NEW YORK – The Giants played host to the Eagles on Sunday Night Football in part two of their annual clash. The “Dream Team” was 3-6 and almost mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. That was the reality of their situation until they beat the Giants 17-10 and improved to 4-6 on the year. Both teams were missing key players like NYG-RB Bradshaw, NYG-LB Boley, PHI-QB Vick and PHI-WR Maclin who were all ruled out prior to game) and did the best they could depth wise. Another handful of Giants players left the game, like RB DJ Ware who left with a concussion and OL Chris Snee who needed an early IV. In one of the rare times that my final score prediction is way off, I’ll admit I was completely wrong when I said the final score would be Giants 38 – Eagles 21 with the G-Men winning by 15.

These two teams had a brawl last night. QB Eli Manning was one of the many players who got roughed up more then once and players had to stay on their toes or get stomped. These teams were fighting hard out there and literal fights were breaking out on the field all night. DeSean Jackson is a classless rube who doesn’t seem to realize that video of his actions will remain forever. The fact that he continues to be so immature is not only pitiful, it also hurts his team. Watching the game last night is the closest thing to a sad opera (the Luciano Pavarotti kind, not the soap kind) that I can think of. The G-men are missing players and more are going down out there, all while they try but cannot seem to move the ball very well. The running game was atrocious most of the game and wide receivers could not seem to pull down sure catches bouncing off their hands. Hey, everyone misses catches sometimes but the problem with this group of misses, is the timing. All of them happening at once like that feels overwhelming. All of this leading up to the grand finale of losing the game.

The Eagles took a 10-3 lead into the locker room at halftime and came out feeling more motivated then when they went inside. And although everyone was sure a 4th quarter comeback would be pulled off by QB Eli Manning, far too many penalties (5/39), sacks (3) and turnovers (2) made sure that would never happen. The second half played out like watching paint dry. Slow and sloppy play made me feel like I was in an episode of the Twilight Zone. The game ended with Giants stadium mostly silent and fans upset after back to back losses.

Let’s take a look at some of my notes from the game.

QB Eli Manning – Manning did everything he could to try and win this game. There were a lot of dropped passes and he finished with 264 yards 1 TD and 1 INT.

RB Brandon Jacobs – Jacobs was trying to run hard but the Eagles employed a swarm policy on Brandon. He finished with 21 yards 0 TD’s.

WR Hakeem Nicks – Nicks had a good game and finished with 69 yards, Not bad considering who was covering him.

DE Osi Umenyiora – Osi told the press he will see Eagles RB LeSean McCoy on the field in regards to some preseason trash talk. There is no doubt that McCoy is hurting today.

CB Prince Amukamara – The rookie CB finally made his debut and did not disappoint finishing 2nd on the team in tackles and grabbing 1 INT. Congrats Prince!

LB Mathias Kiwanuka – Kiwi went beast on the Eagles and had his best game of the year. He led all tacklers on defense.

DE Justin Tuck – Tuck was battling all night and had a good game. He put some serious pressure on QB Vince Young.

DT Chris Canty – ‘The Thing’ as I like to call him, Canty had a good game. He has played well in the past two or three games in a row now.

WR Mario Manningham – Super Mario had a very quiet night, finishing with one catch for four yards.

S Antrel Rolle – The final stats don’t show it but Rolle was making some serious plays out there.

LB Jacquian Williams – The rookie LB had another solid game. I am very impressed with this young man.

WR Victor Cruz – The red hot NJ native finished first on the team in receiving with 128 yards and 1 TD. Vic is for real.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul – JPP looked absolutely slaphappy at times out there while creating havoc for the Eagles offensive line. He also had 1 sack.

TE Jake Ballard – Ballard had a very quiet game and finished with 13 yards 0 TD’s.

CB Aaron Ross – Ross continues to make INT’s by getting another against the Eagles. He has tied his career high (4) for INT’s in a season.

S Kenny Phillips – Phillips says don’t forget about me, grabbing 1 INT of his own. Phillips is really playing on another level this year.

LB Mark Herzlich – Mark had a good debut game and was fired up for getting the start. He has a good football sense and seems to always be around the ball.

S Deon Grant – Grant is a fan favorite now. He had another solid game and brought some toughness to each play. Let him retire a Giant one day.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw – Bradshaw missed another game this week with a bad wheel but could be back in time for the Saints game. The Giants need AB bad.

LB Michael Boley – Mike was injured during the 49ers game and had to miss this week versus the Eagles. The G-Men really need Boley back ASAP.

P Steve Weatherford – Giants fans have fallen completely in love with the Weatherman (I’m Ron Burgundy voice) and calling him MVP over the web.

K Lawrence Tynes – Tynes continued his mediocre season by kicking 1 FG and 1 extra point. Still, he is making his kicks.

Giants Offense – The Giants offense did all it could with the players they had. They really miss RB Ahmad Bradshaw in New York and him back soon.

Giants Defense – Even with getting all of the turnovers, the Giants defense allowed QB Vince Young to look like the college Vince Young, not the NFL Vince Young. They lose a heartbreaker and hard fought game.

Giants Special Teams – It’s time to look for a 10 year kicker and All Pro return man. Keep Weatherford permanently. SMH!

What did you think of the Giants performance against the Eagles? Will the G-Men win the NFC East?

RD – nygreporter.com

Please Support The Wounded Warrior Project by Clicking Here, You Are Not Forgotten!!