This game had the makings of a great one.
The Eagles, on a short week following a Monday Night contest against rival Washington, were facing their toughest challenge since New Orleans crushed them in their home opener. Pro-Bowler Brian Westbrook, a Giant killer in the past, was out with a concussion.
The Giants, fresh off of two embarrassing losses, were focused and ready for revenge against the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season. There was even talk that the Giants defenders were still peeved at Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb for his sideline phone-grab celebration against New York last year.
A divisional rivalry in arguably the NFCs toughest division. Add in the fact that these same two cities were set to play Game 4 of the World Series that evening right across the street, and this had the makings of a regular season classic.
It was a game seemingly destined for the NFL networks’ “NFL Replay.”
And then it just… wasn’t.
Less than two minutes into the game, the Eagles led by seven, and that’s as close as the Giants would get. By the end of the first half, the Eagles led 30-7. Eli Manning had already thrown two interceptions, and the entire Northeast region had already switched their attention to baseball.
The game, which ended with a final score of 40-17, featured over 300 yards of total offense by both teams. Philadelphia WR DeSean Jackson continued to show his big-play ability, catching a 54-yard touchdown in the games 2nd quarter. It is his 6th touchdown this season of 50 yards or more, a franchise record.
The win puts the Eagles (5-2) in a tie with the Dallas Cowboys atop the NFC East. The two teams are set to face off next week at Lincoln Financial Field.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning was 20 of 39 for 222 yards and a touchdown. But he was just 5 for 16 when throwing the ball 10 yards or farther, and Giants fans have to wonder if he’s not still affected by the plantar fasciitis injury he suffered in Week 4. Since the injury, the previously unbeaten Giants are 1-3, with their only win coming at home against the Oakland Raiders.
The Giants (5-3) are at home against the San Diego Chargers (4-3) next Sunday, followed by their Bye week.
Eric Marmon wrote this for SportEvents.com, which helps real NFL fans find NFL game tickets and tickets to the Super Bowl.
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