Reflecting on the Giants/Eagles Game

You have to give credit where credit is due. The Giants went into one of the world's toughest stadiums and beat a gritty Philadelphia Eagles team with playoff aspirations.

The Giants actually dominated more completely than the score would reflect. The Eagles were powerless in stopping any of the Giants' running backs. Eli Manning was effective, throwing two scores, but also throwing an early pick that led to an Eagle touchdown.

Giants Offensive MVP: Brandon Jacobs. He rushed for 126 yards and 2 scores on 22 carries. Those are better than the stats of most full-time starters, let alone a guy who had less than half his team's rushing attempts.

Giants Defensive MVP: Brandon Jacobs. The guy was so good at moving the chains that the Eagles barely ever had the ball. The Giants had the ball almost twice as long as the Eagles.

Giants Goat: Really, there were none. But if I have to choose I'd say Justing Tuck or Mathias Kiwanuka. The Giants didn't register a sack and these two are to blame. Though they did dominate the Eagles run game and manage to get plenty of pressure on McNabb, forcing errant throws early.

Eagles Offensive MVP: Donovan McNabb. He was responsible for guiding the Eagles on a fourth-quarter touchdown drive. He made plays with his arm and his legs. He looked like vintage McNabb - leading the Eagles in passing and rushing yards. Had the game been placed in his hands at the end the Eagles would have had a chance. The Eagles receivers get a nod here. They were all fairly consistent.

Eagles Defensive MVP: Mike Patterson. The official stats give Patterson 1 tackle and 1 interception. Patterson tipped a Manning pass on the first drive and snagged it in midair. He took off towards the end zone and had an admirable return for a man of his size. The interception led directly to the Eagles first touchdown, and he did combine with Trent Cole for the game's lone sack - though the official stats don't agree.

Eagles Goat: There are so many to choose from. Brian Westbrook had 26 yards on 13 caries. That's on him and the offensive line. The defense couldn't stop a running back to save their lives. Asante Samuel and the other DBs were beat all over the field. But this "award" has to go to Andy Reid. The man eliminated any chance of a comeback by challenging - and losing - two plays in a row in the 4th and calling run plays from 3rd and two and 4th and one on the Eagles' final drive - even though the Eagles' backs failed to get on track all game.