Mike Vick, along with Tony Dungy and Andy Reid, sat down with the media today to announce his signing with the Eagles today, and I wanted to share the video if you missed it....

I linked to this yesterday in the Daily Links, but it really took legs last night with mentions on all of ESPN's networks. An Eagles game-day employee was fired for posting a comment on Facebook ("Dan is f**king devastated about Dawkins signing with Denver. . .Dam Eagles R Retarted!!"), following the team's decision to let Brian Dawkins go, and today Dan Leone talked to ESPN Radio in Philly about the firing. Here's the full audio from ESPN 950 via SRI....

Man, I didn't even realize they fired him over the phone. That's just low. I mean, I sort of understand the organization being somewhat upset, especially when you use the term retarded, but only about 100 of this guy's random friends even had the opportunity to see the comments. Plus, it wasn't like he was posting or using Facebook at work. It was in the privacy of his own home. I think we'll be seeing an out-of-court settlement in the near future.

Eagles' Recently Fired Employee, Dan Leone (ESPN 950)
It’s Not Always Sunny In Philadelphia If You’re An Eagles Employee (Sports Radio Interviews)

The Arizona Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl! Read that again please. The f'ing Buzzsaw that is the Cards is going to Tampa. The Eagles made a valiant effort after a terrible first half to take the lead, but Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald and Tim Hightower, were just too much for Philly's D in the end....

Just an amazing second half and congratulations to the Cardinals for making it to a Super Bowl for the first time since they moved to Arizona. Great effort by the Eagles to make it a game, but this offense is just flat out exciting to watch and will be a tough opponent on February 1st.

Final: Cardinals 32 - Eagles 25

Game: NFC Championship
Teams: Philadelphia Eagles at Arizona Cardinals
Location: University of Phoenix Stadium, Phoenix, AZ
Start Time: 3PM EST
Announcers and Network: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver (FOX)
Favorite: Eagles (-4)
AA's Pick: I think this thing is going to be a shootout, and can go either way, but whatever way that is....the Cardinals cover four at home. I'm guessing 31-28 Philly.

(FYI- S2N is out in the Pacific Northwest somewhere today, and I'm just lazy, so you're getting an open thread for each Championship game. I may check in from time to time with some quotes, but it's all yours today people.)

That's the Eli we know! The guy certainly wasn't unstoppable today as the Eagles D ran roughshod all over the Giants O, and Philly is now advancing on to the NFC Championship game. The highlight though was Dononvan McNabb, late in the fourth quarter, running out of bounds and deciding to grab the Giants sideline phone and make a call to their booth.

Pretty funny, but also pretty disrespectful. I was waiting for Buck to call it a "disgusting act!", but alas....no such luck. Either way, Philly is going to Arizona (ARIZONA!!!) for a battle against the Cardinals next week, while the rest of the NFC sits at home and wonders what just happened.

Actually, I'm wondering that myself.

Because it really isn't a Giants game live-blog if I don't get Abby Manning in there somewhere, right?

Demps takes the kickoff out to the Eagles 47. McNabb to the Avant Garde for a two yard pass. McNabb's pass is knocked down, and it's in the hands of D-lineman Fred Robbins! He rumbles over to the Eagle 30 until Kevin Curtis brings him down.

I don't think I've ever seen 300-lbs move like that before in my life. - JFein

Jacobs drags defenders with him inside the 20 for a first down. He then gets five more on the next carry. Screen to Ward is dropped, who was running before making the catch. The third down pass is behind Kevin Boss, and Carney will have to try for another FG. Kick is up and good, 11-10, Giants.

We'd like to advise Kevin Gilbride to stop being clever and run Brandon Jacobs until Philly proves it can stop him consistently. Right now, I understand why Buddy Ryan punched him in the mouth back in the day, and I'm sure some Giants fans would like to do the same.

Eagles start at the 25, McNabb's pass is off the hands of Celek. After a hold, it's 2nd and 20. Incomplete to Brian Westbrook, 3rd down. McNabb to Avant Garde, wide open, and Avant gets past the first down marker! Donny Mac has a gimme deep ball dropped by Curtis, but an illegal hands to the face penalty is called on the Giants (not much there, ticky-tack). Buckhalter catches a pass for a couple yards and gets nailed. James Butler stops Buckhalter in Giant territory on the run play.

Matt Damon! That's who Myers looks like with that silly hat on! - Anon @ 3:04

Yup, straight out of Ocean's Eleven. Pass incomplete to Avant. McNabb has all day -- finds Buckhalter in the middle and gets a first down on a 3rd and 10. Up the gut with Westbrook for four more yards. Donny goes for Westbrook in the end zone and overthrows him. After another incomplete, Akers hits another FG. 13-11, Eagles.

No one apparently wants to win this game that badly. Bradshaw returns the kick to the 32 yard line.

McNabb could have pulled out a cell phone, call his mom, have her cook and bring him a can of Campbell's Chunky Soup, eat said chunky soup, and still have time to complete that pass. - JFein

Rush for three yards to start. Jacobs gets two more to the left. Eli drops back and goes deep for Domenik Hixon -- and they finally connect in Philly territory! Eli aims high for Hixon, incomplete. Jacobs goes for the right side and gets nothing. Carney on for a long try -- and that's no good from 47.

Westbrook again up the middle for five yards to start. 2nd down incomplete, McNabb got pressured by Barry Cofield. McNabb hits Curtis for eight yards on a five-stepper; great throw away from the coverage by Corey Webster. Webster breaks up the next one to Curtis, and Coach Sgt. Hartman is FURIOUS. Um....he was kinda going for the ball there, ref. A left hand on the left shoulder wasn't enough....and they picked up the flag.

Now Andy Reid is angry too. The only time you see him show this much emotion is when he's thinking Arby's. (Cheap joke, I know.) Next play gets a face mask on Antonio Pierce, getting the Eagles another first down -- and McNabb then hits Curtis at the Giants' 13 for another 15. Celek for another five on the next pass play. Westbrook up the middle for 3 yards; 3rd and 1. Interesting that Reid's going to a running game balance and using him up the middle. That's not his usual play-calling trend.

Pitch left to Westbrook; he gets outside and the first -- and starts first and goal at the three. McNabb drops back, easy flip to Celek in the left corner of the end zone, TOUCHDOWN, EAGLES! Akers' kick is up and good, 20-11, Philly.

Who falls for this play? The tight end either runs this route or across the middle EVERY DAMN TIME. Anyway, G-men have the ball, and Jacobs rushes 11 yards to start it off. He bounces off the right and goes back left for five more yards. 3rd and short after Jacobs gets plugged up.

"That was an interesting play call by Kevin Gilbride there." - Troy, being too diplomatic to say it sucked. Coughlin now has to challenge the spot.

Bill Simmons called this the year that Home field advantage died. Shouldn't every Road dog win? Look out Steelers. - frankasu03

Giants Stadium is not exactly State of the Art. Wind still affects the hell out of everything and it's creaky and ugly. If we're going by those rules, home field ought to apply -- and I can't believe that Eli hasn't figured out how to throw a tighter spiral in this place yet. No wonder they were so happy to go on the road and play all through last year's playoffs.

And Coach Sgt. Hartman just gave away a time out. Eli on the QB sneak -- and he didn't get jack. Eagles' ball!

Westbrook picks up three on the carry. Throw to Curtis, short on the play. 3rd and 5. Swing out to Westbrook, short by two yards. Good tackle by Webster. Rocca punts to Hixon, calls for the fair catch.

Gilbride is a moron. You have a 6'4", 264 pound running back in Brandon Jacobs and you run a QB sneak on 4th and 1? Come on, dude. Derrick Ward gets a first down with 14 yards out to the 25. Another first down for Ward with a two yard carry. Jacobs picks up a yard. Juqua Parker stuffs the run on 3rd -- and Coughlin's gonna go for this one -- has to.

A scary thought: Andy Reid is still making poor challenges and some bad play calls, but he must be transferring his crappy essence on the opposing sideline, too. First Brad Childress, now Kevin Gilbride is getting affected by the suck (although Gilbride has blown for years; one of the great mysteries is how the Giants won an SB with him calling plays.)

And Brandon Jacobs gets stuffed on 4th down. Measurement coming, but he looked short. Yep, turnover on downs.

McNabb airs it out for DeSean Jackson, who beats Corey Webster, and he's down at the one, I think. Looked like his knee hit before he lost the ball, but he fell on it in the end zone anyway. Westbrook stopped on first and goal, and gets caught in mid-air on 2nd down; lost a yard. The Eagles, no matter what, are not a goal line rushing team, period. Play action, boyos.

Turfed and incomplete for Hank Baskett. Kendra isn't happy. Akers on for 21-yard FG try....up and good, 23-11, Eagles. We can probably put this sucker on ice barring anything too stupid.

Manning to Toomer near midfield for a first. Buck talks about Plaxico Burress; I honestly don't believe Plax would have made that much of a difference. I think Jim Johnson would have taken his chances with loading up the box if they saw Eli throwing in the wind like that the whole game....and Eli throws another pick, this one to Quinton Mykell.

McNabb scrambles for nine yards....and dear God, the NFC championship game's gonna be in Glendale, Arizona. Jesus. Please tell me the Chargers aren't going to win. I can't deal with the possibility of a Bolts-Cards Super Bowl. McNabb gets an unsportsmanlike penalty for apparently picking up the phone on the Giants sideline. Neither Spags nor Gilbride are usually in the booth for them, so I wonder whom he was thanking for Eli sucking.

Hixon takes the Rocca punt back to the 20 yard line...and Eli nearly threw another pick. Two minute warning.

I said it once and I'll say it again. Eli Manning was looking ahead... to the Oreo Double Stuff Racing League battle with the Williams sisters. - PricelessCommentary

Joe Buck's outrage at Donny Mac's phone call reminds me of his disgust at Randy Moss faux-mooning Green Bay: totally fake, manufactured, and utter bullshit. Another turnover on downs for the Giants, and we're really just waiting for the kneel downs. Final score is 23-11, Philly, and the NFC championship game will be the Eagles visiting the Buzzsaw That Is The Arizona Cardinals in the Pink Taco next Sunday.

See you up in the 2nd live-blog for Philip and Nantzy Boy in Yinzer Central.

All right. Double live bloggin' today. Worth watching today: the clash between the Eagles' run-stuffing safety Brian Dawkins and the G-men's trio of RBs, because Brandon Jacobs is back this time.

Game: NFC Divisional Playoff #2
Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1, 2nd place, NFC East) vs. New York Giants (12-4, NFC East Champs)
Location: Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Start Time: 1 PM EST
Announcers and Network: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver, and Chris Myers (Fox)
Miscellany: Manning Face, Donovan McNabb's future in Philly, Jim Johnson's defense, Steve Spagnuolo's D (and his "hot candidate" status for head coaching vacancies), Andy Reid's curious challenges and/or time management.
Favorite: Giants (-4)
S2N's Pick: Giants. Jacobs is playing this time around, and that sets up the run game. Plus, you all know I don't trust Andy Reid's play-calling against competent coaches. He could forget Brian Westbrook exists this week.

Chris Myers again? Is he giving the big boys blowjobs to get these gigs? - Anon @ 12:57

It's probably that they pay him a ton and are trying to justify it.

Or they are too cheap to use anyone else. - JFein

Now, now. Hacks don't come cheap. Do you know how much his hair spray budget is? (And we won't get evidence of this today; Myers is wearing a cap.)

"Hence the hat for Chris; he looks like he's in Prison Break." - Joe Buck, weaving in both bad joke and Fox promo like the skilled slick bastard he is. Eagles will kick off to Ahmad "Fire" Bradshaw, with the wind swirling all over the place in New Jersey. They should note when the wind is NOT a factor at the Meadowlands. Bradshaw scampers all the way down in Eagles territory and kicker David Akers saves a touchdown by pushing him out at the Philly 36 or so.

Eli Manning's first pass goes for The Other Steve Smith, and the wind catches it a bit -- lucky for Asante Samuel, who was about to get burned if not for that. Brandon Jacobs gets 7 on his first carry for a 3rd and 3. Manning Face on the first play is a rarity. Screen pass to Ward -- and he's short of the marker. 4th and 2, and the G-men are going for it -- Jacobs gets that first down.

Manning completes to TE Darcy Johnson at the 11. Jacobs gets one or two, tackled by Brian Dawkins. Incomplete on 2nd down, short out to Derrick Ward again on 3rd down....and short. FG team on. John Carney's attempt is good, 3-0, Giants.

Quentin Demps returns Lawrence Tynes' kick 19 yards. Donovan McNabb starts with a rifle shot to DeSean Jackson for nine yards....well, 10. First down. Westbrook gets hit in the backfield for a loss at the 40. McNabb to Correll Buckhalter on a screen pass that gets sniffed out and brought down for another 3 yard loss. 3rd and 16. McNabb aims behind Kevin Curtis -- three and out. Clearly, the Giants have no respect for the run game right now -- they're loading guys in the secondary and having them play run support.

To add insult to injury, it's a false start on the punt. 4th and 21, and the predictable "EAGLES SUCK" chant. Domenik Hixon crosses the 40 on the punt, but there are flags for either holding or a block in the back. Holding and unsportsmanlike.

And right off the bat, Eli throws an ill-advised pass and Asante Samuel picks him off, returning it for a first and goal situation. Ah, Manning Face.

Westbrook on first and goal from the 2 is completely stuffed. McNabb skies 2nd and goal out of bounds with a flag thrown -- usually that's holding, but it's defensive, and it resets the downs from the one. Westbrook tries to jump in, and crashes thanks to a G-men defender at the line of scrimmage. McNabb keeps it himself and reaches over the goal line, TOUCHDOWN, EAGLES. Akers' kick is good, 7-3, Philly.

Still trying to figure out whose idea of a date movie is "My Bloody Valentine 3D." By personal experience, horror movies don't exactly make great dates.

Dear Asante, nice to see you can intercept Eli Manning

-Signed,
the New England Patriots - Ghost

Hah. Ward carries for two, and it's a long third down for the Giants coming up. Manning throws 12 yards for Steve Smith, moving the chains. The Eagles stop up two more running plays, and it's another 3rd and long. Manning floats another pass, this one out of bounds for Amani Toomer. Punt is 45 yards, and Philly will have to back up thanks to a block in the back. They'll start at about the 10 or so.

What's "G"? It's the crappiest set of spots ever, that's what. Westbrook loses a yard on the carry. A false start will move the Eagles back even further. Buckhalter gets five yards on 2nd down.

Get me some PowerAde. - James Craven

Donny Mac's 3rd down pass goes through the mitts of Jason the Avant Garde....and Rocca will punt again. Hixon gets nailed by Considine at the Philly 46 -- and it will back up into Giants territory because of a block in the back. Brandon Jacobs picks up 11 yards and a first down to end the quarter.

This is gonna rival Titans v. Ravens for flags. - Mal

Hopefully not with ticky-tack ones in the fourth quarter when it counts, though. Jacobs starts with a rush for two, follows up with 1 yard. Manning goes downfield for Smith....and overthrows him. Jeff Feagles punts, it's saved from the end zone by Terrell Thomas, and downed at the five.

Westbrook gets a yard on the carry after Buck remarks that the Eagles have only gained 10 yards so far. McNabb flips the ball out on 2nd down, and EVERYBODY DO THE SAFETY DANCE! Intentional grounding. 7-5, Philly.

McNabb didn't vomit on the field then, but that was a pretty sick hurl on that pass. - Mal

I'm pretty surprised Andy Reid didn't challenge that, it just seems like the type of thing he would challenge. He's stepping up a notch for the post-season. - Ghost

Rocca free punts it to Hixon, who brings it out to the 32. Four yards on a first down rush. Eli hits Kevin Boss a yard short of the marker...at least it looked like that to me, but apparently he's got it. Ward for three as he runs out to the right. Incomplete pass, but Stewart Bradley gets called for illegal hands to the face, first down. Manning hits Boss for 21 down the left sideline, gets forced out at the 27. Jacobs carries for no gain.

Manning throws another duck that's a bit too far to catch Hixon in stride. The Eagles have to play single coverage on the receivers to stop the run, and Manning isn't hitting them. Eli has to get rid of it, and here comes John Carney for an FG try of 46 yards, and he pushed it right.

Buckhalter carries once again for fuck all. Both defenses are doing rather well with the run. McNabb hits Brent Celek at the 41 for 5 yards. First wasted time out by the Eagles because they can't get a play off.

Arizona must be loving watching this game. If the winner plays like this next week, Arizona may actually be in the Super Bowl. And if Eli continues to play this badly, Arizona's going to have an even easier time in their own house. - Zidane Valor

I don't think Kurt Warner's any better throwing in the wind than these guys, honestly. You can bet the Cards are rooting for the Eagles. L.J. Smith just caught a first down pass for the team's first 3rd down conversion of the game. Westbrook gets two yards on the outside. He then grabs six for his longest run so far this game, after Buck has a bit of an obsession with McNabb's chin strap. Buckhalter burrows for a first down on 3rd and 1.

Another yard for Westbrook. After the next play, it's third and 9. Blitz on, McNabb is hit as he throws by Terrell Thomas, forcing the pass to float, and Sean Dockery comes down with the pick at the Giants 20!

Brandon Jacobs gets a nice 24-yard run to start thanks to a Madison Hedgecock block. Hedge-cock block, heh. Ward gets five on the next carry. Manning hits Boss after stepping up in the pocket and the tight end is down at the Eagles 26 after a 25 yard pass. Jacobs adds another five, and we're in the red zone at the two minute warning.

I can't be the only one who wants to see Taken, if only because Liam Neeson in ass-kicking mode is fun.

The refs took the Jacobs carry off because it apparently was snapped after the clock hit 2 minutes. Quick throw to Hixon, wrapped up, but offsides on Philly. Incomplete on 1st and 5. Tipped ball on 2nd and 5. Short throw to Ward, and he'll be tackled short of the first down. Carney comes on for a 35 yard try. Kick up and good, Giants take an 8-7 lead.

With Coughlin standing around with his hands on his hips, I'm expecting him to start singing "I'm a Little Teapot." - Mal

But he's ALWAYS steamed. How can you tell when to pour him out?

Demps takes the kickoff out to the 25. McNabb throws to Celek, who drops it because he's looking upfield. DeSean Jackson gets his first catch, running out of bounds after passing the first down marker. Donny Mac to the Avant Garde for 5, then another pass to Westbrook, who scampers out of bounds for the first down at the Giants' 49. McNabb to Avant again at the 34.

And Andy Reid burns his last time out with 40 seconds left, while Troy Aikman digs at him slightly for it (rightfully so.)

As a Vikes fan, I now see where Brad Childress got his clock management skills. - Anon @ 2:32 PM

Jackson brings the catch in at the 25. Ball thrown away on 2nd down. 3rd and 1 means Westbrook; he gets the first, and now they spike it. Giants get flagged for an illegal contact on the running play by McNabb, which gets added on. First and goal. McNabb aims for Jackson in the end zone, but he catches it out of bounds. Akers on for the chip-shot FG; it's up and good. 10-8, Eagles at the half. See you in the 2nd half thread.

Had no idea Brian Westbrook was the equestrian type.

Hicks gets upended by Kyle Eckel after a 15-yard return. T-Jack hits Kleinsasser, who heads out past the 30 for a first down. No gain for AP's first carry of the half. 2 yards on the pitch to Taylor. Another big pass to Kleinsasser, 17 yards and past midfield.

Both RBs exchange getting stopped up after an offsides call on Trent Cole; 3rd and 5. Eagles blitz, knock the ball away from Jackson, but he falls on it. Loses 12 yards, fourth down. Kluwe to punt to DeSean Jackson, not much on the return -- but a flag, and it'll back up the Eagles even more for holding.

McNabb hits for a first down after two rushes that get nowhere, Avant brings in the catch at the 11. Donny Mac is hitting passes in stride; latest receiver is Brent Celek, who's got another first down at midfield. 2nd and 3 pass gets knocked down. McNabb throws behind Avant, but he catches it for five and a first down. Gain of two on a running play. 3rd down...McNabb gets off a pass....but they call it a sack, as his forward progress had been stopped. Punt to Bobby Wade at the 10.

Taylor gets six, AP three, and the drive comes up short. Punt, and DeSean Jackson returns it all the way back deep into Minnesota territory.

That was quick. Minnesota gets the ball right back after Jared Allen knocks the ball out of Donovan McNabb's hand as he was throwing.

Incomplete on first down from Jackson. AP up to the 49 on the next play, and that ends the third quarter. No fun at all, with the lack of scoring. 3rd down is incomplete to Berrian, with good coverage from Mikell. DeSean Jackson is back, lets the punt go, and the ball could either be downed at the 4, or it's a touchback -- and they say it's a touchback because his foot was still in the end zone.....it's reviewed, and overturned. Ball at the 4 yard line. An actual good challenge by Childress. Amazing.

Westbrook runs to the right -- and gets stoned at the line of scrimmage. 2nd and 9 to Avant -- leans out for the first down, much needed, too. McNabb then goes to Reggie Brown over the middle for nine yards. Westbrook gets three yards for the first down. Kevin Curtis is wide open at the 43 for another completion. Nothing for Westbrook there, followed by a false start. McNabb to Curtis for 8 on 2nd down and 15. 3rd down -- the rush is on, Brian Robison hits McNabb's arm as he's throwing, and it comes down incomplete.

Sav Rocca's punt goes out of bounds. Vikes start at the 20. AP gets five yards on the carry. Jackson to Rice for 14 yards, out at about the 37, and I'm really getting sick of that damn horn they play in the Metrodome every Viking first down. Handoff to AP for one, stopped up by Chris Gocong. False start flag on Berrian makes it 2nd and 14. Sheldon Brown almost ripped that pass for a pick -- he stepped right into Berrian's route. Eagles bring the blitz on 3rd and 13, and Jackson throws it away from Shiancoe.

Kluwe's punt is only 36 yards, the Eagles will start with decent field position. Handoff to Westbrook....blocks up front, and he's in full gear! Brian Westbrook, 71 yards for the EAGLES TOUCHDOWN! Akers' extra point is good, 23-14.

Hicks' return is out to the 25. Three incomplete passes by Jackson later (and a near pick by Dawkins), Kluwe will punt again. DeSean gets three yards on the return at the Iggles' 24.

Hey, an actual screen pass for Westbrook, something Reid talked about but never did up until that point, and it got a touchdown!!!! In other news, Andy has discovered fire. - SSR
Andy Reid the only man that can hold Westbrook under 100 yds - JG
Before that TD, Westbrook went into the locker room to put on his Darren Sproles underwear. - Anon @ 7:22

Westbrook for a couple on the carry. 2nd and 7 loses yardage, as McNabb throws a screen to Celek, who gets whacked by Madieu Williams. Westbrook gets 11, but is short of the first down -- ugh, punt again....Yawn.

Vikes start at their own 15, incomplete to Wade. Jackson throws out of the reach of Shiancoe. Another incomplete, but a Philly linebacker gets called for roughing the passer with hands to the helmet, and an automatic first down. Jackson breaks the pocket, and rushes it all the way out to midfield. Low snap, fumbled, and recovered by Philly!

Westbrook for five or six. McNabb hits Celek again for a first down, forcing Minny to blow another time out. Rush by Westbrook, called back on holding, but declined by Minny. 2 minute warning and fourth down. Akers comes out and drills a fourth FG, 26-14, Eagles.

Just waiting for the clock to run out, guys...false start penalty. Another Taylor rush. Dawkins breaks up a pass. Another penalty, and eight seconds left. The game will end with a Philly win, 26-14. They're headed to the Meadowlands next week to play their division rivals, the Giants, and Arizona's headed to Charlotte to play Carolina.

Game: NFC Wild Card Playoff #2
Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1, 2nd place, NFC East) vs. Minnesota Vikings (10-6, NFC North Champs)
Location: Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN
Start Time: 4:30 PM EST
Announcers and Network: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Pam Oliver, Fox
Miscellany: Teacher vs. student at the coaching positions, how many boneheaded decisions either Andy Reid or Brad Childress make involving play-calling or clock management. Tarvaris Jackson's in a playoff game for the first time, Donovan McNabb and his battle with the naysayers in Philly. All valid narrative points for Buckbot, Jr. and Troy.
Favorite: Philly (-3)
S2N's Pick: Eagles, on the premise that Reid will screw up less than Childress, as well as the first-time playoff QB factor.

It's the Mormon Walrus vs. Coach Major Dad in the Metrodome, folks! Marvel at the specter of bad clock management and play calls designed not to the benefit of the skills of the quarterbacks running both offenses!

Does Chris Myers really need all this work? Seriously? CBS seems to survive with no sideline reporters for Nantz and Simms, why both Oliver and Myers?

Quinton Demps brings the return out to the 11, and Donovan McNabb will start with the ball. McNabb overthrows DeSean Jackson, but mostly because a lineman was about to knock the crap out of him. Westbrook gets his first carry, and loses yardage on it. McNabb hits Kevin Curtis right in the numbers on 3rd down, getting out past the 20 for a first down. Westbrook goes inside for two yards on the carry.

Andy Reid hasn't shaved his beard. He looks like Michael Moore gone football coach. Donny Mac overthrows Greg Lewis, going for the deep strike. 3rd down pass to TE Brent Celek, and he's very, very close to a first down. It's short, and here comes the punt team after Troy made an exceptionally dumb comment about Celek needing to know where the marker is -- one, it was a quick out and two, he was trying to make the move to get the extra yard.

Bernard Berrian returns Sav Rocca's punt to the 10 yard line, but that's it. Tarvaris Jackson throws it away just in time to avoid the sack. Adrian Peterson loses a yard on his first carry. Chester Taylor gets a first down on his first touch in the game. AP brought down for another loss, followed by a screen to the left for Taylor again for 8 yards. Taylor will be short on third down, despite Buckbot saying it depends on the spot.

Chris Kluwe's punt goes to Jackson, who dodges one side of the Vikes' special teams, gets to the outside, and runs all the way to the Minnesota 34.

Does Andy Reid have an ammo belt on holding up his pants? - 49er16
@49er - that belt is Reid's utility belt. It is where he keeps everything he needs to get through the game: a box of twinkies, a selection of proven to be ineffective short yardage plays, and the phone number for his kids' parole officer.- Mal

Westbrook gets two yards on the carry. McNabb scrambles back to the line of scrimmage, away from Jared Allen. After another failed play, David Akers nails a 44-yard FG. 3-0, Philly.

Hicks returns to the 22. AP for two yards, and he took a bit of time to get up. Five for Taylor, and a quick strike from Jackson to Berrian gains a first down. Quinton Mikell nearly picks off Jackson on the next play. Taylor gains seven on his next carry, getting whacked by Brian Dawkins. Jackson hits Bobby Wade for 19 yards. Peterson picks up 2 as he comes back in, ball at the Philly 40. A couple of incompletions after that, and Kluwe comes back on to punt; the kick goes out of bounds at the 16.

Well, now it's marked at the 25 after an official conference. Donny Mac throws to Hank Baskett for the first time today -- gain of 7. (Kendra must be happy.) Correll Buckhalter gets the carry, busts through a hole and then cuts to the right sideline for 26 yards on the run. Buckhalter gets a yard on the next rush. McNabb hits Reggie Brown for 8 yards on 2nd down; 3rd and 1 coming. Vikings call time.

The pass to Westbrook is incomplete, and Akers will try a 51-yard FG. Perfect kick, 6-0, Philly.

Maurice Hicks returns the kickoff to the 22. No yards for AP on the first carry, but an offsides penalty makes it 1st and 5. Jackson throws it away with a defender chasing him. Taylor's tackled for a loss by Mikell. Jackson steps up and hits Sidney Rice at the 38. He follows that up with a pass to Visanthe Shiancoe on first down. Jackson goes downfield for Berrian -- and Brian Dawkins had a better angle on that than Berrian did. Sheldon Brown breaks up the 3rd down pass to Andre Ellison -- but there's a PI flag on Brown. That was kind of ticky-tack.

First down toss to AP gets outside to the right for 6. Injury time out as Asante Samuel collapses in a heap on his leg.

"3rd down and a long 2....", sayeth Buckbot, as Purple Jesus takes the handoff and makes that long 2 a short memory all the way to the end zone. TOUCHDOWN, VIKINGS! Ryan Longwell adds the XP, 7-6, Vikings.

Demps takes the kick up to about the 28. McNabb to Curtis on a great throw for 11 yards. Antoine Winfield knocks the next pass away from DeSean Jackson. And there's another time out blown by the Vikings' D.

The "G" campaign for Gatorade is entirely useless. No ad campaign should fail to tell the viewer what it's actually trying to sell.

McNabb to Jason Avant for five yards on 2nd down after the TO. He then goes deep for DeSean Jackson, who brings it in and is out of bounds at the Vikings' 21. Westbrook gets three yards on first down. He gets five on his next rush, 3rd and 2...blitz on....McNabb's pass incomplete for Kevin Curtis; Akers coming on for another FG try -- up and good, 9-7, Philly retakes the lead.

Hicks makes a 25 yard return on the kickoff. AP for 6, 2nd down pass incomplete to Kleinsasser. Jackson throws.....and Asante Samuel picks it off! Samuel rushes down the sideline, and he's in the end zone for the Eagles TOUCHDOWN! Akers kick is up and good, 16-7, Eagles.

They'll add a 15 yard penalty for celebration on the kickoff (dumbest rule ever, really.)

I guess Asante Samuel has his Ed Reed underwear on for the game. - Anon @ 5:49

How much bad news can the Vikes get on one play? Interception. Eagles TD. Tavaris hurt on the play. Frerotte warming up on the sideline. The only thing missing was Mike Tice scalping tickets in the parking lot. - Mal

Ed Reed would've scored on that play and tackled Jackson at the same time. - SSR

Jackson pitches to AP on first down, and it's a loss of a yard. AP picks up five on the next carry, and another 3rd and 6 for the Vikes. In other news, I'm going to start selling Ed Reed Underoos for some extra spending cash. Bernard Berrian brings in the third down pass and heads all the way to the Philly 31. Bobby Wade uses his hops to get another first down at the 21 on the catch. Taylor up the middle for 8 yards; he follows it up by busting through to the 6 for a first and goal. Two minute warning.

Can we get a damn translator for Troy. Some one to spit would what he's trying to say in less than three minutes. - Lord Nero
@Nero - and it's all in one - three minute long - sentence. That guy abuses conjunctions the way Ed Reed abuses quarterbacks. - Gibbon Jockey

I now just ignore Troy whenever Joe asks him to explain something. Taylor rushes to the 3.

Goddamnit, Fox. Don't show me that graphic with Norv Turner being 13-1 in December and January. I CANNOT DEAL WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF HIM BEING A GOOD COACH.

Anyway, AP gets the ball, runs off tackle left, and that's TOUCHDOWN, VIKES. Longwell's kick is up and good, 16-14, Eagles.

Kickoff out to the 25. Pass to Avant for 13 yards.

"I'm about as much of a doctor as Dr. Phil, but I believe he's [Darren Sharper] is questionable for the rest of the game with the pain he's in." - Chris Myers

3rd and 1, and a bizarre play call -- aired out for Kevin Curtis and Cedric Griffin comes down with the pick. Why call that when the Vikes' defense isn't set at all? Andy Reid brain-fart, ahoy!

Bunch of running plays has the Minnesota crowd booing like crazy. Now, they punt after a horrid pass play call on third down (ka-ching, Major Dad!) DeSean Jackson returns the punt for 18 yards. Pass to Westbrook, who gets out of bounds after nine yards. Another pass to Westbrook on 3rd down with 8 seconds left -- he gets the first down, but time runs out. 16-14, Eagles at halftime.

We don't know everything about rich, old white people, but what we do know is that they don't know how to successfully complete a high five. Philly fans and owners were obviously happy during last evenings dismantling of the Cowboys, but showing your glee by palming your wife in the face, isn't really the best idea. Via Deadspin....

Awkward! And is there anything better than the "multiple replay" when someone gets hit in the face? I submit that there is not!

I'd High Five Her Face Right Now Too (Deadspin)

I have no idea why Tiki Barber would be so animated in regards Donovan McNabb, but he certainly was during an interview with the Bloomberg show, "On The Ball". Barber sat down with the hosts of the show (airing November 22nd), and called McNabb's misunderstanding of the rule "indefensible" and that he would, "live to regret it for a long time"....

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb's misunderstanding of the National Football League's overtime rules is ``indefensible'' and may have hurt his team's playoff chances, former NFL running back Tiki Barber said.

McNabb said after the Eagles' 13-13 tie yesterday in Cincinnati that he didn't know the NFL's regular-season rule that if neither team scored during a 15-minute overtime period, the game would end in a tie.

``That's an indefensible comment that he made,'' Barber, now a commentator for NBC Sports, said in an interview that will air Nov. 22 on Bloomberg's ``On the Ball'' radio program. ``He will live to regret it for a long time.''

According to Pro Football Talk, in an un-aired portion of the same interview, Donovan even stated that he'd, "Hate to see what happens in a Super Bowl or [I’d] hate to see what happens in the playoffs, to settle with a tie."

And while that statement is just downright dumb, and almost unfathomable, Tiki's comments make no sense. It's not like McNabb wasn't trying to win the game in the first overtime. They were trying to throw the ball down the field as time ran out, but McNabb just couldn't find anyone. Now if Tiki said that Donovan's play and three interceptions might cost them a Playoff spot, that would make sense. But to say that his misunderstanding the rule hurt his team in anyway is just wrong.

Sure it was (and still is) idiotic, but it didn't cost the Eagles their season.

Barber Calls McNabb's Mistaking of NFL Tie Rule `Indefensible' (Bloomberg News)

DeSean Jackson, fashion plate. There are not enough three-piece suits or vests worn with dress shirts these days, honestly.

Ugh, the "Brett Favre Hero" ad for this Thursday night's NFL Network game between the Jets and Patriots. I'm surprised they didn't put Coach Hobo on in the "Villain" role and go all the way with the dumb metaphor.

And we come back to a montage with the Eagles "There's Gonna Be a Heartbreak Tonight." Demps takes the kickoff out to the 40 yard line.

"Plaxico Burress, we haven't heard much from him....er, Justin Tuck, but we haven't heard much from Plaxico either." - Al, on a Justin Tuck lack-of-highlights montage.

Westbrook doesn't get anything on first. McNabb airs it out past midfield to Jackson, who makes a nice catch at the Giants' 43. Next pass is for 9 to L.J. Smith, on what John calls "a Hall of Fame throw." Correll Buckhalter is in, and rumbles to the outside for 20 all the way to the 14 yard line. Westbrook gets to the outside again, this time inside the 10. McNabb drops back, airs a floater, and Hank Baskett comes down with it in the corner for the TOUCHDOWN!! Akers' kick is up and good, 24-20, Eagles take the lead back.

Kendra must be thrilled.

He put the biscuit in the Baskett! The Wideout Next Door... - James Craven

OK, I wish I'd thought of "The Wideout Next Door." Bradshaw juggles the kickoff before bringing it back out. Giants start at the 31 with a Jacobs rush up the middle for six. Jacobs gets the first down on the next carry. He gets the ball again and runs past midfield for another 10 yards. Manning out of the shotgun on first down, incomplete with the blitz on and Ward in to pass-block. Ward gets to the outside for six yards. Shotgun at the 42, throws to 31 to the Other Steve Smith, and it's another first down.

@ S2N: Correction coming. It's hard to believe, but the Eagles actually led 7-0... - JFein

Yes it was. Considering the dominance of time of possession by the Giants in the first half, could you blame me for forgetting that Philly had led at any point prior to that last touchdown.

3rd and 5, Burress pumps out as Manning's in the shotgun, and it's illegal contact on Asante Samuel. Automatic first.

"Burress sold that pretty well, didn't he?" - Al. Yep, that would make Cristiano Ronaldo proud. First down pass is incomplete, 2nd and 10 from the 20 yard line. The throw is behind Burress. Manning hits his receiver at the 4 -- but he's across the line of scrimmage, so this is getting called back and he'll lose a down. 4th down, and Coughlin's challenging the call.

And Coughlin's going to lose the argument at the Peep Show. - James Craven
It's nice to see Tom Coughlin is channeling Norv Turner. Seriously, Tom? Seriously? Sheesh, I always thought you were better than this. - JFein

And Coughlin wins the challenge because all parts of the QB have to be beyond the line. Manning's foot wasn't. Wow. First and goal at the 4.

Can the Geico lizard grow to Godzilla size and maul those stupid cavemen? - Mal

It's amazing how much those ads have sucked ever since the concept was made into a TV show. They were really good at the start. Boss loses control of the pass on first down in the end zone. Jacobs barrels his way through to the end zone for the TOUCHDOWN. Carney's kick is good, 27-24, Giants take the lead right back.

Demps takes the kickoff out to the 20, where he gets whacked by Bradshaw, after that, we get Eagles cheerleader shots, which are always welcome.

McNabb gets flushed out and runs for 17 yards and a first down when the protection breaks down. Westbrook heads to the left side and gets maybe a yard.

Peyton's shadow that Eli constantly exists in was not across the line of scrimmage either. Does that count? - Mal

+1. 3rd and 10 is aired out to Jason Avant, but Avant can't get there. Punt coming.

"My favorite question to ask guys with two injuries is 'Which one hurts more?' They say you can only think about one hurting at a time." - Al

Greg Lewis plows into Domenik Hixon on the punt, he apparently didn't see the fair catch call, which puts the G-men at the 33 with the extra 15 yards. Ward gets the toughest yard, bouncing in and out, and Al refers to the "hydra-headed" running back monster again.

"You've got Earth (Jacobs), Wind (Ward), and Fire (Bradshaw)." - Al. 3rd and 1, and Jacobs is brought down by the face mask on the rush out of the shotgun. Great play until he gets the hand on the mask. Ball at the Philly 43.

After an overthrown pass to Burress on 1st down, Jacobs gets 8 yards and goes over the 100 yard mark for the game. 3rd and 2, Manning goes out to Kevin Boss, who hurdles an Eagles defender for some extra yardage. White men, apparently, CAN jump. Bradshaw gets his first carry to the 12. He then gets the first down carry.

"Boss does his Renaldo Nehemiah impersonation." - Al (via Mal)

Boss doing his Knowshon Moreno impression. - James Craven

Whew, end of three quarters. Bradshaw starts the fourth with a carry to the 5. 2nd down pass to Burress in the end zone is high. Ward gets the handoff on 3rd and goal, and gets stuffed in the backfield. I'm not sure why they called a running play there, and we get some Manning Face. Carney's 28-yard FG attempt is "right down Broadway, or Broad Street, take your pick," and it's 30-24, Giants. They send us to break with Matchbox 20. Blech.

"Life is all about readjustments, let me tell you." - Al, after explaining a re-adjusted offensive line. Westbrook gets a couple, he's only had 50 yards total tonight. McNabb's pass to Jackson is off target, and the next one to Kevin Curtis is also off.

Hixon takes the punt return all the way to the house after breaking a couple tackles....but there's a flag for holding, and it's coming back, although the field position will still be pretty good, I think. Starts at the Philly 42, and Bradshaw gashes the Philly D for a good run -- he fumbles, but it goes out of bounds. Jacobs gets five more on the next carry, they're at the 12. Bradshaw's stuffed back on the next play. Draw play for Ward, and he's short of the first down marker -- but there's offsides on the Eagles, making it a 3rd and 2, and Al just got totally confused on what a coach would do, saying Coughlin might decline it at first.

Manning calls time out. Jacobs rumbles again to the 4, loses the ball, but he's down at the 4, according to the officials -- and Andy Reid is going to challenge it even though he's going to lose, and lose it badly. Why delay the inevitable?

"So that was a wish challenge by Andy Reid." - Al. If that's the case, then WHY DO IT? Save the time out! Jacobs "bulldozes" his way into the end zone, losing the ball again, but the touchdown signal was made already -- and Reid's gonna challenge this one too.

Now this is a call you have to challenge, not the previous one, but it looks like Reid will probably lose this one too.

And Reid loses it, touchdown, Giants. The Giants are gonna go for two to get a 14 point lead. Manning to Burress, it's broken up. 36-24, Giants.

John: "There was really no reason for that first challenge".

What? Before, he said that "Reid had to challenge" on that first one. - Mal

Makes no sense whatsoever. Demps out to the 29 on the kickoff. Westbrook carries for one, and "the Eagle crowd wonders what the hell was that play call," according to Al -- and Westbrook is reaching for his junk while he's running off the field. OW. McNabb hits Jackson again on 3rd down, all the way at the Giants' 32. McNabb has to throw off his back foot, incomplete on 2nd down. Jackson, on the slant, catches the pass and gets extra yardage inside the 10 for a first and goal.

Again, why is the ball not in that man's hands more? McNabb throws the next pass away. Was there even a receiver near it? He wasn't out of the pocket. How is that not grounding? And, in the scramble, Philly gets a delay of game call. Throw for Avant is incomplete. McNabb scrambles after the Giants' secondary holds, but only gets to the 2. Reid is going for it on 4th down.

McNabb rolls to his right, finds Kevin Curtis in the end zone, TOUCHDOWN. Akers kick is up and good, 36-31, Giants. And the Eagles still have the "Eye of the Tiger," as we go to break. That song now reminds me of those Starbucks ads with parody lyrics.

"You know one day he just might beeee-cooooooome.....supervisor!"

My mind is gone, and we get the E*Trade baby with blackberry ad, which cracks me up. "Oh....what a bad girl....relentless....hey girl, can I hit you back?"

"You know, when your name is Madison Hedgecock, shouldn't you be Madison Hedgecock III?" - Al
"No, but you should be from Nebraska. All Hedgecocks should be from Nebraska, not from North Carolina." - John
"He should be a knight!" - Al

So, it's 3rd and 1 for the G-men at the 38, Ward is short, and there's a fumble, and the Eagles say they've got it -- but the Giants hold on. They'll be punting anyhow -- and there's a penalty on the Eagles for offsides. The Eagles are very lucky that it wasn't enough for a first down. The Giants declined the penalty, and the Eagles will take it inside the 15, which is where Jackson went out of bounds.

McNabb hits the first pass for a first down, but there's a pick on the next throw -- negated by holding on Antonio Pierce. Eagles ball and a first down on the 36. McNabb has to run away from Mathias Kiwanuka, and Brent Celek drops it. McNabb rushes for seven. Reid is waiting for the two-minute warning; Donny Mac is wearing down.

"Reminds me of the Super Bowl." - Al, as we hit the two minute warning. All we need is Donny Mac puking and the epic fail of Reid time management will be complete. Pitch to Westbrook, he gets out of bounds but short of the first down. Handoff to Westbrook, and Chase Blackburn nails him short of the marker! Giants' ball!

You Eagles homers in the comments section are RELENTLESS with your anger. This is the Andy Reid Era -- bad play calling and a failure to develop a serious power running game, which most coaches will tell you is the basis of a successful team...you have to tote the rock.

How many days until Spring Training starts in Clearwater, Florida? - James Craven

Knew that was coming.

Eagles' fans and Al Michaels would like to challenge that Andy Reid knows what the hell he's doing. - Mal

Michaels would forget what he was challenging after the replay. Eli Manning QB sneaks on 4th and inches for the 1st down, and that's your game. 36-31, Giants, who stay atop the heap of the NFC East and the Eagles are now tied for third (and last) place with the Cowboys in the division.

See you next week for Cowboys-Redskins, and make sure to drop by my home spot on the weekdays sometime.

Brandon Jacobs and his luxury ride are ready to roll over the Eagles' front four tonight, as we recover from two great games (one expected to be so, one not so much, but elevated by announcer and surprising play) by heading right into what should be another good one.

"The Giants won both meetings last year [with the Eagles]." - Al Michaels
"And all 4 of those games came down to the last play." - John Madden (via JFein)

Madden, forgetting basic math in the NFL schedule. No teams meet more than twice in one year, of course, unless they happen to be division rivals who play each other in the playoffs.

Andrea Kremer in the purple coat, telling us about the defensive coordinator mentor-student match-up in Philly's Jim Johnson and NY's Steve Spagnuolo. Giants will receive the kickoff. Ahmad Bradshaw brings it out to the 22. Jacobs gets the first carry for four yards. Eli Manning spreads out in the shotgun and throws over the middle to Amani Toomer. Manning's next pass is tipped by Mike Patterson, and the defensive lineman comes down with it and rumbles to the Giants' 10! Philly ball.

Donovan McNabb gets rushed by Justin Tuck, and has to sail one out of bounds on 1st and goal. Wildcat formation with DeSean Jackson in the shotgun -- he rushes to the sideline, stretches, and TOUCHDOWN, EAGLES! Akers kick is up and good, 7-0, Eagles.

Everyone's got a fuckin' Wildcat package now. Derrick Ward kneels on the kickoff after bobbling it.

Alright we get the Manning Face early. - 49er16.
The Eagles using the wildcat, wow, who knew Andy Reid was capable. Wait, is it still the wildcat if the wide receiver takes the direct snap like Jackson just did? - JFein

It is to me, anyway. Jacobs gets 9 on first down and then Ward gets a few more to move the chains. Manning hits Kevin Boss at the 35 yard line, complete with Jeremy Shockey reference by Al. Handoff to Ward, and he gets about four after getting bumped around early in the rush. Manning hits Boss again past midfield on a 3rd down play fake and rollout for 21 yards. Shotgun on first, the pass to Michael Matthews sails over his head.

"Ward, it's a 3-headed, or, hydra-headed monster" - Al Michaels, trying to describe the triple-RB attack of the Giants. (Via JFein)

Jacobs rumbles inside the 20 for another first. Ward runs out of the shotgun for two or three, and they're talking about Chris Snee, Giants right guard and son-in-law of Tom Coughlin.

"We asked him about that, what it's like when he has a bad day and is complaining about his coach. He told us that his wife says, 'Suck it up.'" - Al
"She's her father's daughter." - John

3rd and 9, Manning to Plaxico Burress in the back of the end zone for a score, TOUCHDOWN, GIANTS. Kick is up and good, 7-7 tie.

That was quick. Kickoff to Quentin Demps, and he catches a case of fumbleitis! Chase Blackburn recovers it at the Philly 15. Nice job by Ahmad Bradshaw to knock the ball away. Manning misses Madison Hedgecock on 3rd down, and the Eagles limit the Giants to a field goal try.

Heh....Hedgecock. John Carney to try an FG, up and good, 10-7, G-men.

"So it's a 86-year old combination to try a field goal, and it's good." - Al, as we are taken to break by Stone Temple Pilots. Demps takes the kickoff out to the 36, and we get Seal's cover of the Steve Miller Band's "Fly Like An Eagle." Hey, it's better than "Gonna Fly Now," right? Right.

It's hard to believe Donny Mac has been in Philly for 10 years. Man, that's a long time for Syracuse football to be completely irrelevant. L.J. Smith drops the first down pass. Westbrook gets his first carry for a couple. Incomplete again to Smith, and the Eagles are gonna punt. Sav Rocca boots one into the end zone. Touchback, as NBC gives us the Black Crowes covering Otis Redding's "Hard to Handle."

Ward picks up 7 yards on the first carry.

"Kareem Ward looking very professorial." - Al
"They're gonna catch heck for that. There's an old rule: offensive linemen never pose." - John, after a display of mag shot type photos of the Giants' offensive line

Toomer catches another one over the middle near midfield, breaking down the anti-bodies in the Philly D's immune system. Ward gets eight more, 2nd and 2, then catches the next play and gains 14. He's tackled by Joselio Hanson, who isn't notable save for being caught naked during a locker room interview a while back.

Brandon Jacobs busts through for some more yardage, as John says, "That's a lot of weight to fit into one hole." 3rd and 7 at the Eagles' 10 now, after a couple of failed plays. Manning throws to Toomer again at the 1-yard line, and the first quarter ends with a first and goal for the Giants.

Madden has a rager over Toomer because he went to De La Salle High School in the Bay Area. Madden speaks every year at their football awards show. - 49er16

Useful, and good to know. Manning, play fake, hit as he throws -- right to Kevin Boss in the back of the zone again over the middle. Touchdown, Eagles. Kick up and good, 17-7, Giants.

The Eagles have landed, early.

"Nobody misses Tiki Barber, I mean, he's a great guy, but..." - Al, backtracking so as not to make it awkward when he and Barber run into each other or talk before games on FNIA any more than it has to be. Demps takes the kickoff to the Philly 48, but they won't be happy with him until he takes one to the house to make up for fumbling.

Westbrook to midfield for three yards. McNabb is nearly picked off by Aaron Ross on 2nd down, he read the pattern easy and had safety help. 3rd and 7 is incomplete, as Kenny Phillips gets right in McNabb's face. Sav Rocca will come on to punt again. Domenik Hixon fair catches inside the 20.

The boo-birds are already out at the Linc, and they beat my O/U of 5:30 in the 2nd. Damn.

Jacobs rumbles out to the 34, Ward get ssome more after that and Manning throws to him on 2nd down for about six or seven.

"And if he gets 1,000 yards a year for a while, he'll be the one owning movies. What do they call them, investors....moguls." - John on Derrick Ward, who used to be a production assistant for TV after college at Fresno State.

Play fake and all the receivers are covered, so Trent Cole gets ahold of Eli Manning for the first sack of the game on the younger slack-jawed yokel. Philly takes a timeout to an NBC bump of Lenny Kravitz's "Are You Gonna Go My Way" (which is probably the last good song he's written and that was 17 years ago.)

John does a useful breakdown of why the Eagles can't load up on the run: safety has to stay back to keep Plaxico Burress honest. Kevin Boss gets the catch, but nearly gets to the first down. Jeff Feagles comes on to punt to DeSean Jackson. Punt goes out of bounds at the 18.

Yeah, the prevent defense. We all know what that means. - James Craven

Yup, it means you want to prevent yourself from winning. Jackson goes end around for a first down. McNabb overthrows again; he's still lacking a completion. He hits Reggie Brown for six yards to get off the schneid. Donny Mac goes over to Jackson at midfield, and it's dropped on third down. Here comes another punt.

Oh yay, an Eli Manning Citizen EcoDrive ad. Y'know, we made fun of those for the longest time, and then he actually justified those ads calling him "unstoppable" last year. Followed two ads later by Paula Creamer, lady golfer, getting her own EcoDrive ad.



Yes, and more please.

Jacobs, rumbling....FUMBLE!! And Mike Patterson comes up with another turnover. McNabb hits Jason Avant inside the 25.

"The Eagles offense trying to get on track, and when they get on track, it will be Westbrook doing the on-tracking". - Al (via JFein)

DeSean Jackson on the end around again, gets to the 15, and Sam Madison hits him out of bounds, so make that first and goal at the 8. So, let's see: get ball in DeSean Jackson's hands, get massive amounts of yardage. How hard is this, Andy Reid? McNabb to Avant, who drags a defender with him into the end zone, TOUCHDOWN, EAGLES! Akers' kick is up and good, 17-14, Giants.

"He beats the rookie Terrell Thomas from USC, who looked like a rookie on that play." - Al

Derrick Ward takes it out to the 34, and as we get a reel of the Giants' errors, Al describes them as "ignominious." +1 for a $50 word, Al. Manning throws it into the ground on the play fake, and we got a Joe Biden sighting in Jeff Lurie's owners' box. 3rd and 4 is incomplete, as Steve Smith is tackled by Joselio Hanson and his extra appendage. Big stop for Philly, and Jackson is back for the punt return. Feagles kicks it out of bounds.

"Most coaches have muttered minds. Most wedge-breakers have muttered minds." - John

McNabb throws to Jackson on a screen, but it loses yardage. That coordinator story was good: Spagnuolo wanted to leave Philly to go join Brad Childress in Minnesota, but Reid said no, and said he could take the next DC job he was offered -- which turned out to be the Giants.

"Andy said, 'I made a bad move there.'" - Al, on that move.

McNabb goes for Jackson again in double coverage, and gets picked by Sam Madison at the 35, who gets a nice chunk of yardage on the return. Ward buries in for a few, it's 3rd and 4 after a couple plays at the Philly 8. Manning goes for Boss, it's incomplete, and here comes Jay Carney again. FG try is up and good, 20-14, Giants.

McNabb on a screen to Westbrook for 9, after John finishes rambling about how good of a cook Donovan McNabb's mom was. Gunned over the middle to the Giants 44 to L.J. Smith, Philly calls time out. Another pass completed, and McNabb spikes it to stop the clock.

Ah yes, it's nice to see we're channeling Iowa at the end of the first half with our clock management. - JFein

Westbrook lunges outside for a first down at the 32, and Philly takes another time out with 36 seconds left in the half. McNabb hits over the middle, then runs another play to Westbrook, who scampers to the 11 and gets out of bounds. Shot at the end zone to Kevin Curtis is incomplete, and the FG team comes on.

Akers bangs it through, and the half ends 20-17, Giants. Be seeing you in the second half thread.

If you weren't aware whom this comely lass is, that's Kendra Wilkinson, the prettiest of the Girls Next Door (my personal opinion), ex of Hugh Hefner, and now the fiancee of Eagles wideout Hank Baskett. A quick Google search will give you some pleasant results. Don't say I never did anything nice for you.

Notes from the late games:

• Great game in the Steel City. Colts are up 24-20, after some amazing catches, including a tipped one that wound up in Reggie Wayne's hands early and another that Hines Ward pulled out of thin air. The scores have reflected each team's stereotypical philosophy: Wayne, Dallas Clark, and Dominic Rhodes have brought in TD passes from Peyton Manning, and Mewelde Moore has both Steeler scores on 54 yards rushing -- although much of it has been set up by Ben Roethlisberger to Ward, who has 100 yards receiving.
• A surprisingly good game in San Diego, as the Chargers have just grabbed their first lead of the day on a Phil Rivers to Antonio Gates score -- he's thrown two TD passes (the other to Malcom Floyd) and two picks (Bernard Pollard and Sam McGraw are the lucky recipients.) As for the Chiefs, they've stumbled onto a quarterback. Tyler Thigpen looks durable and is getting better by the week, although he's stalled in the second half. He has two TD passes to Mark Bradley and Tony Gonzalez. 20-13, SD.
  
• I wouldn't be surprised if viewers of Carolina/Oakland have committed ritual suicide at this point. Here are the lines for the QBs: Jake Delhomme is 7-27, for 72 yards, a TD and 4 picks; Andrew Walter is currently 12-27 for 134 and two picks. Walter, subbing for JaMarcus Russell, is hurt and has given way to Marques Tuiasosopo under center. Panthers ahead, of course, thanks to DeAngelo Williams and the Raiders' general commitment to excrement. 14-6, Carolina.
  

Discuss the day in the NFL, NBC's pre-game analyst overkill, and I'll see you guys for the live-blog in an hour.

ESPN officially held the top spot for just about a month, but unfortunately for the "Leader" another look at the data showed that their September 15th matchup between the Eagles and Cowboys did not actually top High School Musical 2 as previously reported. Via Multichannel News....

The Aug. 17, 2007 premiere of HSM2 drew a then-cable record 17.241 million viewers on a live + same-day basis, according to Nielsen Media Research data, a total that was first surpassed by the Dec. 3, 2007 MNF game between the then-undefeated New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens, which garnered 17.522 million watchers. However, when calculated on a live + seven-day basis, HSM2 added 1.398 million viewers to finish with 18.639 million watchers.

Gauged on a live + same-day way, last month’s Dallas-Eagles game scored with 18.608 million live+ same-day watchers. Hence, it needed more than 31,000 viewers on a live + seven-day count to topple HSM2. Instead, it tallied 29,000 to come up just short at 18.637 million.

Presumably in a show of synergistic silence, spokesfolk for ESPN and Disney Channel both declined to comment on the sibling-network competition.

Man, just two thousand people more and they would have had it. Again, I don't think Disney is shedding a tear today, but ESPN itself has to be a tad bit upset about losing the title of "Most Watched Cable Program". They've still got some good games left on the slate, and while it's unlikely any of those will get back to the numbers of Philly and Dallas, you never know.

Cable’s All-Time, Most-Watched Show: 'HSM2' Edges 'MNF' (Multichannel News)
Eagles-Cowboys MNF Game Was The Most Watched Program In Cable Television History (Awful Announcing)

Philadelphia: In Donny We Trust.

Akers kicks off to Danyel Manning, who comes out to the 28 yard line. A quick three and out punctuated by an incompletion to Marty Booker, and Brad Maynard will punt again. DeSean Jackson lets it bounce, and it heads back to the 6, where it's downed.

Donny Mac talks about his homecoming to Kanye West in the background. He throws to Brown for an eight-yard gain, while John and Al ramble on about baseball. Correll Buckhalter rumbles for 24 yards out to about the 45. McNabb throws a pick to Kevin Kane -- who returns it all the way to the Eagles' 10 when Buckhalter tackles him -- and Buckhalter's hurt, which the Eagles do not need with Westbrook out.

On 2nd down, Orton throws and it's picked in the end zone. Eagle ball, back at the 20.

Blackhawks, winners? huh? - Not a Blackhawks Fan
What the hell is McNabb talking about? The Cubs and Blackhawks have the longest championship droughts in their sports - the Bulls have sucked since MJ - the Bears have been living off one year for two decades. A town of winners? my ass. - Gibbon Jockey

Lorenzo Booker rushes up the middle for a couple yards, and I bet there's a rush on both Yahoo and ESPN to pick him up off waivers. Jackson drops the 2nd and six pass, as Andrea Kremer tells us Buckhalter's got a lower back contusion. 3rd and six is incomplete, and the Eagles will punt it away -- Hester picks that sucker up and runs backwards to get it. He's out at the 2.

Rex Grossman has a grin on his face, is warming up, and as we speak, is bribing Lovie with (muffle muffle muffle garble) to get in the game after that Orton pick. - SSReporters

This game almost demands a Sex Cannon appearance. Forte loses two on the carry, and the Bears are at their own 1 on 2nd down. Orton's pass got knocked down by either Gocong or Omar Gaither. 3rd down rush goes nowhere, and Maynard punts from the back of his end zone. DeSean Jackson brings it back to the Bears' 35.

Lorenzo Booker just got pasted by Lance Briggs on that 2nd down pass. 3rd and 13 -- and it goes to Selleck, the tight end. Not enough for the first, but enough to get Akers out there, maybe?

Between Booker, Buckhalter and Westbrook, don't you think science could create one running back who could stay healthy for 16 games plus playoffs? Isn't this what the Philadelphia Experiment was all about? - Rob in WI

All my RBs are hurt, so I have to throw on every down. After all these years, Andy Reid finally can execute his perfect game plan. - JG

After seeing the shot of Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore next to him, all I can say is Gale Sayers needs to find a new posse. - Jim Williams

Akers' kick bounces off the upright, no score.

"There's your doink." - Al
"That's a doink." - John

And we go to break on "You Dropped a Bomb on Me", which I'm fairly sure is the Gap Band.

That's how many turnovers by Orton the past few plays? Trent Cole smacks the ball out of his hands and Omar Gaither picks it up. Philly ball on the Chicago 28.

FUMBLE...and now "Orton Hears A Boo" - Jim Williams

+1 fish, 2 fish, red fish, blue fish.

Donny Mac converts the latest third down by hitting Jason Avant. He then hits Celek for another six yards. Shovel pass to Avant near the first down marker at the Bears' 3, and it is a first down.

No catches for Hank Baskett so far? Kendra Wilkinson is disappointed. McNabb aims for Baskett, but it's incomplete and thrown into double coverage. D-Mac covers up after tripping on his lineman's foot. 3rd down pass is incomplete, busted up by Nathan Vasher. Let's see if Akers can actually hit this kick.

Up and good, 21-17, Bears.

Akers kicks to Hester, and he busts it all the way to midfield when Akers busts him in the gut for a tackle -- losing his helmet. Orton hits Greg Olsen for three yards. Forte pushes for three more. Bears wind up punting, Jackson fair catches at the 17.

Next week: The Glove vs. Silky Garrard, in that hub of football known as Jacksonville.

After a Jackson catch, it's 3rd and 3 for the Eagles on their own 24. The pass to Brown is broken up. PUNTING IS WINNING!

Hester gets tackled at the Chicago 35 on the punt. Kevin Jones suffers a bout of FUMBLEITIS, and it's Philly ball again. That's three or four Chicago turnovers, right? Al says four. Buckhalter's back, and he rushes outside for four yards. Jackson gets the handoff on the next play and rushes all the way to the Chicago 15.

Hunter Hillenmeyer destroys McNabb on that 1st down, as someone blew a blocking assignment. Buckhalter gets back to the 20, 3rd and 15 now. Short gain to Avant, and here comes Akers again.

With all the Bears turnovers and punts, and the Eagles throwing on every down this game might not be over until sunrise. - JG

Most of find this to be rapidly declining football. The Browns and Bengals, however, find this to be championship calibur play. - Jim Williams

"They're going to try and knock the Eagles out of field goal position." - John

The Bears 24 yard line? Really? - SSReporters

Kick is up and good, 21-20, Bears.

Chicago starts on its 41 yard line and I'm going to say this drive will end in a pick this time. So now, the clock is having issues along with both offenses, conspiring to keep us watching the game longer.

"The scoreboard is frozen, much like the credit markets." - Al

Marty Booker took the end around up to the Bears 43. 2nd and 7 is incomplete. Orton checks off the play and gets a first down with a screen pass to Matt Forte. Hester gets to the Philly 26 on another end around play. He gets snubbed on 1st down, Orton throws it away on 2nd down. Omar Gaither rushes and the 3rd down pass is incomplete...Robbie Gould on for the FG try...from 41 yards out....it is good. 24-20, Bears.


Demps returns it to the 24.

"McNabb's going to try to bail the Eagles out." - Al

Buckhalter runs to the 46 after getting sprung on a nice block. The ball keeps moving as McNabb hits Hank Baskett at the Bears' 21. Buckhalter barrels to the 13. McNabb throws it on a short screen to Tony Hunt, who gets up to the 4. Buckhalter up to the 1. Correll gets smashed up at the 1, and the third down run is also stopped short.

Eagles time out. Garbage's "Push It" for the bump music.

Andy Reid's gonads were surgically removed. How do you go for it on 4th and 1 and run the EXACT SAME PLAY THAT DIDN'T WORK THREE TIMES BEFORE? Bears ball.

Note to Pizza Hut: It is not "mac 'n cheese" unless you actually use, y'know, elbow macaroni pasta. Rotini doesn't count.

3rd and 4, Forte busts out for a crucial first down to the 18 yard line. No more time outs for Philly now. Another short rush and we're at the two minute warning.

Which is a worse choice of music for NFL commercials:

1) Everyday is Like Sunday - The Smiths

or

2) 32 Flavors - Ani DiFranco (2000) - Gibbon Jockey

I vote for the Smiths, only because I like that band. (Ani DiFranco can go die in a fire.) Both are equally bad in terms of songs to go with sporting events.

The Bears are rushing the ball to kill time, and Maynard is punting. He'll take a time out as the play clock winds out, and we've got 28 seconds left. Jackson gets out of bounds at the 17, and McNabb has 18 seconds left to get 83 yards. McNabb hits Brown, but he's in bounds, and that ends the game.

Your final is 24-20, Bears, and now both teams are 2-2.

Thanks for joining me, and see you next week for Steelers-Jaguars.

Brian Urlacher caught you a delicious bass. (The site I found the pic at describes it as a "King", but of course, I'm gonna use a movie line.)

I have the Eagles winning a low scoring game. There is nothing less exciting than having to watch the Bears offense work. At least when Rex Grossman was under center, you had something to watch for (in the inevitable dumb pick or two per game.)

The Eagles will start at the 20, and Brian Westbrook isn't in today with that bum ankle. McNabb's first is incomplete to the back-up TE (the one who isn't L.J. Smith.) 2nd down means not much, and Danyel Manning sacks Donny Mac on third down. Sav Rocca punts it, bouncing away from Devin Hester at the Chicago 41.

Orton hits Rashied Davis inside the Philly 30, Matt Forte gets seven more on the next play to get within the 20....and Orton rifles it to Greg Olsen for the TOUCHDOWN!

That was Sex Cannon-esque right there.....although they are gonna challenge it....what??? No flag?? I guess so. 7-0, Bears.

WTF?? Where did that offense come from? Is Neckbeard drunk or something? - Rob in WI

Plasma power, son. Plasma power.

Philly brings the ball back to their 28 on the kickoff. After a false start, Correll Buckhalter gets a few yards on first and 15. McNabb fires a bullet to DeSean Jackson. That thing looks like it makes hands hurt. 1st down after a gain of 23. Buckhalter brings out a screen pass past midfield to the Bears' 48. Reggie Brown gets five more after the catch for another 1st.

Sneaky, sneaky, end-around for DeSean Jackson, who sweeps around to the Bears 18. McNabb goes for it over the middle to the TE Schobel (?), who gets walloped by Mike Brown while trying to make the catch. Not much for Buckhalter on 2nd and 10. Donny Mac airs it to Jackson right in the back of the end zone, TOUCHDOWN. Kick by Akers is up and good, 7-7 tie.

Did I say something about this being a defensive game? Not right now, anyway. And that's very sneaky (or cliche) of you, NBC: using Steve Miller's "Fly Like An Eagle."

I'll say this much - love or hate the bears - you gotta admit their defense brings the lumber in the first quarters. Wow those boys can hit.

of course, they don't do much about protecting the endzone, but at least they hit.... - Gibbon Jockey

Sheldon Brown would like to speak up for the Eagles also delivering blistering hits. Twice.





Matt Forte starts with a short rush, and 2nd down will now move back 5 yards. Forte gets 13 of those back and then picks up the first down on the 3rd down carry. The ball's now out at about midfield. A short pass to Hester gets across midfield. Orton misses Forte on the sideline, and here comes the first punt of the game from Brad Maynard. DeSean Jackson is back to receive.

He fair catches at the 20. Jon Runyon gets flagged for the first time in 24 games, which Al and John apologize for jinxing (they mentioned it when they talked to Andy Reid last night.) McNabb hits Jackson for another first down; the next pass is incomplete to Buckhalter. Not much for Buckhalter on the rush, it's 3rd and 10 from the Philly 30. Alex Brown and Israel Idonije get the sack. Rocca punts all the way to the Bears 30; Hester fair catches, but there's a flag.

This looks like the 15-yard variety of roughing the kicker on Charles Tillman -- but there's an illegal formation on Philly, so they offset and they kick again. Hester brings the second punt out to the Bears' 45.

AA, what are the odds of NBC throwing in "Waltzing Matilda" as bumper music after a punt by the Eagles' Aussie punter? I hope they're not THAT cynical. - Jim Williams

We'll be on the lookout for that.

How does a personal foul and illegal formation offset? I thought the PF trumped the other penalty? - Rob in WI

A flag on each team on a play negates the other automatically, regardless of severity.

Forte starts with a rush and the Bears will get 15 extra yards thanks to a face mask. Orton skies one a bit too high for Hester (well, it looks like it went right through his hands.)

That prompts John to say, "Maybe there's a reason he was a corner." 3rd and 11 brings the first Eagles sack of Orton tonight, and Brad Maynard will be punting again. Jackson goes out of bounds at the Philly 12.

"There's Donovan's mom, she came to the hotel last night and made dinner for the whole team." - Al
"I must say, I had some of that meal." - John

(a bit later)

"She didn't make any soup, though, huh?" - Al

Three and out for the Eagles, here comes Rocca. Good coverage by the Eagles keeps Hester from advancing past his own 45. Forte gets two yards; Orton then gets sacked by Chris Gocong. By the way, Al and John, I know Gocong said "Cal Poly San Luis Obispo," but the university freaking hates that.

I heartily encourage all of you in the comments who are bitching about them talking about Mama McNabb and her cooking for way too damn long. There is a football game going on, gentlemen. While the greens and sweet potatoes looked good, there is a game on.

Like say, DeSean Jackson muffing a punt, and the Bears getting it back. (D'OH!) Bears start again at the 24, Forte grabs two yards. Orton just went all PLASMA POWER to Marty Booker, and that's a 23-yard SCORE!!!!

Kick is up and good, 14-7, Bears.

And, the Jekyll and Hyde complex that is Desean Jackson has returned.

Sincerely,
Frustrated Eagles Fan - Jim Williams

Brian Dawkins visited the Roy Williams School of Safety Coverage this week. - Rob in WI

+1.

Demps brings it out to the 33, McNabb incomplete to Reggie Brown. He then goes right back to Brown for a 16 yard gain and 1st down at midfield. Donny Mac must be a fan of UPS -- because Brown can get him another 31 yards on the next play. Touch floater to Buckhalter gets 19 yards, and Philly has a 1st and goal. Buckhalter then busts his way into in for the TOUCHDOWN. Kick up, kick good, 14-all.

American Hi-Fi's "Flavor of the Weak" for a bump -- the frontman used to drum for Veruca Salt, which was based in Chicago, but...not enough of a connection.

Hester brings the kick out to the 20. Orton rolls out and throws it away. He then hits Brandon Lloyd for a 1st down across the 30. Kevin Jones takes the next two carries and gets first down yardage.

3rd and 12 at the 50 -- and Orton gets picked off by Darren Howard, because he was under pressure and held the ball too long. McNabb threw to Brown for 4, but the third down rush by Buckhalter isn't close. Here comes Akers for an FG try...50 yards....up and wide right.

"Juqua Thomas changed his name to Juqua Parker. Tra Thomas changed his name to William Thomas and now back to Tra Thomas. It's a good thing Chad Johnson doesn't play on this team." - Al

Unlike the Bengals, the Eagles actually recognize it when players legally change their names. - JFein

I don't think that was so much the Bengals so much as it was the NFL insisting that Chad Johnson buy all the jerseys Reebok made with his now former last name. Let's just say that I don't think Juqua Parker's name moves a lot of merch.

Forte gets stuffed at the Chicago 40, goes on a screen for five tough yards, and then Orton goes all long bomb to Brandon Lloyd again, deep into Eagles territory -- and then Lloyd tweaks something.

DIE, FRANK CALIENDO, DIE.

Short passes to Jason McKie and Devin Hester follow. Matt Forte's screen pass looks short of the first down, honestly, but here come the sticks -- and that was enough for the first. The next two plays gain a yard total -- and Orton hits Devin Hester down the line, who keeps his feet in bounds for the TOUCHDOWN!!!

Kick up and good, 21-14, Bears.

Jim Williams alerts us to Al's use of "Rappin' Roberto Costas" when describing the upcoming halftime show. I proceed to gag. McNabb hits Jason Avant at the 28 yard line. Reggie Brown drops the 2nd and 5 pass. The 3rd down pass comes up short, and Devin Hester will get another shot at the football before the half. Short kick, ball winds up at the Chicago 37. He hits Forte for a few yards, and spikes it. 3rd down pass is incomplete....wait, they're calling that a fumble? At lesat they're reviewing it, but sheesh.

Of course, it's ruled an incomplete, Maynard punts, and it's downed at the 4 yard line of Philly with one second left. McNabb kneels, and we've got 21-14, Chicago at halftime.

See you in the second half post.