Photo By: Bill Kostroun/Associated Press
The Eagles-Giants rivalries is one of the oldest in the NFL, dating back to 1933.The Eagles are currently 88-86-2 all time against the Giants, with a 2-2 postseason record. The Eagles are 16-4 in their last 20 matchups with the Giants.
Both rivals enter today’s matchup with legitimate chances at winning the NFC East. Despite their weak records: Eagles (1-4-1) and Giants (1-5). Setting up a crucial showdown for tonight in South Philadelphia.
The fierce rivalry has brought along many memorable moments over the years. Here are my top 5 Eagles-Giants moments since 2000:
5. David Akers Game Winning Field Goal in 2006 Wild Card Round
Eagles 23, Giants 20
Jan. 7, 2007 – Philadelphia, PA
The Eagles faced the Giants at home in the Wild Card round of the playoffs after winning the NFC East in 2006. Eli Manning’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress tied the score up at 20-20 with 5:04 left in the game.
Jeff Garcia got the ball back and drove the Eagles down the field to set up a David Akers 38- yard field as the clock run out to advance the Eagles to the next round.
4. Brian Westbrook Punt Return TD
Eagles 14, Giants 10
Oct. 19, 2003 – East Rutherford, NJ
The Eagles entered the game with a 2-3 record. With about 1:30 left in the game. Westbrook took a bounced punt from Giants punter Jeff Feagles, and returned it all the way down the left sideline to give the Eagles a 14-10 lead with 1:14 left in the game.
The Eagles finished out the win that turned around their season and propelled them to a 3rd consecutive NFC East title and NFC Championship appearance.
3. Jake Elliott’s 61 Yard Walk-Off Field Goal
Eagles 27, Giants 24
Sep. 24, 2017 – Philadelphia, PA
In Jake Elliott’s 2nd career NFL game, he propelled the Eagles to their greatest season in franchise history. The Eagles entered the game 1-1 and had just blown a double-digit 4th quarter lead.
With 13 seconds left in the game, Carson Wentz got the ball back at his own 38 yard line. On the second play of the drive, he completed a 19- yard pass to Alshon Jeffery down the sideline, who managed to step out of bounds to stop the clock with 1 second left.
Elliott came out and nailed the 61-yard field goal to win the game and propel the Eagles toward their first Super Bowl in franchise history that season.
2. Eagles Upset Defending Super Bowl Champion Giants in Divisional Playoffs
Eagles 23, Giants 11
Jan. 11, 2009 – East Rutherford, NJ
The 2008 Eagles finished the regular season at 9-6-1 and snuck into the playoffs on the last day of the season. The Giants, who were the defending Super Bowl Champion at the time, finished as the NFC’s #1 seed with a 12-4 record.
The Eagles won on the road in the Wild Card round of the playoffs to set up a matchup with the Giants in the Divisional Round.
On a frigid afternoon, with temperatures hovering around 20°F, the Eagles defense dominated. The defense forced 3 turnovers on the day, including 2 Eli Manning interceptions.
Donovan McNabb threw for a touchdown and rushed for another to lead the Eagles to victory.
Notably, in the final minutes end of the game, McNabb scrambled for a first down and ran out of bounds. He ended up on the Giants sideline, where he picked up the Giants sideline phone used for Giant coaches and players. McNabb jokingly pretended he was having a conversation. He was given a penalty for the stunt, a memorable moment for all.
1. Miracle at the Meadowlands 2
Eagles 38, Giants 31
Dec. 19, 2010 – East Rutherford, NJ
With less than 10 minutes left in the game, The Eagles were losing to the Giants 31-10. Led by a heroic effort by Michael Vick, the Eagles managed to tie the game up at 31.
The Giants were forced to punt with 14 seconds left. Giants Punter Matt Dodge foolishly kicked a low line-drive to DeSean Jackson, who took the punt all the way for a walk off 65-yard touchdown.
The win lifted the Eagles to the NFC East title that year.
One of the most stunning and exciting moments in franchise history.