored 28 unanswered points to erase a 31-10 fourth quarter deficit. The Philadelphia victory puts the Eagles in sole possession of first place in the division. Philadelphia swept the two game season series against New York with yesterday’s comeback win. The Giants will have to settle for a wildcard if they hope to make the post-season. New York fell to 9-5 in one of the worst losses in franchise history.
Mario Manningham put the Giants on the scoreboard with his first of two touchdown catches with 3:36 to go in the opening quarter. Manningham caught a 35 yard pass from Eli Manning to complete a nine play, 71 yard drive for the G-Men. The Eagles scored their only points of the first half two minutes into the second quarter. David Akers sent a 34 yard field goal into the end zone to make it a 7-3 game. The Giants’ offense unloaded a pair of touchdowns and added a field goal to increase their lead to 24-3 at the break. Manningham hauled in his second touchdown, a 33 yard bomb from Manning. The receiver finished with 113 yards on eight catches as the Giants trounced Philadelphia during the first half. Lawrence Tynes’ 25 yard field goal was followed by Hakeem Nicks’ eight yard score. Jeremy Maclin’s fumble late in the half was picked up by Giants’ safety, Kenny Phillips to set up Nicks’ touchdown. The Giants outgained the top-ranked Eagles’ offense 222-74 in the first half. It looked like Big Blue was going to coast to the top of the NFC East.
Michael Vick ran for a game high 130 yards and threw 242 behind center for the Eagles. The Giants succeeded in slowing Vick with blitzes for most of the game. Big Blue’s defense sacked Vick twice and constantly applied pressure. Vick completed just six passes for 33 yards. His first touchdown came via a third quarter strike to Maclin to make it 24-10 Giants. Kevin Boss pulled in an eight yard pass from Manning early in the fourth quarter to negate Maclin’s touchdown. The Eagles, facing a huge fourth quarter deficit, shocked the Giants in the final seven and a half minutes. Vick made late work with his arm and the Giants couldn’t tackle or defend. New York’s first 53 minutes of strong play went for naught. Eagles’ tight end, Brent Celek, got the comeback started with a 65 yard touchdown off a missed Phillips tackle. Celek turned a 30-something yard gain into seven points. Vick’s four yard touchdown scramble cut a rejuvenated Philadelphia’s deficit to one score. Maclin avenged for his earlier fumble with a 13 yard touchdown grab with 1:13 left to tie the game at 31-31. Then, there was the final play. Rookie Matt Dodge punted to the Eagles’ elusive return man and Jackson responded accordingly to top off the 28 point rally.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “The Way to Your Heart” by Soulsister
Mario Manningham put the Giants on the scoreboard with his first of two touchdown catches with 3:36 to go in the opening quarter. Manningham caught a 35 yard pass from Eli Manning to complete a nine play, 71 yard drive for the G-Men. The Eagles scored their only points of the first half two minutes into the second quarter. David Akers sent a 34 yard field goal into the end zone to make it a 7-3 game. The Giants’ offense unloaded a pair of touchdowns and added a field goal to increase their lead to 24-3 at the break. Manningham hauled in his second touchdown, a 33 yard bomb from Manning. The receiver finished with 113 yards on eight catches as the Giants trounced Philadelphia during the first half. Lawrence Tynes’ 25 yard field goal was followed by Hakeem Nicks’ eight yard score. Jeremy Maclin’s fumble late in the half was picked up by Giants’ safety, Kenny Phillips to set up Nicks’ touchdown. The Giants outgained the top-ranked Eagles’ offense 222-74 in the first half. It looked like Big Blue was going to coast to the top of the NFC East.
Michael Vick ran for a game high 130 yards and threw 242 behind center for the Eagles. The Giants succeeded in slowing Vick with blitzes for most of the game. Big Blue’s defense sacked Vick twice and constantly applied pressure. Vick completed just six passes for 33 yards. His first touchdown came via a third quarter strike to Maclin to make it 24-10 Giants. Kevin Boss pulled in an eight yard pass from Manning early in the fourth quarter to negate Maclin’s touchdown. The Eagles, facing a huge fourth quarter deficit, shocked the Giants in the final seven and a half minutes. Vick made late work with his arm and the Giants couldn’t tackle or defend. New York’s first 53 minutes of strong play went for naught. Eagles’ tight end, Brent Celek, got the comeback started with a 65 yard touchdown off a missed Phillips tackle. Celek turned a 30-something yard gain into seven points. Vick’s four yard touchdown scramble cut a rejuvenated Philadelphia’s deficit to one score. Maclin avenged for his earlier fumble with a 13 yard touchdown grab with 1:13 left to tie the game at 31-31. Then, there was the final play. Rookie Matt Dodge punted to the Eagles’ elusive return man and Jackson responded accordingly to top off the 28 point rally.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “The Way to Your Heart” by Soulsister
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