The Philadelphia Eagles desperately needed a win on Sunday night against the New York Giants, a tall task considering how great the Giants defense has looked this season and the fact that starting quarterback Michael Vick was out with an injury. Backup Vince Young was impressive in relief, however, keeping Philadelphia's playoff hopes alive as they defeated the Giants 17-10 at MetLife Stadium.
Young led an 18-play touchdown drive that covered 80 yards and took 8:51 off of the clock to give the self-proclaimed dream team the lead with just a couple of minutes left in the game. The Giants had a chance at a rebuttal, but free agent signee Jason Babin sacked Eli Manning to force a fumble and allow the Eagles to run out the clock.
The Eagles didn't start the game out looking great as Young threw a couple of easily-intercepted footballs, but the former starting quarterback calmed down when it mattered. Young finished the game 258 passing yards and two touchdowns after completing 23 of his 36 passing attempts.
Young's favorite target on Sunday night was wide receiver Riley Cooper. Cooper hadn't recorded a reception all season, but he was targeted 12 times on Sunday night as he hauled in five passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. Fellow wideout DeSean Jackson was impressive as well as he hauled in six passes for 88 yards and had a huge punt return, but the story people will be talking about at the water cooler will be Jackson's taunting penalties that nearly cost the Eagles the game.
As far as the Giants are concerned, who are now tied with the Dallas Cowboys atop the NFC East at 6-4 following Sunday night's loss, Eli Manning simply wasn't good enough to lead his team to victory. Manning finished the game with 18 passing completions on 35 attempts, most of which went to wide receiver Victor Cruz.
The Eagles weren't able to get much out of their running game as Brandon Jacobs rushed 12 times for just 21 yards in Ahmad Bradshaw's absence, but it didn't help that backup D.J. Ware was forced out of the game with a concussion after being blindsided by Cullen Jenkins.
The Giants will play the New Orleans Saints next week on Monday Night Football as they try to forget this loss. The Eagles will play another difficult game next week, too, as they host Tom Brady and the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon.
Visit Eagles blog Bleeding Green Nation and Giants blog Big Blue View for more on this game. SB Nation NFL can fill any need during Week 11.