Sunday’s shootout between the Giants and the Eagles ended Philadelphia’s way. The Eagles bested their NFC East neighbors 45-38 in East Rutherford to reclaim sole possession of the division. Revered kick return/receiver, sophomore DeSean Jackson, made the victory look easy for visiting Philadelphia. The electrifying Jackson scored his eighth touchdown of 50 or more yards to set a franchise record and tie the NFL mark. The Eagles receiver caught a 60 yard pass from Donovan McNabb to give his team a 37-31 lead in the third quarter. The touchdown was a crucial one. The Eagles blew leads of 14-0 and 30-17 before Jackson changed the game with the end zone grab. Jackson also returned a punt 72 yards the other way in the second quarter by bedazzling the Giants and taking off down the sideline. The former California Bear’s blistering back finished with an impressive 178 yards on six receptions in addition to the tiptoe down the sideline on the punt return.
The Birds came up huge against the Giants Sunday night, and didn’t waste time scoring points. Talented tight end, Brent Celek, sparked the Eagles early lead with an 8 yard touchdown catch on a screen pass from McNabb. McNabb and backup Michael Vick lead the offense 67 yards on a six play drive to set up the opening touchdown. Vick threw for 32 yards and scored a rushing touchdown from one yard out to end the first quarter. Less than two minutes after McNabb dumped the ball to Celek for the 7-0 lead, the Eagles were on the board again. Cornerback, Sheldon Brown, got an early Christmas gift from the Giants. New York running back, Brandon Jacobs, fumbled at the line of scrimmage. Brown recovered the bounce and soared straight with a clear path to the end zone. Lawrence Tynes netted a 26 yard field goal to give the Giants their first points. The kick came after signal caller, Eli Manning, orchestrated a seven minute, 15 play drive.
Manning connected with rookie, Hakeem Nicks, in the second quarter to pull New York within four of the Eagles. Nicks sprinted 57 yards to earn the 60 yard touchdown, his fifth of the season. Philadelphia was charged with a pair of illegal contact penalties, including a key third and eleven call. The Giants took full advantage safety, Quintin Mikell’s miscues to snag their first touchdown. David Akers’ 20 yard boot gave Philadelphia a seven point lead with just over six minutes in the half. The Eagles built back their 14 point lead with solid special teams. Jackson fielded a 41 yard punt and raced past Giants punter, Jeff Feagles, to secure the double digit lead with 4:09 before halftime. Jackson made a scintillating spectacle of himself a week after suffering a concussion. New York’s Ahmad Bradshaw took a handoff in the backfield and scooted sharply for a three yard touchdown before Jackson hurt the Giants again. Dynamic DeSean 44 yard reception on third and twenty helped set up Vick’s rushing touchdown. The Eagles took a 30-17 halftime lead into the locker rooms.
The Giants scored two of the three third quarter touchdowns. Jacobs completed an 11 play drive with a one yard rushing score. The New York running back carried the ball 15 times for 60 yards in Sunday’s defeat. The Giants bludgeoned Philadelphia’s defense for 158 yard on offense in the third. Hixon gave New York a 31-30 lead after hauling in a 61 yard pass from Manning. The Eagles failed to tackle the young receiver and failed to get pressure on Manning. The Giants’ defense couldn’t stop the Eagles whenever New York was on top. McNabb’s pass to Jackson provided the Eagles with the lead again. The touchdown to end the third quarter proved to be the game winner. Philadelphia went on to score seven more points in the final quarter, but it wasn’t needed in the end. Giant receiver, Mario Manningham, was called out of bounds on what looked to be a New York touchdown in the fourth. Manningham could not keep his left foot in bounds. He did make two grabs for 7 and 19 yards before the two minute warning. Manning hit Kevin Boss from four yards to give the Giants a chance with a touchdown inside the two minute mark. Tynes’ onside kick was recovered by the Eagles. Following a Philadelphia three-and-out, Manning was sacked at the New York 12 yard line and preceded to fumble the ball. The turnover signaled the end for New York this rainy Sunday night. The Giants fizzled in the end and missed their chance to capture the division lead. Dallas’ loss to San Diego and New York’s dropping by the Birds means the Eagles are in first place with less than a month to play. There are three games remaining. The 9-4 Eagles hold a two game lead over Big Blue, and a one game advantage of Big D. Dallas and New York are primed to play for the number two NFC wildcard spot now.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan
I went to see The Blind Side last night. Great story. Great movie.
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