I reading and hearing a lot of NFC East bashing these days and I’m not quite sure if these people are just haters or complete morons. Yes, the NFC East had a down season. Any half-wit can see that. But they should also realize that the NFC East will be one of the league’s best divisions in 2012.

Riddle me this….does anyone want to play Philadelphia this week? I don’t see any hands. That’s because they the know the Eagles finally have it together. Philly’s defense has been killing people the past few weeks and Michael Vick and his receivers are finally on the same page. If they had snuck into the playoffs, they would have made some serious noise.

The play Washington this week, who are probably the only team who would be willing to play them anyway. The Redskins have become a physical football team that leaves opponents with the feeling they’ve been through a meat grinder. Next year, expect a frontline QB and some more weapons on offense. Look out for them.

Yet, the Cowboys and the Giants are two that will play for the division this week. Both have been ravaged by injuries as well as heartbreaking losses.  They have struggled, that is for sure.

The Giants seem to be solving some of their defensive issues. DE Justin Tuck is back and leading the charge. The Cowboys have been playing better defense, too.  Both teams are shells of themselves coming into Sunday’s game, but when at full strength are not teams you would openly choose to play against.

The Giants were only 4-7 vs the NFC, but they went 4-0 against the AFC East, which was considered one of the best divisions in football.  Five of Dallas’ seven losses were by less than seven and decided in either overtime or in the final two minutes.

Take this as a suggestion: next time you want to kick someone while they’re down…wait until they’re all the way down. The NFC East may have stumbled and fell in 2011, but they will be back in 2012. And they’re not done this year yet, either…

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

“We got punched in the mouth and didn’t do anything about it,” Canty said.

Between showing no life, dropping key passes, playing with no urgency and just playing a flat out ugly game, there is only so much that can be said about this effort without feeling ill. Everyone shares the blame in this critical loss.

The Giants, indeed, got hit in the mouth and did not fight back.

The Giants made Vince Young look like a world beater. The Giants were yet again beat by a backup QB.

Now all the talk will be centered on if the Giants will make their usual late season swoon.

So, in this week’s version of the good, the bad and the ugly, don’t expect a lot of “good” but whole lot of “ugly.”

So without further ado, let’s examine the good, the bad and the ugly.

The good

The play of Victor Cruz

While he was guilty of dropping his share of balls, Cruz did keep the Giants in the game by hauling in six receptions for 128 yards while catching the touchdown that momentarily tied the game in the fourth quarter.

The play of the secondary

Although the secondary had their breakdowns in the fourth quarter, they did record three interceptions including Prince Amukamara’s first interception of the season. And if it wasn’t for Aaron Ross’ interception in the end zone with five minutes to go in the third quarter, then the Giants would probably have no chance to win this game in the fourth quarter.

The bad

Where was Mario Manningham?

I don’t know who’s at more fault: Manningham or Eli Manning; but whoever you blame, Manningham was nowhere to be seen. On the day, Manningham had only one measly reception for four yards. Manningham needs to step up to compliment the passing game if this team is to go far.

The Ugly

The drops

A lot of momentum was halted in this game with at least five catchable balls being dropped on the night. When concentration should have been at the forefront of their minds, the Giants seemed otherwise distracted.

The play of Eli Manning

Sure, the drops played a significant part in Manning’s bad outing, but he still just completed 18 of 35 passes and failed to throw for two touchdowns for the first time in four games. Manning seemed to come out flat, and once he got intercepted early in the game, he played tentative until late in the game. Make no mistake, though, the drop passes were a major buzz kill.

Third and fail

While the Giants were a mediocre 5-14 on third downs themselves, it was their play against the Eagles on third down that did them in. The Eagles were 9-17 on third down. Worst of all was the fact that the Eagles were six for six on third downs in their final, inexplicable 18-play drive that led to the game-winning touchdown. This lead to an obscene discrepancy in time of possession where the Eagles held the ball for 36:18, whereas the Giants only held the ball for 23:42.

Letting DeSean Jackson once again go off for along punt return

Sure, Jackson didn’t score but he elicited many memories of last December when he took a punt 51 yards to the Giants 15-yard line. Why even punt to him? From there, the Eagles scored on the next play when Vince Young hit former Giant Steve Smith in stride for a 14-yard touchdown. Just more insult to injury.

The play of the offensive line

The offensive line play was miserable. Missed assignments and shoddy blocking made the O-line look like a slice of Swiss cheese. The usually reliable unit allowed Manning to get sacked three times.

Absolutely no running attack

Brandon Jacobs might as well have been running in cement shoes in this dreadful showing. Jacobs rushed the ball 12 times for a paltry 21 yards. Compounding matters was the fact that DJ Ware suffered a concussion at the end of the second half. This has trouble written all over it going forward.

Lack of pass rush

The Giants were not their usual aggressive selves on defense, as they could not apply much pressure on Young. Credit the Eagles’ O-line for playing a tough game and allowing Young to have enough time in the pocket to make his passes. That was big difference in the game.

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The struggling Philadelphia Eagles (3-6) return to MetLife Stadium for the first time since their amazing, historic comeback last December to face the NFC-leading Giants (6-3).

Kickoff: 8:20pm ET
Weather: Low 50′s, 10% chance of precipitation; Wind 10mph
TV: NBC Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michelle Tafoya
Radio: WFAN 660AM Bob Papa, Carl Banks and Howard Cross Westwood One Radio: Dave Sims, James Lofton, Sean Landeta. SIRIUS: 94 (WW1), 92 (Phi), 93 (NYG)  XM: 227 (WW1), 225 (Phi), 226 (NYG)
The Line: Giants by 5 1/2; Over Under 46

Last week: Philadelphia blew another game in the fourth quarter, losing at home to Arizona, 21-17. The Giants lost 27-20 to the 8-1 49ers in San Francisco.

Streaks: The Eagles have won five of the last six. Philadelphia coach Andy Reid is 15-13 lifetime vs the Giants. Tom Coughlin is 9-10 all-time vs the Eagles.

Last Game: 9/25/11: Giants 29 at Eagles 16. New York QB Eli Manning passes for 254 yards & 4 TDs, 2 to WR Victor Cruz (74, 28), as Giants earn division win.

Last Game at Site: 12/19/10: Eagles 38, Giants 31. Philadelphia WR-PR DeSean Jackson records 65-yard PR-TD as time expires to complete Eagles’ comeback from 31-10 deficit. Philadelphia scored four TDs in the final eight minutes.

Injuries

Eagles: Out: WR Jeremy Maclin (shoulder, hamstring), QB Michael Vick (ribs), T King Dunlap (concussion), CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (ankle) Questionable: DE Brandon Graham (knee) Probable: S Nate Allen (concussion), G Evan Mathis (toe)

Giants: Out: RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) Doubtful: LB Michael Boley (hamstring) Questionable: CB Prince Amukamara (foot), DE Justin Tuck (ankle) Probable: T Will Beatty (back), WR Jerrel Jernigan (hip), WR Mario Manningham (knee), CB Aaron Ross (quadricep), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee)

Eagles Notes

RB LeSean McCoy is 4th RB since 1960 to score TD in each of team’s 1st 9 games. Leads NFL with 12 TDs (10 rush, 2 rec.). Leads NFL with 69 1st downs & 57 rush 1st downs. Has 358 scrimmage yards (119.3 per game) in past 3 vs. NYG…

In past 2 at NYG, WR-PR DeSean Jackson has 2 PR-TDs (72 & 65 yards) & 49.3 PR avg. & has 9 catches for 230 yards (115 per game) & TD. Incl. playoffs, has 28 TDs (21 rec., 4 PR, 3 rush) in career & averages 45.2 yards per TD (1,265 yards).

CB Asante Samuel has NFL-best 38 INTs since 2006. Had INT-TD last week. DE Trent Cole has sack in 5 of 7…

Giants Notes

QB Eli Manning aims for 3rd in row vs. Phi. with 4+ TDs & 100+ rating. Had 145.7 rating in last meeting. Is 2nd in NFL with 116.5 rating in 4th Q…

Incl. playoffs, when RB Brandon Jacobs starts & has 21+ att., Giants are 11-1…WR Victor Cruz had 3 catches for 110 yards (36.7 avg.) & 2 TDs (74 & 28 yards) in last meeting. Has 80+ yards in 6 of past 7.

WR Hakeem Nicks aims for 3rd at home in row vs. Phi. with TD. WR Mario Manningham aims for 4th in row with TD. Had 8 catches for 113 yards & 2 TDs in his last game vs. Phi…

DE Justin Tuck has 4.5 sacks in past 3 meetings. DE Jason Pierre-Paul has 14 sacks in past 15. Had 2 sacks in last game vs. Phi. LB Mathias Kiwanuka has sack or INT in 4 of past 5.

DE Osi Umenyiora has 11.5 sacks in past 9 meetings. CB Corey Webster has 4 INTs in past 4. Has tied career-high with 4 INTs.

That would be the wrong approach to view this game. Don’t expect any sympathy from the Giants, who have battled their own string of injuries (add Michael Boley to the list this week), and they should take this opportunity to bury the struggling Eagles-but it won’t be easy. You know the Eagles will be amped for this prime time showdown.

Tom Coughlin has preached the word “finish” this year. Well, this game is a way to erase doubts of a second half fade while also eradicating the thoughts of last year’s humbling and devastating loss to the Eagles at home. It’s time to pounce and punish.

So, let’s dive right in and look at five things to watch for.

How will the Giants exploit the absence of Michael Vick and Jeremy Maclin?

While he is no Michael Vick, Vince Young is a mobile quarterback who could do damage if given enough time. However, with him being so rusty after sitting behind Vick all year, expect the Giants to pressure him and force him to make things happen with his arm. With Maclin sidelined, expect DeSean Jackson to get more double coverage, even though he has struggled this year. They do not want Jackson to beat them. The loss of Vick and Maclin will hurt this team but not to the point where the Giants can dismiss them.

Will Giants rely more on the pass or the run?

This could be tricky. While the Eagles are worse against the run (17th -120 YPG), the Giants bread and butter has been their pass-happy offense. With Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie out, expect the Giants to try and exploit his absence and for Eli Manning to connect with his stable of receivers in Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and Victor Cruz.

That’s not to say the Giants won’t try to establish the run. Actually, there is a great chance Brandon Jacobs has his best game of the season. Jacobs was great in Ahmad Bradshaw’s absence in the Patriots game, but was ineffective against the 49ers. But no one has run on the 49ers this year, so that can be excused. Also, expect DJ Ware to get involved after a nice outing in San Francisco last week.

How will the Giants compensate for the loss of Michael Boley?

It’s highly unlikely that Boley will play on Sunday and his presence will no doubt be missed. In his place will be rookie Mark Herzlich. Expect the Eagles to exploit Boley’s absence with a healthy dose of carries for LeSean McCoy.

Boley is having himself a fine season and the Giants will have to collectively up their games. No one single person at this point can make up for Boley’s production. The defensive game plan will, of course, be in trying to contain McCoy. With Vick and Maclin out, it takes away some of the Eagles’ vertical attack and that should create more opportunities for McCoy.

Can the presence of Prince Amukamara help?

Giant’s fans shouldn’t expect a whole lot out of Amukamara in his debut. Amukamara has a lot of rust to shake off. The hope here is that Amukamara can get his legs under him and provide depth in the secondary. The Giants are content in slowly bringing Amukamara along.

Pounce and punish

The ghost of DeSean Jackson and what happened last December when these two teams last played in Met Life Stadium is an indelible image to shake. However, the Giants exorcised some of those demons when they went to Philly and won the first matchup in September.

With the Eagles missing Vick and Maclin, the Giants should not be obligated to feel sorry for the Eagles and they should pounce on their fragileness and stomp them dead like a dying insect. The Giants are relatively healthier and more in synch than the Eagles and must pounce on this opportunity. The Giants will probably be just a half a game ahead of the Cowboys (who should beat the Redskins on Sunday) when kickoff starts, so this is no time to relax. Take advantage of this opportunity, seize control and never look back.

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A lot has changed since the last time the two teams played in September. So, without further ado, let’s go over five critical points with EaglesEyeBlog.com.

GFB-What is the status for Michael Vick, Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson? What kind of outlook can we expect from them?

TJ- Vick is highly doubtful at starter due to two cracked ribs, and Vince Young took all the practice reps at QB#1 this week. Jeremy Maclin is probably out also with a sprained shoulder and strained hamstring. WR/KR Chad Allen was promoted from the Practice Squad to take his place. DeSean Jackson will play after being benched last week for missing a special teams meeting. It’s hard to tell what DJax’s mindset is right now, but I’m sure he’ll be motivated to play before a national TV audience.

GFB-A lot of Eagles’ fans are saying it’s time for head coach Andy Reid to go, what is your take on all this?

TJ- Andy Reid is under contract through 2013, so I don’t think he’s going anywhere. And barring a 4-12 finish, I don’t really see him voluntarily resigning at the end of the year. I think the biggest rap on him right now is he has been stubborn in sticking with new schemes and personnel installs that simply have not worked very well. Reid is loyal to his coaches to a fault. He has also allowed some team discipline issues to fester. There is some dissension and there are some “will to win” issues involving several big-money players. Reid has been slow to address these matters, tending to rely instead upon his belief that talent will rise to the top.

GFB-With the expectations high for the Eagles this year, what do you think is the number one factor for their struggles this year?

TJ- Team expectations obscured some real big flaws in the Eagles master plan this year.

The Eagles had one near-masterpiece game…the 34-7 win over Dallas a few weeks ago. Every other game has featured nail-biting moments of their blowing momentum or late leads with sloppy turnovers and missed assignments. It’s been mind-boggling to witness. I can’t pinpoint any single reason. I can only theorize that they exceeded the tipping point of football equilibrium when it comes to installing too many new personnel, new schemes and new coaches in too short a time frame. There must be a fine line which they crossed there.

They have turned Vick into a pocket passer. He looked great against Dallas. Ever since, teams have studied the film and really confused him with coverage’s and blitz looks. He pulls the trigger too soon or too late. He’s also been playing hurt for much of the season, mostly due to the physical beating he took back in the Atlanta game.

The Juan Castillo defense had one gold standard moment— the Dallas game— and that’s it. Every subtle step of defensive improvement seems to get adjusted to and outsmarted by the opponent late in close games. Castillo has been slow to adjust to modifying his “Wide 9″ pass rush and his zone coverage’s with corners and he can’t seem to make up his mind whether Nnamdi should cover man or zone. The linebackers are often lost in coverage or translation of gap coverage assignments at the worst possible times. Safeties have missed a ton of tackles, which fundamentally were there and needed to be made. It almost appears at times that, as talented as most of these guys are on D, they’re out of sync and the game is too fast for them. And the DL and linebackers are getting pounded inside with the run. They’re quick and athletic guys, but they’re sized smaller than past Eagles defenders.

GFB-Despite the team struggles, LeSean McCoy is having a career season. What makes him so special?

TJ- LeSean McCoy has really hit his stride as an elite running back and backfield receiver in his 3rd year out of Pitt. He always had unusual cutback and “cut on a dime” moves, but strength and weightlifting training have now given him tackle-breaking power. Amazingly, McCoy never picked up a weight in training throughout high school or college.

Also, the one new scheme that has worked out pretty well for the Eagles is Howard Mudd’s zone-blocking technique on the offensive line. Lighter and faster O-linemen have learned the old Colts stretch plays and they’re rolling out some nice downfield blocking opportunities for McCoy.

GFB-With linebacker Michael Boley possibly out for Sunday, do you think the Eagles will try to exploit that?

TJ- With Boley out, my guess is the Eagles will try to run more off the guards and tackles, and try some underneath and crossing patterns with their backs and tight ends. This may have more to do with Vince Young playing QB and not so much about Boley’s absence. With VY in there, the offense will likely be called more conservatively, with a lot less downfield stuff. The Eagles are very concerned about VY getting picked downfield or sacked in the backfield.

Thanks again to Tom for taking the time to answer some questions. For more on the game be sure to check out his blog.

Follow me on Twitter @stacdemon

DE Brandon Graham (knee) is questionable while S Nate Allen (concussion) and G Evan Mathis (toe) are probable.

For the Giants, RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) will sit out again this week. LB Michael Boley (hamstring) remains doubtful.

CB Prince Amukamara (foot) and DE Justin Tuck (ankle) are questionable, but both should dress on Sunday. T Will Beatty (back), WR Jerrel Jernigan (hip), WR Mario Manningham (knee), CB Aaron Ross (quadriceps), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee) are all probable.

With Vick and Maclin Out, Line Climbs to 5 1/2

With QB Michael Vick sidelined for Sunday’s game vs the Giants with broken ribs, the betting line for the divisional showdown between the Eagles and the Giants has shot up from Giants – 3 to Giants – 5 1/2.  Vince Young, who is 2-0 lifetime against the Blue, will be the likely starter.

Trends don’t really mean much in this rivalry, which over the years has produced some of the league’s most memorable moments. This season, the Eagles have blown five games in the fourth quarter while the Giants have a propensity for pouring on in the final period.

The Giants’ run defense this year has been the worst in recent memory, while the Eagles’ rushing offense is first in the NFL, 13.5 yards better than runner-up Houston.

The Giants have had a difficult time winning in second half of the season under Tom Coughlin. They are 24-33 since 2004.  Against the spread (ATS), they are 17-37-2 in their last 56 games in November.

Some other Giants trends….

Giants are 17-37-2 ATS in their last 56 games in November.
Giants are 4-9-1 ATS in their last 14 games as a home favorite of 3.5-10.0.
Giants are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite.
Giants are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. NFC East.
Giants are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.
Giants are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Giants are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 games as a home favorite.
Giants are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. loss.
Giants are 3-12 ATS in their last 15 games in Week 11.

The Eagles are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a road underdog of 3.5-10.0. This week’s spread is 5 1/2 and climbing.

Other Eagles trends…

Eagles are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0.
Eagles are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games as a road underdog.
Eagles are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games in November.
Eagles are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog.
Eagles are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 vs. NFC.
Eagles are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
Eagles are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Eagles are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games on fieldturf.
Eagles are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. loss.
Eagles are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.

The over/under for Sunday’s game is 45 1/2. Since 2009, the O/U is 3-3.

**data courtesy of covers.com

Before the season began, Giants’ DE Osi Umenyiora and Eagles’ RB LeSean McCoy went at it via Twitter.

McCoy had commented on Osi’s holdout (“Overrated n soft 3rd best d-line on his team honestly”) and Osi reponded back with tweet comparing McCoy to pop star Lady Gaga.

Yesterday, Osi said he wasn’t bitter over the incident, but his comments sure didn’t support that sentiment:

“No, not at all,” said Osi when asked if he was still upset over McCoy’s comments. “What he did was unforgivable. Do you understand what I mean? Because whenever you see a man in a contract dispute, a fellow NFL player, you don’t take that opportunity to take your shots at him. You wait until you’re about to play him. Then you take your shots. We’ve had our problems. I’ve moved past it. I just have to focus on winning right now.”

When asked if he had any extra motivation going against McCoy this week, Osi said he didn’t.

“Not at all. He said some things he shouldn’t have said. He made a mistake there. At the end of the day, there’s no extra motivation. I know for a fact that we have to win this game to get to where we need to go. He ran his mouth. He crossed the line that shouldn’t have been crossed. I think this week, if he was going to say something, should have been the week he said some things like that. I’m not really concerned about that. I’ll see him on the football field and we’ll go from there.” 

Whew. Glad he cleared that up.

“We are all hoping and we have to see. He needs to do some things on the practice field. I know the position of the medical staff, exactly, they are not quite ready to turn him loose.”

LB Michael Boley (hamstring) is still holding out hope that he can play Sunday, but he has not practiced and is listed as doubtful. LT Will Beatty (back) returned to practice today.

DE Justin Tuck did not practice and is questionable after getting his ankle stepped on yesterday in practice.

Coughlin did not say whether the team planned to activate recently reinstated DT Jimmy Kennedy this week.

Coughlin admitted that Danny Ware, who goes by the moniker DJ, has looked good in practice. He refuses to address him by that name, though.

“You mean Danny. I call him Dan or Danny, just to get him going. Yes and I think so. He is still productive. When you look at the stat sheet, he is still productive. He is a productive guy. The ability to play with more energy and when you need him in that clutch period, he has that extra gear.”

Eagles QB Michael Vick, who was rumored earlier to be ruled out of Sunday’s game is still listed as questionable on the injury report as is WR Jeremy Maclin.

Backup Vince Young will get the start.

From Mosher:

“Eagles coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg have told reporters this week that they’re hoping Michael Vick can play Sunday night.

But the Pro Bowl quarterback has already been ruled out against the Giants, The News Journal has learned…”