Aftershock: Giants Beat Eagles – Vick Hosts Pity Party – Philly Fans Question Their Faith
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It’s the day after, the day after the New York Giants gave the Philadelphia Eagles a lesson in humility, aka “a good spanking.” This particular Big Blue victory tastes just as sweet today as it did on Sunday. There are no taunts or tirades coming from Eagles country. In fact, if you listen closely you can hear the tumbleweeds blow by as the GIANT cold front continues to gust throughout the quieted ghost town of Philly.
The Giants did more than just beat the Eagles (29-16 for those of you who just love saying it) on Sunday. They poked holes in the self proclaimed…something or other…nickname that Philly bestowed upon themselves. The Gmen did more than just add another win to their record. They caused the NFL world, Eagles organization and its fans to question their entire offseason, acquisitions and decisions not to re-sign some of the birds who flew the coop. Only two short weeks ago, the Eagle Nation were sitting on top of the NFC East drooling over another fabled Super Bowl win. Today, they question whether or not the foundation of their team has been built on shaky ground.
The latest bird roasting win for the New York Giants is especially tasty partially due to Michael Vick. Vick’s post game prattle in where he blamed the NFL officials for his lack of protection.
"“I was trying to protect myself. Still didn’t get a flag and that’s pretty much been the story for the last three weeks. I mean obviously at some point something catastrophic is going to happen and I broke my hand. Not to blame the refs or say that it was their fault.”"
"“There’s no reason for me to go into a big dissertation about why I’m not getting the calls. The refs, they have to do their job as well. I even mentioned it in training camp to the refs when we had our little meeting, so just for precaution. But hey, I don’t know.”"
"“Everybody saw the game. I was on the ground constantly. All of the time. Every time I throw the ball in all my highlights and just watching film in general, every time I throw the ball I’m on the ground, getting hit in the head and I don’t know why. I don’t get the 15-yard flags like everybody else does but hey- I’m not going to complain about it.”"
"“I didn’t say anything to the referees. The refs have to do their job and I’m not blaming the referees by any stretch so let’s not get it twisted here. I’m just saying I think everybody on the field should do their job.”"
It’s a good thing he’s “not blaming the referees.” he has since apologized for his pity party. But it is clear that the New York Giants are steadily escorting Michael Vick to having a Terrell Owens moment. The Eagles, who were prematurely hailed as the kings of the NFC East, now sit alone in sole possession of last place.
Naturally, Philadelphia fans are of the mindset that there is another game yet to be played against the Big Blue Wrecking Crew. Their expectations are, of course, that they will dominate once again in the Meadowlands. This sort of thinking should prove to be nothing short of inane.
The obvious factor on our side is the home field advantage, which didn’t turn out to be much of a factor last season. The second, and not so obvious, is the health of our players. In an ideal world, the healthy players on our roster will remain healthy. The players who are out due to injury, like Osi Umenyiora, Prince Amukamara and Mario Mannigham will be back on the field, adding more depth to our team.
Finding a way to win in the face of adversity seems to be something that the Giants do quite well. Most did not anticipate the Giants winning this game because of the injuries that they were plagued with. But, once again, Big Blue defied the odds. How did they manage to pull off such a monumental task?
Eli Manning:
"“You know, I was proud, proud of the way we hung in there. We had a great first quarter. Second, third quarter not as productive. We were moving the ball. We didn’t make the big mistakes, we didn’t turn the ball over, got some pressure, made some sacks and things, hung in there, and obviously the fourth quarter that’s what we knew we had to do, we had to win the fourth quarter. This year, unlike last year, we won the last eight minutes of the game. Guys stepped up, made some big plays, defense got turnovers, and we were able to get the victory, so that was a big win for us.”"
Brandon Jacobs:
"“I think we definitely shut everyone up here because we walked off the field with a big win points wise. There is no question that we played better today because we capitalized on their turnovers. I think the Eagles are a good team with a lot of talent but today was our day.”"
Justin Tuck:
"“I don’t think we did anything differently, I think we just executed. That’s a good football team. We did get out to a lead early, but coach was already saying that it was going to be a four quarter win for us, and we know that. These division games, they’re always going to be these close games, regardless of who we play, it doesn’t matter who’s on the football field, it’s such a great dislike for each other. It’s just going to come down to the team that executes the best at the end and today we were blessed enough to be that team.”"
Well Giants fans, enjoy this win – savor it. Because of the next 12 games, 10 will be against the best teams in football – 4 of them being division rivals. The road ahead is not going to be a smooth one. Every game will have to be fought tooth and nail. Can the New York Giants continue to overcome adversity and find a way to win? Let’s hear from you.
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