The commotion from last week’s game against the Bears has died down as the Giants prepare for their next battle against division rival Philadelphia Eagles.
Last week, the Eagles were in an uproar with a QB controversy after AJ Feely turned in a mediocre game in a losing effort to the New England Patriots. After he sputtered even more against the Seahawks, fans in Philly are realizing that their 5-time pro QB named McNabb, the guy who led them to 4 NFC championship games and a Superbowl, really should be their starter. .
Coming off an ankle and thumb injury, McNabb says he’s ready to play. This game against the Eagles will be very different from a few weeks ago when the Giants defense completely dismantled the Eagles offense with 12 sacks, 6 of them by Umenyiora. Westbrook will be in this game, where he was last out, as will LJ Smith and Brian Dawkins. More importantly, the Eagles will have their professional left tackle William Thomas playing, and that should already slow down the pressure from the Giants since the last time these two teams met.
Regardless of who plays, the Eagles are a mediocre team, barely staying in the playoff race. The Giants have a chance to push them away this week and finish their season, something they didn’t do last year when they had the chance.
The Giants have a stronghold in the first wild card spot, while the Eagles are last in all playoffs for the final spot. A Giants win this week will almost assure them a spot in January’s tournament, as the Eagles begin to talk about what went wrong.
The win against the Bears was huge for the Giants. He has brought life back to a team that seemed to be stuttering in recent games. The defense is doing well, and Manning showed some enthusiasm on the sideline after Toomer’s touchdown call was reversed in favor of the Giants.
Maybe that win was the spark the offense needed to snap out of its slump and start gearing up for the playoffs. Last year, the Giants limped in after now-retired running back Tiki Barber. This year, according to Antonio Pierce on WFAN’s Mike & the Mad Dog Tuesday afternoon, the goal is to make the playoffs, build momentum, and get through the first week.
This Sunday will mark a great game for both teams. One Giants win and they’re pretty much in, moving on, sending the South Philly team packing up for warmer weather and some golf clubs. One loss, and the Giants have just brought to life a team, which has postseason experience, to do some damage, given the chance.
By: Michael C. Podlesny
