Final Score: Philadelphia Eagles 23, New York Giants 17
In a last-ditch effort to prove himself to the Giants and to other interested NFL teams, Manning’s play was lackluster at best on a showery evening on a rain-soaked field. Manning’s career record now stands at 116-117 after he has spent the last eight weeks preparing with the scout team.
First Half
The Eagles (6-7) received the ball to start the game and the drive ended on a sack that forced a punt. Not the way to start when the team has a chance to tie atop the NFC East with a win over the lifeless Giants (2-10).
Manning’s first pass attempt fell incomplete as the throw was a bit behind running back, Saquon Barkley. A quick three-and-out on the Giants first possession.
The Eagles proved they were going to play aggressive this game after going for it early on a fourth-and-one.
The risky effort was thwarted when the Giants’ defensive line stopped Eagles quarterback, Carson Wentz, short of the first-down marker and eventually fumbled the ball that was recovered by the Giants anyways.
So here we go, the Giants, in great field position can kick-start positive momentum with any type of score here. Moving backward on the drive, the inert Giants were forced to punt. However, the Giants get the ball after yet, another Eagles punt. New York drove down the field and wide receiver scored on a 35-yard slant pass from Manning eight seconds into the second quarter. Giants 7-0.
The Eagles put a solid drive together but the Giants’ defense was able to make a critical stop. The stop forced a field goal by kicker, Jake Elliott, for 34 yards. Giants 7-3.
Aldrick Rosas responded with a 34-yard field goal on the Giants’ next drive to put the lead back to seven with 5:30 left in the second quarter. Giants 10-3.
Both teams alter three-and-out, but Slayton catches his second touchdown pass of the game from 55 yards out with only 27 seconds remaining in the first half. Manning has looked like an NFL quarterback on a handful of plays thus far. Giants 17-3.
Second Half
The Giant could have made an impact statement with a strong drive to start the second half. However, Manning was sacked, which forced a punt. The Giants defense has been impressive so far and forced the Eagles to their fourth straight three-and-out.
In a scoreless back and forth third quarter, neither team can gain any positive energy. The Giants offense is struggling heavily as they have only gained 28-yards on their last five possessions. However, the Eagles score their first touchdown late in the third quarter when running back, Boston Scott, pounds his way in on a two-yard run. Giants 17-10.
Another three-and-out by the hopeless Giants as they can’t get anything going. The offense looks abysmal and their defense is beginning to tire.
The Eagles put another solid drive on the field but Elliott, who has made 19 straight field goals, missed from 47 yards out. Their NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys know the gut-wrenching feeling of losing games by missed field goals.
The Giants can’t do anything but three-and-outs and never gained another first down throughout the game. They had six total three-and-out drives out of their 13 possessions.
Carson Wentz drove his offense 85-yards for a two-yard touchdown to tight end, Zach Ertz to tie the game with 1:53 seconds remaining in regulation. Eagles 17-17.
Eli Manning just can’t do anything right anymore as the Giants lose five yards in three plays forcing another punt.
Overtime
The Eagles win the coin toss and looking to end the game with a touchdown. Eight plays, seventy-five-yards later, Ertz scored a touchdown from two yards out again to seal the victory. Eagles 23-17.
Manning had a chance to lead another game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter, but his humbled play in the second half was never going to be enough.
Is this the last time we ever see a Manning on the field in the NFL again? His future remains uncertain. Manning has stated that he will not continue to be a back-up and he’s not wanting to coach.
So, unless another NFL team is interested, his professional football playing days are over. Respectfully, the Eagles were seen, lined-up, to shake his hand and send their gratitude as they know the future hall of fame quarterback has seen his best days as a competitive quarterback come to a screeching halt.
