Eagles Smash Giants

Here come the birds.

Forget the tie. Forget the benching. Forget the season ending loss in Washington. Its all out of the window now. Heres all that matters- the Eagles are one win away from the Super Bowl. 

With a dominating defensive performance that has led this resurrection, the Eagles went into the Meadowlands and came out with a 23-11 win, ending the defending Super Bowl champions season. The win moves them into the NFC Championship game with the Arizona Cardinals, who got there with a surprisingly convincing win over the Carolina Panthers. The game will be a battle between the 5 and 6 seeds in the NFC. You have to think that alot of people will like the Eagles in this game. 

But back to todays game, heres what I liked and what I didn't like:

What I Liked:

The Defense: This is a Super Bowl winning defense. They did give up some yardage today (307), but they held them out of the end zone when it mattered. Asante Samuel came thru again with a key interception to set up the first touchdown. That was a key play because it sucked all of the momentum out of the Giants, and set the tone for the day. In the second half, when McNabb thru an interception, they held the Giants to a field goal to keep the game close still. Then, at the end of the game, they twice stopped the Giants on 4th and 1, ending the season. Even though they ended up with over 100 yards on the ground, they got the key stops when it mattered. 

Donovan McNabb: Today, he did what Eli Manning could not- take some hits, make some bad throws, but still win the game. He converted key third downs, got in on the quarterback sneak, and made a beautiful throw to DeSean Jackson at the end of the game to seal it. He didn't get sacked, and moved around when he had to. His throws to Jason Avant and to Correll Buckhalter on third downs won the game. You don't lead your team to 5 championship games in 8 years without being a clutch quarterback in the playoffs. You never got the feeling Manning was going to lead them back. You thought McNabb would.

Quiten Mikell: First off, congratulations to Mikell on making second team All-Pro this week. All season he has been there for the Eagles, whether it is up on the line of scrimmage stopping the run, stripping the ball, or getting the key interception. Today, Mikell came thru again, battleing thru a knee injury to come up with the game sealing interception. 

Going to Arizona: If your the Eagles, you have to be thankful for this matchup. If Eagles fans could pick one team to play for the championship, the Cardinals would have been the pick. 

What I Didn't Like:

Eli Manning: Have you ever seen a quarterback look more dejected? The whole game his body language was awful. With every bad pass, or dropped, he threw he hands up and shook his head. People get on McNabb got laughing and smiling, but I'd rather have that then Manning. Also, he attempt on the quarterback sneak was pathetic. I could have got farther then he did. 

Unsportsman Like Conduct: That call on McNabb was stupid. Hes just having some fun, chill out. Especially Troy Aikman. Calm down.

Slow Start on Offense: They got the job done when it had to be, but only 18 yards in the first quarter? The Giants defense is good, but next week, they need to come out stronger from the beginning. This defense is to good to be let down by this offense.