EAGLES NEWS

After an inspired victory over the Vikings in the wild card round of the playoffs the Birds traveled to the Meadowlands this afternoon for a grudge match with the Giants. Just as in their last meeting the Eagles were able to limit the Giants running game and force Eli Manning to beat them. Just like last time he was ineffective in the cold windy weather with just 169 yards and 2 interceptions. Meanwhile, the Eagles again probably did not play their best game, but did they exactly what they had to get a win. The Eagles defense did not allow a touchdown the entire game, twice stopped the Giants on 4th and short late in the game, and created 3 turnovers. The Eagles offense meanwhile, was quietly efficient, answering every score the Giants put up. Donovan had a solid game with 217 yards and a touchdown, helping to offset a totally ineffective Eagles rushing attack. It was bowever, largely a defensive struggle with the two teams trading field goals and a safety until late in the 3rd quarter with the score 13-11 Eagles. The Eagles then ate up the remainder of the 3rd quarter with their next drive punctuated by a Mcnabb play action pass to Brent Celek for a TD and a stunning 20-11 lead early in the 4th quarter. The Eagles defense took it from there with two 4th down stops one of which set up David Akers 3rd field goal of the day for a 23 -11 lead(the eventual final score), and a pair of game sealing turnovers. So once again a New York team is eliminated from championship contention by a Philly team, as the Birds move on to a date in the desert with the Cardinals in the NFC championship game. How sweet it is.