Eagles steal game and maybe the division

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.—Sporting News’ Clifton Brown analyzes the Eagles’ shocking 38-31 comeback win over the Giants:

• The Eagles may have just stolen the NFC East. In one of the greatest comebacks you will ever see, the Eagles overcame a 31-10 fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Giants, 38-31. The Eagles won it on the game’s final play, when DeSean Jackson returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown as time expired. The Eagles celebrated. The Giants were shocked. And now the Eagles (10-4) can win the NFC East by winning their final two games.

Philadelphia Eagles' DeSean Jackson celebrates a touchdown on a punt return at the end of an NFL football game against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Eagles beat the Giants 38-31. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

•This loss will sting the Giants. They were left with plenty of explaining to do. It was hard to believe that Giants punter Matt Dodge kicked the ball to Jackson with 12 seconds to play. Jackson caught the ball, made a couple of moves to get to the open field, then turned on the speed and easily ran away from the Giants’ coverage unit. When the game ended, Giants coach Tom Coughlin walked onto the field and angrily screamed at Dodge.

•Vick was Mr. Clutch. Jackson delivered the final touchdown, but Michael Vick (three touchdown passes, one touchdown running) delivered in the clutch. Vick simply does things that defy description. He was sensational down the stretch, avoiding pass rushers to make big throws and electrifying runs.

The Eagles looked dead, down 31-10, with less than eight minutes to play, when Vick gave the Eagles CPR. Led by their pass rush and the innovative schemes of defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, the Giants frustrated the Eagles for three quarters. Only Vick’s unique elusiveness and playmaking ability allowed the Eagles to come back. This was the Eagles’ sixth consecutive victory over the Giants, and once again, Vick showed why he is one of the game’s premier players.

Vick makes the Eagles capable of beating anyone, anytime. And today, the Giants discovered that in stunning fashion.

Last-second return rocks, shocks Giants

EAST RUTHEFORD, N.J.—DeSean Jackson said a thought went through his mind as he went back to field a punt with 14 seconds remaining in Sunday’s game.

``They’re really not going to kick it to me,’’ Jackson said.

The Giants did kick it to Jackson. And they regretted it. Jackson’s scintillating 65-yard return as time expired capped the Eagles’ 38-31 comeback victory. While the Eagles celebrated, the Giants were stunned, as coach Tom Coughlin walked onto the field and angrily confronted punter Matt Dodge.

After the game, Coughlin tried to deflect the blame from Dodge, who was told to kick the ball out of bounds. ``It should have never come down to that,’’ Coughlin said.

Dodge was demoralized. ``Sometimes you try so hard to do something, get it out of bounds, and you just lose your head,’’ Dodge said.

The Giants (9-5), still fighting for a playoff spot, must somehow shake off this loss before traveling to Green Bay for Sunday’s game against the Packers. However, nobody said it would be easy.

``I’ve never been around anything like this in my life,’’ Coughlin said. ``It’s about as empty as you get to feel in this business.’’

``I’m in disbelief right now,’’ Giants tight end Kevin Boss said. ``I’m in shock.’’