A small win with "Giant" effect- The Eagles soar at the Meadowlands

The Eagles flew to a 36-21 victory against a now 0-5 Giants on their home turf this past Sunday, and whilst you can't judge a team on its ability to beat a team who concedes an average of 36 points per game, the win itself meant that the Eagles are now tied at the top of their division along with the Dallas Cowboys after they faced a heartbreaking loss against the Broncos. In comparison, both the Raiders and the Chargers are on 2-3 and they are tied for bottom in the AFC West. In that sense, this win was crucial.


But with every silver lining there is a cloud, and this could well be a thunder storm waiting to rip Philly apart or it could be the cloud needed to fire the team up and rebuild after the storm passes. An MRI Monday morning revealed that Vick suffered a pulled hamstring in the second quarter, Kelly said. It didn't look overly serious as he was seen walking up and down the sideline trying to see if he could return to the game but the decision to keep him off the field could well mean he starts against Tampa Bay in week 6 if he is fit.
     

It was Nick Foles who took over the Quarterback spot and did an impressive job, scoring two touchdowns and completing 16 passes out of 25 attempts. He may not have the scrambling ability or the read option threat that Vick possesses but a solid arm on Sunday from the 24 year old showed the world that if Vick does get injured seriously at some point in the future, then there is a man ready to lead this Eagles offense.

The game itself was again plagued with penalties and turnovers, but this time not from the Eagles. Manning completed 24 of 52 for 334 yards and two touchdowns, but three penalties for intentional grounding along with his three straight interceptions in the fourth quarter. One turnover came from Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, who managed to fumble in the second quarter without even being hit, the ball simply slipped from his grasp, very much so like the victory the team were chasing so desperately.


On the Eagles side of the ball, Foles led the Eagles to 17 second-half points with five field goals overall from kicker Alex Henery. As mentioned earlier, it is very difficult to judge how well a team is playing against the Giants because the majority of the attention is being based on how many issues there are surrounding the team. The Eagles came away with a win and have a right to feel happy about it. The defense picked up 3 interceptions but is that due to poor offence or has the Eagles Defensive unit found some good form? Nick Foles was able to score two touchdowns and for a second string QB that is a very respectable feat. Was this down to his accuracy or down to the poor defensive effort from New York?


With Vick still doubtful to start week 6, there are mixed emotions going into the Tampa Bay matchup. Can Foles carry on his current from and bring the Eagles to a 3-3 record? Has our defense improved or was it simply New York giving the unit too many easy opportunities making interceptions as easy as taking candy from a baby?

All will be answered in week 6 but for now, Philadelphia fans can hold their head high. If being Tied first for the division and facing an 0-4 Tampa Bay next week doesn't give fans a slight reason to smile after a slightly troubled start to the Chip Kelly era then they need to realize that at least they are playing better than the Jaguars!