Week 17 wrap-up: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants

In the Philadelphia Eagles’ season finale and last Sunday of putting on pads until August, the Birds went out with a win as they defeated the New York Giants by the final score of 34-26.

After starting the game with the ball, the Giants quickly put up the first points of the game with a one-yard Andre Williams touchdown run. The scoring play was set up by a huge 43-yard reception from Eli Manning to wide-receiver Rueben Randle.

It would not take long for the Eagles to put points on the board themselves as they marched down the field two straight times for touchdowns. The first touchdown came as a 44-yard strike from Mark Sanchez to Jordan Matthews. On their next drive, a would-be Sanchez interception turned into a pass-interference call, putting the Eagles in the redzone. This eventually set up a one-yard touchdown pass to Brent Celek.

Despite a close first half score, the Eagles saw struggles that reflected the struggles of the entire season. Sanchez threw a second-quarter pick to cornerback Mike Harris and nearly threw many others with ill-advised passes into double-coverage. Sanchez finished the half 13/21 for 205 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick.

The same secondary struggles that marked this nightmarish season continued through the first half of the day. Manning, who had 232 first half yards of his own, was able to connect with Randle for five receptions and 132 yards in the half.

Early in the third quarter, the Eagles special teams came up with their third touchdown off a punt block this season when tight-end Trey Burton scooped up James Casey’s block and took it to the house.

A later Eagles drive saw Chris Polk reach the endzone for his third time this season with a one-yard carry.

The Giants tried to rally back late in the second half as Manning hit Odell Beckham Jr. for a 63-yard score. However the comeback was spoiled as Nate Allen picked-off Manning to help seal the win for the Eagles. The win allowed the Eagles to finish their 2014 campaign with their second consecutive 10-6 season.

Now that the curtain has closed on the once promising 2014 season, the Eagles will begin shaking up the nest and correcting their mistakes in time for 2015.