Giants Knock Eagles Out of Playoffs

[TalonRider]

Giants Knock Eagles Out of Playoffs

By ROB MAADDI, AP Sports Writer

Feely's 36-yard field goal with 3:55 left in overtime lifted the New York Giants to a 26-23 victory Sunday that put them closer to the NFC East title and knocked the reigning conference champions out of the playoff chase.

Feely, who cost the Giants a victory in Seattle two weeks ago by missing three late kicks, made four field goals. Tiki Barber had 124 yards rushing and one TD catch and the Giants overcame Eli Manning's three interceptions in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Osi Umenyiora sacked Mike McMahon and Kenderick Allen recovered McMahon's fumble at the Eagles 27, setting up Feely's winning kick four plays later.

"It's been tough, but when you have tough times you have to rely on your faith," Feely said. "And that's what I did the last two weeks."

Rookie Ryan Moats, filling in for the injured Brian Westbrook, had 114 yards rushing and two touchdowns for the Eagles (5-8), who made the NFC title game the last four seasons.

New York (9-4) is one game ahead of Dallas in the NFC East.

David Akers' 50-yard field goal with 1:52 left in the fourth quarter tied it at 23 after Sheldon Brown intercepted Manning's pass. Manning threw another pick in the final minute, but the Eagles couldn't take advantage. His third pick came in overtime, but he had 312 yards passing.

Decimated by injuries and discord, Philadelphia became the fifth consecutive team to miss the playoffs after losing the Super Bowl the previous season. Six of the 10 players that went to the Pro Bowl last year were lost to injuries, free agency or suspension, including Donovan McNabb, Westbrook and the banished Terrell Owens.

Coming off a 42-0 home loss to Seattle on Monday night, the Eagles played their best all-around game in weeks. But they fell to 0-5 against the East.

New York went ahead 20-17 on Feely's 21-yard field goal in the third quarter. The Giants had a first down at the Eagles 2, but couldn't get in.

Feely's 27-yarder made it 23-17, and the Eagles closed to 23-20 on Akers' 36-yarder. Akers hit the crossbar on a 49-yard attempt in the third quarter.

McMahon, starting his fourth game for McNabb, had 190 yards passing and the one turnover, one week after he threw two interceptions that were returned for scores.

After the Giants went up 17-7 on Feely's 24-yard field goal in the second quarter, the Eagles quickly answered with an 80-yard drive that took six plays. Moats went around the left side for an 18-yard TD run.

Akers kicked a 42-yard field goal to tie it at 17 at halftime.

Manning's 1-yard sneak early in the second quarter gave the Giants a 14-7 lead. A 26-yard run by Barber go to the Eagles 1. Manning scored on fourth down.

The Giants methodically went down the field on the opening possession and Manning's 4-yard pass to Barber put New York ahead 7-0. But the Eagles needed just four plays to tie it. Moats turned the corner and sprinted down the left side for a 40-yard TD run.

A third-round pick this year, Moats was inactive for nine of the first 10 games and came in with 50 yards rushing.

Owens was deactivated as planned for the second straight game. He served a four-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team and was told not to return.

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press.