Big Plays Theme Of Night As Philadelphia Eagles Defeat New York Giants

NFL News - December 14th, 2009 - Written by Bryan

Sportscenter needs not to look any further for Top Ten Plays than the Eagles/Giants game that took place Sunday night at Giants Stadium.

In a game that featured five touchdowns of at least 60 yards, the Eagles vs. Giants turned out to be one of the more entertaining games of the season. While the offensive fireworks were spectacular, it was Philadelphia that out lasted New York and by doing so grabbed hold of the NFC Eastern Division, winning 45-38.

Coming into the contest the Philadelphia Eagles were a 1 point favorite to beat the New York Giants on the road, according to Week 14 NFL Betting Odds. With the 7 point win, Philadelphia easily covered the spread, making for happy Eagles' bettors. In addition, the over/under was installed at 42 1/2 prior to kickoff. The Eagles' 45 points alone was enough to secure the over, let alone with both teams accumulating a combined 83 points. Never had the Giants and Eagles game had so many points scored in this storied NFC East rivalry.

Returning from a concussion that caused him to miss last weeks' game, and leave early the week before, Eagles' WR DeSean Jackson made his presence known as he had a 72 yard punt return for a TD as well as a 60 yard TD reception. Jackson tied an NFL record for most touchdown receptions of 50 yards or more in a single season. With the two touchdowns last night, Jackson now has eight for the year.

"I said I was going to come back strong," Jackson told the associated press following the win. "I told the team I was going to come back strong."

Jackson gave the Giants secondary trouble all night.

"We have to know where he is at, he is one of their big plays guys and if we want to eliminate that we have to know where he is all the time," Giants DB Cory Webster told the associated press after the game. "We didn't do a good job of that tonight."

Jackson finished the night with six receptions for 178 yards and one touchdown receiving, as well as a 72 yard punt return for a touchdown.

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was very effective finishing 17 for 26 for 275 yards, good for two touchdowns and one interception.

Philadelphia implemented quarterback Michael Vick into several offensive packages as well. Vick scored on a one yard touchdown run with :10 remaining before halftime.

With the win, the Eagles moved to 5-1 against the NFC East division, and 9-4 overall.

On the other sideline that Giants fell to 7-6 with the loss, putting their playoff aspirations in serious jeopardy.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning played well throwing for three touchdown and no interceptions, but the defense could not get the stops necessary for the Giants to get closer than one score. New York out-gained the Eagles in total yards 512 to 374, but Philadelphia managed a few more big plays, especially on special teams, and forcing turnovers on defense.

"I thought we fought hard," Manning said in the press conference after. "We still had opportunities and we didn't respond the way we needed to. We needed to hit our big play and didn't."

The Giants are now two games behind the Eagles in the division race and one game back in the wild card. The Giants face virtual must-win games in the remaining three weeks of the season.

Next week New York faces division opponent Washington, followed by games against Carolina and wrapping up the season with Minnesota.

Philadelphia currently has control of the NFC East, but won't be able to let up as the lead over Dallas is only one game. Next week, the Eagles will face the San Fransisco 49ers, followed by the Denver Broncos and then the regular season finale against the Dallas Cowboys, a match up that could be for the outright NFC East title.