The Giants missed a golden opportunity on Sunday night to keep their fate in their own hands.  Losing to the Philadelphia Eagles 45-38 the Giants now must score board watch each week to see if they can make it into the tournament.

The defense looked absolutely helpless against the big play Eagles.  Although an early fumble return, and a punt return added to the total of 45 points for the Eagles, the pass defense was non-existent.  The lack of pressure on McNabb from the middle of the defensive line and the line backers made it impossible to cover their big play receivers.  Something scheme wise or talent wise will have to change in the near future.  The coordinator is all but out of a job, either because of scheme or the ability to communicate.   I don’t see this happening before the end of the season however, and that leaves it up to the current players on the roster to prove they belong on this team, and deserve to wear the NY on their helmet.

The offense was efficient in scoring 38 points and racking up over 500 yards of offense, however turning the ball over and allowing points did not help the overall effort.  The Jacobs fumble that led directly to 7 points put the Giants in an immediate 14 point hole, one they dug out of to take a 31-30 lead in the third quarter.  The offense did see a glimpse f their future in the play of Hakeem Nicks, their number one draft pick last April.   He showed his big play ability, and seemed to grow up as the game progressed.   The offense now rules this team, and they will have to remain potent and be the reason the Giants win down the stretch.

The Giants got more help yesterday than they could have imagined.  The Cowboys lost, the Panthers lost, the Seahawks lost, the Falcons lost, and the Bears lost. This pushes the sense of urgency for one more week.  The Giants will face the Washington Redskins and their resurgent offense Monday night in Landover.   They will again have the luxury of knowing what they need to do as they will be playing the final game of the weekend.

While last night was a disappointment, it did not end their season, it did put them in a position where they need to rely on the outcome of other games. The Carolina game, hopefully not their last in their “old” stadium, will remain a 1:00 start.  That will make the true Giants fan happy.

Editors Note:  After the line on the Giants vs. Redskins game is released, check back here for PFI’s game predictions.
For more on the Giants see http://NYGBLOGJT.BLOGSPOT.COM

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Joe Tufaro / ProFootballinsight Giants Contributor