NFL Week 14 Live Blog

Because the question of whether or not the Eagles fans are rooting for a win tomorrow, my answer tomorrow is yes, I am rooting for the Eagles to defeat the Miami Dolphins.  I understand the logic of wanting a better possible draft pick, and a loss against a team they are "competing" against would help them in landing a better pick, but the Eagles are not yet mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.  And even though the odds are hovering around 1% that they will make the playoffs, I just can't bring myself to root against them when the Eagles still have a chance, no matter how slim it may be.  Until the Eagles are mathematically eliminated, I can't find it in my heart to root for them to lose and I won't root for them to lose.

NFL Week 14 Schedule

Thanks to some rather hilarious ineptitude on the part of the Cowboys and Giants, the 4-8 Eagles still have a path to the playoffs that does not involve back-breaking mathematics.  If in their last four games, the Eagles go 4-0, the Cowboys 1-3, and the Giants 2-2, the Eagles will (incredibly) be the 4-seed.  Now mind you, the probability this actually happens is somewhere around 1%, but hey, on September 1, the Tampa Bay Rays had a .3% chance of winning the AL East.  The point: This would not be the most statistically improbable comeback of the year.  So on that desperate note, here is your Week 14 NFL Schedule! (all times ET; games I get are in bold)

Thursday Night Football

Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers  8:20 (NFL Network - Brad Nessler and Mike Mayock, SR: Alex Flanagan)

Maps of who gets what Sunday afternoon games

Fox games

New Orleans Saints  vs. Tennessee Titans  1:00 (Fox - Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, SR: Pam Oliver)
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions  1:00 (Fox - Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick, SR: Laura Okmin)
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Miami Dolphins  1:00 (Fox - Chris Myers and Tim Ryan)
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers  1:00 (Fox - Ron Pitts and Jim Mora, Jr.)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars  1:00 (Fox - Sam Rosen and Chad Pennington)

Chicago Bears vs. Denver Broncos  4:05 (Fox - Kenny Albert and Daryl Johnston, SA: Tony Siragusa)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals  4:05 (Fox - Dick Stockton and John Lynch)

CBS early games

New England Patriots vs. Washington Redskins  1:00 (CBS - Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf)
Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Jets  1:00 (CBS - Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts)
Houston Texans vs. Cincinnati Bengals  1:00 (CBS - Marv Albert and Rich Gannon)
Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens  1:00 (CBS - Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker)

America's Game Of The Week and other CBS late games

Oakland Raiders vs. Green Bay Packers  4:15 (CBS - Jim Nantz and Phil Simms)
Buffalo Bills vs. San Diego Chargers  4:15 (CBS - Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots)

Sunday Night Football

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys  8:20 (NBC - Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth, SR: Michele Tafoya)

Monday Night Football

St. Louis Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks  8:30 (ESPN - Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden, SR: Rachel Nichols)

Eagles Week 14 Recap: DeSean/LeSean

Onto the bullets!

• There was a lot to like and dislike about that game against the Cowboys.  What there is to dislike:  Injuries.  What there is to like:  The Eagles beat the Cowboys!
• The injuries:  Stewart Bradley suffered a gruesome elbow dislocation and is likely done for the year.  Brandon Graham suffered a knee injury and could potentially be done for the year, depending on the results of the MRI.
• The Eagles have depth at defensive line so while Graham has played well this season, it is not a be all to end all loss.  On the other hand, Stewart Bradley has had a good year, especially in the last few weeks.  And his back-ups are the always dependably bad Omar Gaither and rookie 7th round draft pick Jamar Chaney.  I prefer Chaney.  He did not totally suck coming in for Bradley tonight, so there is hope.  Kinda.  Sorta.  Maybe.  
• Get well soon, Asante Samuel, though the main culprit of defensive blunders this game was Dimitri Patterson with two critical penalties giving Dallas a 1st down on what appeared to be 3rd down stops.  And Dimitri Patterson is the Eagles starting CB anyway.  The combo of suck that is Hanson/Lindley was not particularly dreadful tonight, but getting Asante Samuel back will be a major upgrade regardless.
• Get well soon, Winston Justice.  King Dunlap is just.....bad.
• Offensive lineman Todd Herremans caught a TD pass tonight, the 2nd of his career.  That catch also gave him one more reception than the Eagles tight end Brent Celek, who spent most of the night compensating King Dunlap's awful blocking with some awful blocking of his own.
• DeSean Jackson had perhaps one of the Eagles highlights of the year when he turned a short and simple out route into a 91-yard touchdown.  Much will be made about DJacc's celebration.  The cons:  It was unnecessary, inappropriate and drew a flag from the referees.  The pros:  It was hilarious to watch considering the opponent and venue, and it was not technically a penalty.  Excessive celebration only occurs after a play ends, and technically, the ball had not crossed the endzone at the time of DeSean Jackson's dive.  Therefore, by rule, what DeSean Jackson did is not a penalty.  As hilarious as it was, I am not going to pretend like it is the most respectful or appropriate thing to do in that situation, it most certainly was not, but by rule, that should not have been ruled a penalty.
• That penalty ultimately did not cost the Eagles, as the ensuing kick was only returned to the 22.  Furthermore, the 1st play of the drive was an INT from Kitna to Dimitri Patterson.
• DeSean Jackson had 210 receiving yards tonight, 3rd all time in Ealges history behind Tommy McDonald (237) and known physical specimen Kevin Curtis (221).
• After an Akers field goal to make it 30-20, the Cowboys responded with a TD of their own with over 4 minutes left.  To top off the momentum, Jorrick Calvin got a dumb unnecessary roughness penalty on the ensuing kickoff to pin the Eagles at the 10.
• The Cowboys would never touch the football again, thanks mostly to LeSean McCoy.  McCoy was outstanding, rushing for 63 yards on 9 carries to milk the clock and win the game for the Eagles.  Michael Vick, who still had 3 TDs despite this not being one of his better games, also had a carry for 9 yards.  Have I ever mentioned how awesome Shady McCoy is?
• I am not sure I understand Andy Reid's fascination with using Chad Hall as a tailback in redzone situations.  The Eagles have 3 running backs, LeSean McCoy, Jerome Harrison, and Eldra Buckley, a fullback in Owen Schmitt, all of whom are healthy, and yet, the Eagles are lining up former Air Force WR Chad Hall out of the backfield.  To the unsurprise of most, none of these plays have resulted in touchdowns.
• Michael Vick continues to get little protection from the referees.  After Reid explicitly complained to the League last week about the lack of late hit/unnecessary roughness calls on some questionable hits on Vick, Vick was violently shoved as he was going out of bounds and the refs stood idle not throwing a flag.  The answer to what it takes to draw a flag was answered later in the game when Vick received not one, but two helmet-to-helmet hits on a single play.
• After the game, Tashard Choice approached Michael Vick and asked him for an autograph.  For some context, Tashard Choice is from Georgia, went to school at Georgia Tech, and presumably grew up a big Vick fan.  That may explain why he asked Vick to autograph his game gloves for Choice's 3-year old nephew.
•  Win probability chart (advancednflstats.com)  

• Lastly, and most importantly of all, I would be remiss if I did not extend my well wishes to fellow live blog comrade James Craven who has been absent the past few weeks.  Saturday afternoon he sent me an e-mail saying he had undergone heart bypass surgery to remove a blood clot from his heart.  We have had our disagreements in the past, however, a person's health is above all petty disagreements.  The good news is he eventually plans on returning.  I wish him a speedy recovery and nothing but the best for his future health.  He titled his email "Zipper Club Member."  Glad to see his sense of humor is still with him.

2010 NFL Season Week 14 Live Blog

CLICK HERE TO GO TO LIVE BLOG

NFL Week 14 Schedule

Week 14 already. Geez, this season has gone by fast. The playoff push is upon us although there will be no push for the Panthers, Lions, Bills, Bengals, and Broncos, as they are already mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Also, this is one of the few times in a season where none of my affiliates are carrying the Fox/CBS marquee late game. Here is your week 14 schedule! (all times ET; games I get are in bold)

Thursday Night Football

Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans 8:20 (NFL Network - Bob Papa, Matt Millen, and Joe Theismann)

Map of who gets what Fox game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Redskins 1:00 (Fox - Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, and Tony Siragusa)
Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions 1:00 (Fox - Sam Rosen and Tim Ryan)
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers 1:00 (Fox - Ron Pitts and John Lynch)

Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers 4:05 (Fox - Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick)
St. Louis Rams vs. New Orleans Saints 4:05 (Fox - Dick Stockton, Charles Davis, and Jim Mora, Jr.)

Map of who gets what CBS early game.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 1:00 (CBS - Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf)
Oakland Raiders vs. Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00 (CBS - Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots)
Cleveland Browns vs. Buffalo Bills 1:00 (CBS - Don Criqui and Steve Beuerlein)

Map of who gets what CBS late game.

New England Patriots vs. Chicago Bears 4:15 (CBS - Jim Nantz and Phil Simms)
Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets 4:15 (CBS - Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts)
Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Diego Chargers 4:15 (CBS - Gus Johnson and Steve Tasker)
Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals 4:15 (CBS - Bill Macatee and Rich Gannon)

Sunday Night Football

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys 8:20 (NBC - Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth)

Monday Night Football

New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings (game to be played in Detroit, MI) 7:20 (Fox - Joe Buck and Troy Aikman)
Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans 8:30 (ESPN - Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden)

Giants Fans Do Not Appreciate DeSean Jackson Walking Backwards Into The Endzone

First off, what a game that was last night. Certainly one of the most entertaining 3 and a half hours of regular season football that you could watch no matter who you are.

Mike Vick is finally starting to have a positive impact on the field in this Eagles offense (surely much to the chagrin of the 1 fan out of thousands is sticking to their threatened boycott of the Eagles after the signing), and DeSean Jackson is a mother fucking beast. He seriously has more than take over the role of Brian Dawkins as my favorite Eagle. The guy is just awesome and last night, he proved once again why Brent Musburger deemed him the "Wizard of Returns".

Aspeaking of DeSean Jackson, there was an incident last night and I am not talking about his 2 spectaular touchdowns. Well, actually, yes, I'm talking about the one, but not because of anything he did. Rich Hoffman of the Philadelphia Daily News made a rather interesting observation following his 60-yard TD catch in the game.

With outrageous protection from the offensive line, McNabb waited and waited and watched Jackson run completely clear. The 60-yard touchdown was accomplished with Jackson running effortlessly (and backward) into the end zone. There, he did a "Riverdance" kind of thing as celebration and was greeted by two launched beer bottles from the stands in reply.

Again, this is not to say that Philly sports fans are perfect angels, but if this was a Philly fan that did this to Hakeem Nicks or Mario Manningham, it's a national headline and the New York Post will cry of our foul depravity. Oh wait, they do that anyways.

Regardless, do you get my point? Granted maybe there has not been enough time for this story to develop, but why is this not gaining the national attention it would if it were an Eagles fan throwing a bottle at Nicks? It's the point I've been making all along, Philly being a sports hooligan town is only perceived that way because of the past reputation from booing Santa and cheering an unconscious Irvin that whenever an incident occurs at a Philly game, there is a national outcry along with national headlines, yet, when shit like this happens elsewhere, it just gets buried in a blurb in a Philly article summarizing the game. Don't take me out of context here, I'm not saying shit does not happen in Philly games, I'm just saying it happens elsewhere and people only care when it is occuring at Philly games.

Here is the video of the TD, and I type this from a lab with a horrible screen so I can't make out much of anything, other than a guy in a white shirt catches some brown thing and scores a touchdown and Al Michaels uses the term "street ball", but here it is anyway for your enjoyment.



Enough of my soapbox rant and now onto more videos of this great game.

The highlights of the game featuring the great Merrill Reese calling the big Eagles play, including the touchdown from above, Jackson's big punt return, and another Vick TD.



Remember the last time the Eagles played the Giants and DeSean Jackson tried to bump Andy Reid? Yeah, the result of that is now my Blogger profile pic. Well, they tried it again this week and here is how it went down.



DJax is my hero. End of story.

Week 14 NFL Live Blog

is here. My internet still does not work but I'll come once in awhile to yuck it up and what not. That does not mean that you should not come as well, though!

Monday Night Football Live Blog Tampa Bay @ Carolina, 2nd Half

Well, it hasn't been a high-scoring game, but it's been entertaining thus far. The Panthers lead the Bucs 10-3 as we start the 2nd half.

Jones has difficulty handling the kickoff, as he takes it to the 21. Penalty flag down. Illegal block in the back on Carolina. From the 6, Williams gets the carry to the 11. 2nd and 6, Williams gets the carry again and is tripped up a yard shy of the marker. 3rd and 1, Delhomme hands to Williams who gets the first down. Delhomme's pass on 1st down is deflected straight up into the air but falls harmlessly to the ground.

2nd and 10, Delhomme hands to Williams and OH MY, HE JUST BARRELED THROUGH SOME BUCS AS HE TAKES IT TO THE 42! 1st and 10, Delhomme goes deep and he way overthrows his man, but there's a flag down. Illeagal contact on the Bucs.

"You can't understand football if you make that call." - Jaws

Whoa! Tell us how you really feel. 1st and 10 from the TB 48, Delhomme fires, IT'S TIPPED AROUND AND INTERCEPTED BY PHILLIPS! WHAT A CATCH!

"That gets you a graduate degree at the Troy Polamalu School of Making Interceptions." - Dr. Kornheiser

The world would be a better place if you would leave TV forever. 1st and 10 and Dunn loses a yard. 2nd and 11, Garcia FIRES DOWN THE FIELD AND IT'S CAUGHT BY ANTONIO BRYANT ON THE COMEBACK! HE TURNS AROUND, AND MAKES IT INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN TAMPA BAY! The extra point is up and good we are tied at 10.

Jones takes the kickoff to the 27. Williams takes the carry and loses a couple. 2nd and 12, Delhomme to Smith who gets 7. 3rd and 5 and it's caught by Muhammad who gets 12 and a first down. Smith makes the catch for 11 and another first down. From the TB 45, Williams gets 7. 2nd and 3, Delhomme fires it DEEP FOR STEVE SMITH WHO MAKES THE CATCH IN THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN CAROLINA! The extra point is good and it's 17-10 Panthers.

Kickoff is taken to the 30. 1st and 10, Dunn takes the pass for a couple. 2nd and 8, Dunn takes the carry and he has a Tampa first down. 1st and 10, Garcia throws to Bryant for 4. 2nd and 6, Dunn gets maybe a yard. 3rd and 5, Garcia throws it to Stevens who makes the catch, turns and dives for the marker, but is just short!

"Those markers are the real ones." - Mike Tirico on the sideline markers.

Thanks Capt. Obvious. Tampa's going for it on 4th down, Askew takes it up the middle and he's got it! Garcia on first down is firing deep and it's CAUGHT BY BRYANT AT THE 7! A stupid penalty by Bryant after the play will back them up 5. Williams won't get much on 1st down but a personal foul penalty will put the Bucs at the 4. It's now 1st and goal for the Bucs. Garcia hands it off to Cadillac Williams who BURSTS THROUGH INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN BUCS! The extra point is good and we are tied at 17.

Kickoff is taken by Jones who takes it to the 27. 1st and 10, Delhomme fires it to Smith who makes the catch at the 37 for a first down. Williams takes Delhomme's pass and he picks up 6. 2nd and 4 from the CAR 44, Delhomme hands it off to Williams who has the first down at midfield.

And here comes the Panthers again. Damn, talk about a back-and-forth battle. Williams takes the carry and gets no gain. 2nd and 9, Delhomme hands it to Stewart who has a huge hole and takes it all the way to the TB 30! 1st and 10, Delhomme throws it to Steve Smith who gets to the outside and gets 11!

Is it just me or has Dr. Kornheiser is abnormally quiet this half?

That's the end of the 3rd quarter and we are tied at 17.

1st and 10 from the 19, and Stewart takes it all the way to the 10. 2nd and 1, Stewart gets the carry and a first down at the 8. 1st and goal Panthers. Delhomme fires for the endzone incomplete, but there's a penalty down. Holding on Tampa Bay and that'll place the ball at the 4. Delhomme hands it to Stewart who DIVES FOR AND GETS INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN CAROLINA! The extra point is up and good and the Panthers lead 24-17.

What a fun game this has turned out to be. (Via SSR)

This game has had a bit of everything. Defense in the first half, offense in the 2nd half, and a few officiating controversies. Smith on the kickoff return takes it to the 28. Dunn on the carry gets 6 yards to the 34. 2nd and 4, Garcia to Smith is incomplete. 3rd and 4, Garcia completes it to Stevens who has a first down. Cadillac Williams on the carry gets a couple. 2nd and 8, Garcia's pass is incomplete.

"It would help if some of the receivers caught the ball." - Dr. Kornheiser

Really? Never knew that. Garcia on 3rd down is SACKED! And for the first time this half we'll see a punt. Bidwell booms one into the endzone for the touchback. Holding on Carolina and the Panthers will take over at the 10. 1st and 10, Delhomme hands it to DEANGELO WILLIAMS WHO GETS TO THE OUTSIDE AND A HUGH GAIN OF 41! Stewart on 1st down picks up 3. 2nd and 7, STEWART GETS TO THE OUTSIDE AND HE TAKES IT TO THE 17! There's just no stopping these Carolina running backs.

"This game is crucial if Carolina wants home-field advantage throughout the playoffs." - Dr. Kornheiser

But it won't mean squat if they lose next week. Delhomme hands it off to Williams who GETS TO THE OUTSIDE AND INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN PANTHERS! The extra point is good and the Panthers lead 31-17.

"This is they're way of saying 'Hello America, this is who we are'." - Dr. Kornheiser

Must you always try to be funny?

"This is a first time I've seen a Monte Kiffin defense just getting whipped." - Jaws

Jaws isn't kidding. This is a butt whopping and Tampa's defense is supplying the butt. Kickoff is taken to the 35 so the Bucs will have good field position. 1st and 10, Garcia has his pass dropped by Dunn. 2nd and 10, Hilliard makes the catch for a first down.

"This is not a Buccaneer team that's built to come from behind." - Jaws
"But they have, on the road. 3 times." - Mike Tirico

So they must be a team built to come from behind then! 1st and 10 and Dunn drops another. 2nd and 10, Garcia from the shotgun and it's incomplete again. 3rd and 10 for the Bucs and this is 4-down territory in my opinion.

3rd and 10, Garcia is under pressure and SACKED! Holding on Tampa Bay and they will punt it away. Bidwell's punt is taken by Jones who makes it to the 14. Delhomme's pass to Smith is caught for a gain of 9. 2nd and 1, and Stewart goes nowhere on the carry. 3rd and 1 and Dr. Kornheiser has nothing better to talk about than Rosario Dawson's, er, Dante Rosario's catch in week 1 to beat the Chargers. 3rd and short and Bucs get the stop on 3rd down! Hoover went nowhere.

Timeout Tampa Bay.

Punt is taken by Smith but an illegal block in the back will force them back to the 18. 1st and 10 and Jeremy Stevens drops a pass. 2nd and 10, Garcia fires incomplete again and now it's 3rd and 10.

"I see him as someone who gets bored very easily." - Dr. Kornheiser making no sense.

Garcia's pass is caught by Bryant who gets 14 and a TB first down. Dunn on the carry takes it to the 44 for another Tampa first down.

"You have to score once to score twice, but you have to score twice." - Dr. Kornheiser making no sense. Garcia throws to Alan Smith down the field and he catches it for a first down in Panther territory. 1st and 10 from the 36, Hilliard makes the catch at the 28. 2nd and 3, Garcia to Dunn who catches it at the 23 for a first down.

1st and 10, Garcia to Stevens who takes it to the 15. Clock under 3-minutes. 2nd and 3, Garcia from the shotgun passes it to ANTONIO BRYANT WHO MAKES A SPECTACULAR DIVING CATCH IN THE ENDZONE! WHAT A CATCH! TOUCHDOWN TAMPA BAY! The extra point is up and BLOCKED! NO GOOD! 31-23 Panthers.

ONSIDE KICK! RECOVERED BY CAROLINA! 1st and 10 from the TB 43. Bucs have 2 timeouts with 2:28 to go. Williams picks up 3.

Timeout Tampa Bay.

Williams picks up 3 on 2nd down. Timeout Tampa Bay. 2:17 to go. 3rd and 4, Delhomme pitches it to Williams who BREAKS IT TO THE OUTSIDE! BUC AFTER BUC FANS ON THE TACKLE AS WILLIAMS TAKES IT INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN PANTHERS! OVER 300 RUSHING YARDS TODAY FOR THE PANTHERS! Unreal. The extra point is good and the Panthers lead 38-23.

Smith takes the kick to the 37.

Williams should've done a Brian Westbrook there. (Via SSR)

Agreed. Now Tampa has a one-in-a-million chance of winning as opposed to no chance.

"And yes, Mike, I do have my gloves on." - Stu Scott

Congratulations. 1st down carry gets 7. Garcia to Stevens gets 7. Williams will pick up a couple. 3rd down and GARCIA'S PASS IS INTERCEPTED! This will be reviewed by the booth and overturned though. I know it's nearly impossible for the Bucs to win this, but the fact that it hardly looks like they're trying when there is a chance, is not good news for Bucs fans.

"It's one thing to get [2 running backs over 100 yards] against the Lions, it's another thing against Tampa's defense." - Dr. Kornheiser

Most high schools could get 2 running backs over 100 yards against the Lions. The play is overturned as the ball clearly hit the ground and it's now 4th down for the Bucs. 4th and 1, Garcia's pass is INCOMPLETE! AND THAT'S IT!

Jake Delhomme will come out and take knees as the Carolina Panthers have defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38-23. Thank you for joining me for this live blog and every live blog I have done this year. SSR will take over Monday Nights from here on out. Good night and good luck.

Monday Night Football Live Blog Tampa Bay @ Carolina, 1st Half

It's showdown time! The 9-3 Carolina Panthers are set to take on the 9-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. We'll kick things off here at 8:30 when Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Dr. Kornheiser (Remember he's not a real doctor, he just likes to play one in the MNF booth) hit the air.

JFein's Prediction: This should be a good game. However, it seems like that Tampa Bay is a more well-rounded team than the Panthers. Therefore, I will pick the Bucs in this one 28-24.

Countdown's picks
Steve: Panthers
Emmitt: Panthers
Stuart: Panthers
Coach: Buccaneers
Key: Panthers
Cris: Panthers
TJ: Buccaneers
Boomer: Buccaneers

"That's the biggest deficit Carolina has lost by this year." - Tony Kornheiser
Well yeah......they've lost only 3 games. (Via SSR)

I had my hopes up that because this was such a big game, that Dr. Kornheiser would just shut up and keep the idiocy to a minimum. Apparently I was wrong.

"He took the Frankfurt Galaxy to the World Bowl, which I suppose made him All-World." - Dr. Kornheiser

Clifton Smith is back to return and the kick goes out of the endzone for a touchback. And on comes Jeff Garcia. 1st and 10, Garcia passes to Gilmore for a gain of 5. Garcia on 2nd down is SACKED! Loss of 8 and it's 3rd and 13. Handoff to Dunn who gets a couple.

The punt is returned to TB territory. And the Panthers have good field position. 1st and 10, Williams gets nothing. Williams gets 5 on 2nd down and it's 3rd and 5.

"You think Tampa Bay remembers they lost by 24 points in the first game?" - Kornheiser (Via SSR)

No, I don't. I think Carolina remembers losing by 24 to Tampa Bay, though. 3rd and 5 and Delhomme finds Muhammad over the middle for a 1st down! 1st and 10 and Delhomme agains find Muhammad for 19 yards! DeAngelo Williams on the carry takes it to the 8 with a pick up of 3. 2nd and 7, Delhomme , scrambles and is SACKED BY KEVIN CARTER! Loss of 8. 3rd and 15 for the Panthers. Delhomme throws it behind his tight end who dropped it. 4th down and on will come John Kasay. The 34-yard field goal IS UP...AND GOOD! 3-0 Panthers.

Kornheiser finally made a comment about Jaws' stupid "Catching the ball with your hands" comment. (Via SSR)

You mean to say you can't catch the ball with your nose?

"How does he get to keep his hair at 85 when you and I have had such trouble with that?" - Dr. Kornheiser

My heart bleeds for you. The kickoff is taken to the 27 by Smith. And on will come the TB offense.

Is there some producer at ESPN that is professional enough, with enough skill and talent, to tell those two morons to not devolve into giggling...it's because WE CAN'T FUCKING UNDERSTAND THEM WHEN THEY GIGGLE YOU IDIOTS. (Via Hollywood Wags)

Dunn picks up a couple. 2nd and 8, Garcia throws to Antonio Bryant for a gain of 8 and a first down. Cadillac Williams picks up a yard. 2nd and 9, Garcia throws to Askew for a pick up of 9 and another Tampa Bay first down. Dunn gets a yard on 1st down. 2nd and 9, Garcia swings to Cadillac Williams who gets 7. 3rd and 2, Garcia scrambles, will run for it, and he gets the first!

Timeout Tampa Bay.

"[Jon Gruden] loves quarterbacks, like antique cars." - Ron Jaworski (Via SSR)

Well that's one thing Jaws and Jon Gruden have in common.

"That was my homework assignment for the week." - Mike Tirico on learning Spanish.

We'll be awaiting his awkward 4th quarter apology. 1st and 10, Garcia fires incomplete for Clayton. Dunn takes the carry close to the first down marker. 3rd and 1, Askew picks up 3 and the drive continues. 1st and 10 from the CAR 30. The Cadillac picks up 5 on the carry.

Garcia throws it to Askew who can't get back to the line. Flag on the play and it's a tripping penalty on Tampa Bay. 2nd and 15, Garcia fakes it the handoff, scrambles past the line and gets 3.

"He's rumbling, bumbling, stumbling down the field." - Jaws on Garcia

Never say that again, Jaws. Garcia finds Antonio Bryant on 3rd down who gets 10 but that's not enough for a first down. On will come Matt Bryant to attempt a 40-yard field goal. The kick is up and IT'S OFF THE LEFT UPRIGHT AND NO GOOD! Still 3-0 Panthers.

1st and 10 from the 30, Delhomme hands it off to Jonathan Stewart who gets 2.

That brings us to the end of the 1st quarter, the Panthers lead the Bucs 3-0.

2nd and 8 and Stewart picks up 6. 3rd and a couple. Delhomme throws it to Steve Smith who has a first down at the 45. 1st and 10, Delhomme with tons of time, fires to to Brad Hoover who DROPS IT! Oy ve, Attention Captain Butterfingers. 2nd and 10, Stewart takes it into TB territory with that pick up of 5. 3rd and 5, Delhomme throws it to Jarrett who has the first down.

"Does that mean that, Delhomme, he went to Jarrett?" - Dr. Kornheiser

I'm speechless. And Doc, that was only obvious to you. 1st and 10 and Stewart loses a couple. Oh man, Hoover drops it again! Delhomme's pass on 3rd down is caught by Steve Smith inside the 30 for the first down! But wait, Tampa's challenging it.

My opinion is that it should be upheld, but we'll see what Walt Anderson says. It stands! Delhomme on 1st down fires and it's INTERCEPTED BY RONDE BARBER!

"Isn't Cincinnati also a queen city? How can you have two?" - Dr. Kornheiser

I don't know, Dr. Kornheiser, I don't know. John Fox is challenging the Barber interception. This one stands. Dunn picks up 4 on first down. Garcia throws to Dunn who gets near the first down marker. They measure it and he's just short. 3rd and inches, Garcia hands it to Askew who easily picks up the first down. 1st and 10 from the TB 35, Garcia fires and it's nearly picked off by Diggs! 2nd and 10, Garcia from the gun has his pass deflected and incomplete.

3rd and 10, Garcia from the shotgun again, throws it to Hilliard who makes the catch at the 47! First down Tampa Bay. Williams gets the carry, LOSES THE BALL, but the whistle blew and oh my, that was definitley a legit fumble. The refs blew that one. 2nd and 10, Garcia FIRES DEEP FOR IKE HILLARD WHO MAKES THE CATCH AND SPRINTS DOWN THE FIELD, DIVES FOR THE ENDZONE, BUT IS OUT OF BOUNDS AT THE 2! Wow, what a turn of events! And let me tell you what, I don't think he ever stepped out of bounds!

Timeout Tampa Bay. And it looks like the ball is a yard and a half behind where it should be. 1st and goal and Garcia fires for Smith in the back of the endzone, incomplete. 2nd and goal, Williams tries to go up the middle and doesn't get anything. Carolina says they have the ball, but the refs ignore them.

"That's how you stroke it up in there as a linebacker." - Jaws

3rd and goal. Garcia scrambling, fires to the endzone....incomplete! 4th and goal and on will come Matt Bryant for a 20-yard field goal. To tie the game, Bryant's field goal IS UP...AND THROUGH! We are tied at 3 in the Queen City as Nickelback's "Burn it to the Ground" off their new album Dark Horse, bumps us to commercial.

"Saved by the Westbrook" - Mike Tirico promosting next week's MNF game between the Eagles and the Browns. SSR will be live-blogging that one next week.

The kickoff is taken by Jones to the CAR 27. 1st and 10 for the Panthers. Williams takes the first down carry and picks up 9. DeAngelo Williams picks up the first down. 2nd down and WILLIAMS BREAKS FREE FOR A BIG GAIN OF 40 YARDS! Stewart gets a yard on first down and 7 on second down. Wiliams on 3rd down picks up the first.

Sorry for the delay of the update. Blogger's giving me hell. There we go, all better. Delhomme passes to Steve Smith who gets 7 yards and is down at the 2!

2-minute warning.

2nd and goal, Delhomme hands it to STEWART WHO WALKS INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN PANTHERS! The extra point is up and good and the Panthers lead it 10-3.

Clark takes the kickoff the 25 yard line and here comes Tampa with 1:49 remaining in the 1st half and no timeouts. Garcia to throw it to Jeremy Stevens who gets 5 and out of bounds. 2nd and 5, Garcia throws it to Antonio Bryant who has a first down at the 39. Garcia from the shotgun and GARCIA IS SACKED! Loss of 6 and the clock continues to tick.

Dunn takes the ball to the 40. 3rd and 8, as the clock is now at 10, Garcia scrambling and is SACKED AGAIN! Carolina decided not to call a timeout to try for a punt block and/or return.

That's the end of the first half. The Panthers lead the Buccaneers 10-3. I'll see you in the second half thread.

Week 14 Eagles Recap

Ask Craig James what he thinks of the Eagles, and he'll surely say that they are the best team in the NFC. While probably not true, that was one damn impressive win yesterday and restored my faith in live blogging Eagles games (although due to the fact that winter break is nearly upon me, I'm done live-blogging Eagles games this year). More on that later in the week.

Back to the Eagles. Words really can't describe what happened yesterday. It was fucking awesome, that's for damn sure. The Eagles not only beat the Giants, but they thoroughly dominated them and yes, it was only a 6-point game, but that score did not reflect that game.

I have a confession to make. I made a terrible mistake when I posted the preview. I said that the announcers talking point would be that the crowd was loud (what else does Goose talk about). I was wrong. Every other sentence all three spoke had the word "wind" in it. Good lord, people we get that it was windy! You don't need to re-iterate it every 30 seconds. With all the talk about wind, I wouldn't be surprised if Tony Siragusa broke wind.....and Kenny and Moose smelled it from the booth!

And as if it wasn't bad enough that they wouldn't shut up about it, things they said about it was wrong. They said it was moving right to left on the screen. Fine. They also said it would be seeminlgy impossible to move the ball against the wind. Which is all fine and dandy, if you disregard the fact that the Eagles consistently moved the ball in the third quarter against the wind both throwing and running.

What we saw yesterday was a clock management clinic from the Eagles. They possessed the ball 21 out of 30 minutes in the second half. And what about how awesome the Eagles defense was! They only allowed 80 yards on the ground against the Gmen (as opposed to over 200 when they met in Philly a month ago). The only TDs the Giants allowed was the blocked field goal return at the end of the first half and the TD during garbage time at the end of the game.

All in all, this was the best game the Eagles played all season. Westbrook had over 200 total yards and McNabb was efficient, completing 19/30 for 191 yards. And guess what else the Eagles did? They ran the ball more than they threw it! See what happens when you run the ball, Andy? You win games. It's historically proven true for the Eagles and it proved true yesterday.

And it may have been their luckiest week of the season. 3 out of the 4 teams ahead of the Eagles played yesterday (Carolina plays tonight on MNF). All three of those teams (Washington, Dallas, and Atlanta) lost. Which means the Eagles are now a half game ahead of the Redskins, and a half game behind Dallas and Atlanta. The playoff scenario right now is simple for the Eagles. If the Eagles win their final three games and Atlanta loses one of their remaining three games, the Eagles will be in the playoffs. No ifs, ands, or buts. Atlanta plays Tampa Bay, Minnesota, and St. Louis. Folks, this is in reach. As long as the Eagles don't choke.

More on the playoffs tomorrow and a deeper analysis of what else the Eagles would like to see. I will be live-blogging my last MNF game tonight in replace of AA, who has a "weekly engagement" that he can't move away from Monday nights. My guess is that AA is at AA, if you know what I mean. (I'm kidding AA, if you're reading this.)

Week 14 Eagles @ Giants Live Blog, 2nd Half

It's official. If the Eagles hang on to win this I am storming down the hall scraming "Go Eagles!" and shouting profanity that shall not be named here to the Giant fans. God, they're obnoxious.

Does Tony Siragusa know what it's like to stand still? Good lord, I feel like I'm watching the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Demps on the return takes it to the 30. Curtis will not return. Westbrook picks up a couple on 1st down. 2nd and 8, McNabb has it knocked away by Dockery. 3rd and 8, McNabb throws for Jason Avant who gets the first down and bent over like a pretzel. Damn, thank goodness he got right back up. Westbrook takes it to the 45 and picks up 4. 2nd and 6, McNabb from the shotgun fires incomplete. 3rd and 6, McNabb will scramble and pick up the first down with his legs! That's McNabb's biggest weapon right there, his legs.

McNabb throws incomplete to Lewis. 2nd and 10, McNabb fires to Baskett who makes the catch for 9, FUMBLES THE BALL!, but it lands out of bound and no harm is done. 3rd and 1, and McNabb on the keeper picks up the first. McNabb hands to Westbrook and he takes it to the Giant 32. 2nd and 8, McNabb to throw to Westbrook who picks up a first down with a pick up of 9. Flag down, but it's on the Giants. 1st and 10 from the 22 and Westbrook picks up 3.

2nd and 7, McNabb finds Smith for a gain of 4. 3rd and 3 and I'm loving this drive from the Eagles. What blocked field goal momentum?

3rd and 3, McNabb fires incomplete for Smith. And it's 4th down and on will come Akers. Akers, from 34-yards out, IT'S BLOCKED AGAIN! THREE BLOCKED FIELD GOALS IN THIS GAME, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? The ball went under the upright the Giants will take over at the 27.

Jacobs picks up 4 on 1st down. Jacobs on 2nd down gets a first down and Jacobs was limping before collapsing onto the field.

3rd and inches and Ward picks up the 1st down. 1st and 1o from the NYG 37, Ward tries to bounce it to the outside and gets stuffed at the line. 2nd and 9, and Ward gets 6 before being upended.

Update: Detroit 13, Minnesota 10

3rd and 3 for the Giants and Manning fires one deep and it's caught....by the waterboy on the sidelines. 4th and 3 and Jackson fair-catches the punt at the 14.
1st and 10 and Westbrook gets 7 on the carry. Why is the BCS computer at Giants Stadium? Westbrook picks up a first down by an inch. 1st and 10, McNabb hands to Westbrook who gets 3. Westbrook gets 6 on 2nd down and it's the ever-dreaded 3rd and 1 for the Eagles. McNabb hands it to Kyle Eckel who gets an Eagles first down! Gain of a couple. And the Eagles have actually converted their last 3rd and short rushing attempts!

1st down and Westbrook gets no gain. 2nd and 10 and McNabb fires complete to Hank Baskett for 6. Kendra's happy! 3rd and 4, McNabb fires over the middle by Westbrook for a first down. A personal foul face-mask by the Giants will give the Eagles 15 more yards.

That's the end of the 3rd quarter and the Eagles are dominating the clock, leading the Giants 10-7.

1st and 10 from the New York 39 and he gets 3. Brian Westbrook has officially outgained the entire Giants team this game. 2nd and 7, and McNabb stumbles and is sacked for a loss of 4. 3rd and 11, McNabb fires for WESTBROOK WHO MAKES THE CATCH AND WILL GO UNTOUCHED INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN EAGLES! The extra point is good and the Eagles now lead the Giants 17-7.

HELLZ YEAH!

Update: Atlanta 17, Nawlins 16

Damn. Akers booms the kick into the endzone where it's kneeled for the touchback. Giants ball at the 20.

More updates
Green Bay 14, Houston 13
Detroit 13, Minnesota 10
Chicago 20, Jacksonville 3

Jacobs gets the carry and picks up 5. 2nd and 5, Bradshaw gets 4 but there's a penalty flag down. Holding on the Eagles and that will give the Giants a first down. 1st and 10, Manning fires deep and it's NEARLY INTERCEPTED BY ASANTE SAMUEL! Oh man, there wasn't a blue jersey in sight. Bradshaw gets a couple.

Update: New Orleans 22, Atlanta 17.

Manning on 3rd down fires over the middle for Hixon who gets 17 and a Giant first down! 1st and 10, Bradshaw is wrapped up in the backfield for a loss. 2nd and 13, Manning fires incomplete, looking for Toomer. 3rd and13. Manning gets it off for Steve Smith who makes the catch and breaks free, only to be stopped a yard short of the marker. Let's see what the Giants do here from the Eagle 37. They're going for it! Manning, under pressure! Gets it off, but it's INCOMPLETE! Eagles take over on downs! Another great defensive stop by the Philadelphia Eagles!

Update: Minnesota 17, Detroit 13 with 8:32 left.

1st down and Westbrook explodes up the middle for a gain of 13 into Giant territory! 1st and 10, McNabb hands to Westbrook for 5.

Update: Houston 21, Green Bay 14 with 10:05 left.

Westbrook gets nothing on 2nd down and it's 3rd and 5. McNabb fakes to Westbrook, rolls out right, and finds L.J. Smith for another Eagles 1st down! The Eagles are 9 for 14 today on 4th down, unbelieveable! Gain of 3 on 1st down.

Update: Atlanta 25, New Orleans 22

Damn. No gain on 2nd down it's now 3rd and 5. McNabb scrambles and he will pick up another 1st down! The Eagles have converted 11 of their last 12 3rd downs! Incredible!

Awww, McNabb's wife just gave birth to twins. Congrats to Donny Mac and his family! 2nd and 9 after a minimal 1st down gain by Westbrook and this one will go for 3 by Westbrook. Timeout New York. 3rd and 5, McNabb hands to Westbrook who gets yet another first down! 3:30 to go and this is a clinic right now. From the NYG 16, Westbrook gets a couple. Timeout New York.

Update: Minnesota 17, Detroit 16 with 5:44 left.

2nd and 8, Westbrook gets swallowed in the backfield for a loss of a couple. Timeout New York, that's their last. 3rd and 10, Westbrook gets the carry for only a couple. The Eagles will take this clock all the way down and take a timeout with 2:14 to before sending out David Akers.

From 34 yards out, IT'S UP....AND GOOD! 20-7 Eagles.

2:09 left and the Giants are out of timeouts down by 13. Moss on the kickoff return takes it to the 29.

Update: New Orleans 29, Atlanta 25 with 3:58 left.

Yay! Manning ocmpletes to Ward for a couple and that's the 2-minute warning.

"Disappointing afternoon after the New York Giants..."- Kenny Albert

And what about the fantastic afternoon for the Eagles, asswipe. 2nd and 8 and Manning finds Smith at midfield for the first down. Manning to Toomer and that gets 8. 1:25 to go. Manning from the shot gun, rolls out and finds Toomer who takes it all the way to the Eagle 25. 58 seconds left. Manning to Smith for a first down at the 14. And why are the Eagles in a prevent defense? Manning fires incomplete, but there's a penalty down. Illegal touching on the Giants. 1st and 15 from the 19, Manning fires incomplete but there are penalties galore.

Offsides and defensive pass interference. 1st and goal for the Giants at the 2 with 20 seconds left. Manning throws to the endzone for DARCY JOHNSON WHO MAKES THE CATCH IN THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN GIANTS! The extra point is good and it's 20-14 Eagles.

Here comes the onside kick. LOOSE BALL! RECOVERED BY SHELDON BROWN! AND THAT'S IT! THE EAGLES GO INTO NEW YORK AND UPSET THE GIANTS! E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!

McNabb takes a knee and this one is history. The Eagles beat the Giants 20-14! Thank you for joining me for this live blog. Hopefully you'll join me tomorrow as I live blog my last Monday night game of the year.

Update: The Saints beat the Falcons 29-25!

Week 14 Eagles @ Giants Live Blog, First Half

Well, it may be a 1:00 game, but most of the country is getting this game. And I, for one, am hoping that the Eagles make a statement. We will be getting underway at 1, until then, enjoy Tony Siragusa telling you how loud the crowd is and how cold it is in New York.

Thanks for spatting out that Westbrook stat that we already knew. 2 rushing TDs, 2 receiving TDs, and 100 yards. Oh my, chance of snow and 25-35 mph winds.

Eagles to kick it off to the Gmen and we are underway in New York. The kickoff is taken to the 28. Jacobs gets 7 on the 1st down carry. Neutral zone infraction on the Eagles and the Giants have their first first down of the game. 1st and 10, Jacobs gets 3 on the carry up the middle. The wind is apparently blowing from left to right.

Oh boy, a 5-yard penalty followed by a face mask. Not a good start. From the Eagle 37 on 1st down is a pass from Manning to Boss and gets 5. End around to Manningham and he gets dropped for a loss of 12! That one did NOT fool the Eagles. 3rd and 17 for the Gmen. Manning to throw and it's caught by Sinorice Moss for a gain of 13. 4th and 4 and are they going for it? Yes they are. 4th and 4, Manning from the gun, throws and it's broken up by Sheldon Brown!

1st and 10 and McNabb finds Smith for 9. 2nd and 1 and Westbrook is stuffed in the backfield for a loss of 5 and just like that it's 3rd and 6. McNabb from the shot gun, scrambles, and he throws it at the feet of Kevin Curtis. 3 and out for the Birds.

Rocca's punt sails out of bounds at the 33 and that's where Eli will come back onto the field.

Andy Reid: Okay, next short yardage play, CHUCK IT DEEP!! Mmmm.....Chuck, Beef Chuck? (Via SSR)

That's disgustingly funny. 1st down and Jacobs gets a couple. 2nd down and 8 and Manning throws incomplete. 3rd down and the pass is caught by Hixon but he gets dropped at the line of scrimmage. The punt is taken to the 29 by Jackson and that's where the Eagles will take over.

Update: New Orleans 7, Atlanta 0.

Keep it up Saints. The Eagles need you this week. Here comes McNabb. 1st and 10 and McNabb finds Westbrook over the middle for a pick up of 7. McNabb hands to Westbrook up the middle and he gets just enough for a first down. 1st down and 10 and McNabb end around to Jackson who gets trapped in the backfield and but somehow manages to get back to within 2 yards of the line of scrimmage. Jackson is down, though, and that's not good.

Jackson looks all right and he's back on the field. McNabb scrambles on 2nd down and picks up a couple before stepping out of bounds. 3rd and 10 for the Eagles. McNabb somehow gets it off to Smith but it only gets 4 and the Eagles will punt again.

Here's Rocca's punt that's fielded by Hixon who gets hit and BOBBLES THE BALL, but somehow how he catches it back and and gets 4 on the return.

1st and 10 for the Giants and Ward picks up 9 on the carry. 2nd and 1 for the Giants and Manning's pitches to Ward who loses a yard. Here's Bradshaw on 3rd down and he doesn't get the first! Great defense by the Eagles. Jackson takes the punt to the 38 and that's where the Eagles will take over.

False start on the Eagles and it's 1st and 15. Hand-off to Westbrook up the middle who gets the penalty back. 2nd and 10. McNabb going deep on 2nd and 10 and OH, WHAT A CATCH BY CURTIS! All the way to the Giant 30! 1st and 10 and Westbrook on the carry gets gobbled up by Antonio Pierce for a loss of 1. 2nd and 11 and McNabb fakes to Westbrook and throws it behind Jackson and it's 3rd and long.

3rd and 11, but that will now be 3rd and 6 as Robinson encroached. McNabb tosses to Jackson and he gets dropped in the backfield. The Giants are getting too much penetration for those plays to work. Timeout Giants.

51-yarder from Akers into the wind...IT'S UP, AND IT'S GOOD! AKERS INTO THE WIND HITS HIS LONGEST OF THE SEASON! 3-0 Eagles.

David Akers isn't washed up after all! (Via SSR)

I'm not in touch with every Eagles fan, but I can guarantee you, not many thought he would make that. Who knew his first 50 yarder of the year would come in a game against 50 mile per hour winds in a stadium he traditionally sucks at. Akers is not good in Giants Stadium, historically.

That's the end of the 1st quarter, 3-0 Eagles over the New York Football Giants.

Update: Detroit 3, Minnesota 0.

Manning on 1st down is going deep for Hixon AND HE DROPPED IT! That was a surefire touchdown if he makes the catch. Timeout Philadelphia. Gain of 5 by Jacobs and the Eagles are now out of timeouts. Not good. Here's hoping Andy Reid slipped the refs a little extra dough before the game...

Manning fires high for Toomer but there's a defensive holding on the Eagles giving the Giants a first down. I guess no extra dough was slipped to the refs looking at that one.

Jacobs breaks one to the outside and gets to midfield! Gain of 23. 1st and 10 and Manning fires incomplete for Hedgecock.

And why are we being given an update of the Colts-Bengals game? Eli isn't watching, you know. 2nd down and it's A FUMBLE BY WARD BUT THE GIANTS FALL ON IT! Oh man, so close. That pass on 3rd down is caught by Hixon for 13 yards and a first. Jacobs to the outside on 1st down and he gets a couple. Eagles are offside and it's now 2nd and 3. The handoff is to Jacobs and Gocong penetrates through the line and brings him down in the backfield! Big loss and it's now 3rd and 6. Manning from the gun, rolls out, and it's caught by Toomer but he was out of bounds! And on will come John Carney to attempt a 42-yarder and IT'S BLOCKED BY TRENT COLE! The ball rolls to the 10 where it is downed. Still 3-0 Eagles.

Andy Reid: If I get rid of the timeouts I don't want, will I get an extra one in the 2nd half? (Via SSR)

No, however, he did bet his friend that if he wasted all his timeouts, his friend would buy him a free pizza. Party time at the Reid household, tonight!

Westbrook gets 3 on first down. 2nd and 10 and Westbrook loses those 3 yards. 3rd down is a screen to Westbrook that only gets 4. And on will come Rocca to punt it way. Hixon from the 18 goes sideways back and forth berore being dropped at the 15 for a loss of 3 on the return.

1st down and Manning again fires an incompletion. Not a good day for thus far for Manning the Younger. 2nd down and Jacobs gets 4. 3rd and 6 and Eli Manning fired in between to Eagles defenders and no Giant was in sight of that past. Manning must be thinking, "Hmmm...if I can fit the ball in between those defenders, I'll win a free taco....". Congrats, Eli.

A bomming punt is fielded by Jackson who takes it all the way to the 40 but an illegal block in the back will pin the Eagles deep.

Westbrook up the middle from his own 23 picks up 3. 2nd down and 7 and McNabb fires incomplete to Jackson. 3rd and 7, McNabb finds Kevin Curtis who gets 10 and a first down! From the 36, Westbrook takes the carry and he gets a couple. 2nd and 8, Westbrook bounces to the left and picks up 9 and a 1st down.

McNabb under pressure on 1st down finds Lorenzo Booker for a yard. 2nd and 9 and McNabb fires to Curtis incomplete and that should have been pass interference. 3rd and 9, McNabb finds Smith at the line who gets hit there, but he stays on his feet and trots down the sideline for a first down! Injury timeout as Curtis is slow to get up.

Hey look, actual offense from the Eagles. (SSR)

Amazing, isn't it?

Updates:
New Orleans 13, Atlanta 7
Detroit 6, Minnesota 3.

1st and 10 and another short pass to Smith and another great job by the tight end to pick up the 1st down! 2-minute warning in New York.

Update: Tennessee 7, Cleveland 6

1st and 1o from the Giant 30 and McNabb HANDS TO WESTBROOK WHO BREAKS FREE AT THE LINE AND NO ONE WILL COME CLOSE TO CATCHING HIM AS HE RACES INTO THE ENDZONE! TOUCHDOWN EAGLES! The extra point is good and the Eagles lead the Giants, 10-0.

HUZZAH!

Moss on the kickoff return to the 36. Goose thinks he's spotted McNabb holding his ribs. 1st and 10 and Moss bursts into Eagles territory. Manning fires incomplete on 1st down. and it's 2nd down and 10. Someone jumped, and it's the Eagles. 2nd and 5, now and this is uncharacteristic for the Eagles this year.

Update: Atlanta 14, New Orleans 14.

Ward picks up a couple. Timeout New York as we learn it's been over 4 years since the Giants were shut out in the first half. 3rd and 3 and Manning overthrows Toomer and are those boo birds I hear?

4th and 3 and it looks like the Gmen are going for it from the Eagle 42. Manning fires and it's DROPPED BY SMITH!

Eagles take over at their own 42 with no timeouts and 1:02 to go. Westbrook up the middle gets eleven. Defensive delay of game on the Giants. Wow, don't see that too often. 1st and 5 from the Giant 42. McNabb throws incomplete and it's 2nd down. McNabb to Westbrook and he catches it for 8. The Eagles hurry to the line and spike it with 27 seconds left. From the Giant 34, McNabb fires incomplete but finally there's a pass interference flag! The Giants were getting away with that all day before that.

Westbrook up the middle to the 21 and the Eagles quickly spike it with 11 seconds left! 3rd and 5 from the 21, McNabb to Greg Lewis along the sidelines and it gets 7 with that many seconds left.

Akers from 32-yards out AND IT'S BLOCKED! RECOVERED BY DOCKERY! EAGLES TRYING TO CHASE HIM DOWN BUT THEY CAN'T GET HIM AND HE TAKES IT INTO THE ENDZONE AS TIME EXPIRES! TOUCHDOWN GIANTS! The extra point is good and it's 10-7 Eagles.

And that's the end of the 1st half. The Eagles lead the Giants 10-7. I will see you in the 2nd half thread.

Eagles Week 14 Preview

What: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants
When: 12/7/08 at 1:00
Where: Giants Stadium
Channel: Fox
Announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, and Tony Siragusa (a.k.a. Kenny, Moose, n' Goose)
Talking Points of the Game: The crowd is really loud down here, guys (Sometimes I think that's the only thing Goose is capable of saying all game. I'd start a Siragusa "crowd is really loud down here" drinking game, but I'm doing a live blog and I don't want to be completely shitfaced by the end of the opening drive...)

The last time the Eagles lost the Giants, our Eagles lost a close one to the Gmen, 36-31 in a game that the Eagles inability to convert a 3rd and 1 killed them once again. And that one was at home. Things will be a lot harder in New York. I'm sure we all remember the last time the Ealges traveled to the Meadowlands, Donny Mac was sacked 12 times. Things will most likely be different this time around. Mainly because there's no way any team is capable of repeating that feat in such a short time and also because Osi Umenyiora is out for the season.

The Giants run offense is so so good and while the Eagles step up in the run game against weak teams, sadly, we let good running teams like the Giants take us to town time and time again. It will be a challenge but if the Eagles can get a few stops early, that could make a big difference and give our defense the confidence they need, especially if the offense that showed up against the Bengals and the Ravens decide to show up. If the Eagles offense does show up, this can easily turn into a wild shoot-out.

One of two things will happen this game, either we will get a wild shoot out, or this game with a butt whooping with the Eagles supplying the butt. This game is too big for them to not show up, therefore, I think we're gonna be in for a good one. However, the Eagles have not won a game decided in the last 2 minutes this year and I'm not sure we'll be able to win our first one against a team on paper that is better than us. And yes, I see this going down to the last 2 minutes.

Prediction: Giants 38, Eagles 35

As mentioned I will be live blogging this game. 75% of this country is getting this game on Fox and with very little mouth-watering action on CBS this week, this could end up being a pretty big live blog and more importantly, a chance for the Eagles to show the country what potential they have. Tragically, this will be my last Eagles live blog of the season. I will, however, continue to post previews and recaps and news during my off-season (a.k.a. winter break) and I will also be live blogging MNF this week in replace of Awful Announcing. Sorry guys for my future lack of Eagles, but winter break is my time to watch the Eagles with my family.

Enjoy the game on Sunday and hopefully you'll join me in the live blog.