A Century of Rivalry Giants vs. Eagles in Memorable Moments
This article highlights some of the most memorable moments in the long-standing rivalry between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles. It starts by recounting the infamous “The Hit” of 1960 when Chuck Bednarik’s tackle left Frank Gifford with a severe concussion. It then goes on to describe significant games, such as “The Miracle at the Meadowlands,” “1981 NFC wild card game,” “1988 division title game,” “2000 NFC divisional game,” “2006 NFC wild card game,” and the “2008 NFC Divisional Game,” all of which played crucial roles in shaping the rivalry’s history.
Additionally to football, the article touches on other notable moments of play and incidents outside the game of football that further fuel the intense rivalry between fans of both teams. These include instances of off-field drama, such as controversies related to draft picks, coaching decisions, and even film portrayals of the rivalry.
The article provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the key football moments and events that have contributed to the Giants vs. Eagles rivalry’s enduring significance in the world of American football.
Memorable moments of rivalry
The Hit 1960 Giants vs. Eagles
“The Hit: 1960”
During a game on November 20, 1960, an unforgettable event occurred. Chuck Bednarik, a player for the Philadelphia Eagles, executed a clean blindsided tackle on Frank Gifford, a running back for the Giants. This tackle, famously known as “The Hit,” is widely regarded as one of the hardest tackles in the history of a play in the National Football League.
It sent Gifford crashing to the ground, rendering him unconscious. In the aftermath, Gifford had to be carried off the field on a stretcher and swiftly transported to a hospital via ambulance. The diagnosis revealed a severe concussion, which forced Gifford to take an 18-month break from the game. Eventually, he made a triumphant return to the field with the Giants.
The Miracle at the Meadowlandsthe Fumble
“The Miracle at the Meadowlands/the Fumble: 1978” Was a Momentous Event That Took Place That Year.
An unforgettable moment unfolded on November 19, 1978, at New York Giants Stadium. The Giants, holding a 17-12 lead against the Eagles with a mere 20 seconds remaining, seemed to have victory within their grasp. However, a fateful decision by offensive coordinator Bob Gibson proved costly.
He called for a running play instead of a simple kneel-down to secure the win. In a twist of fate, the handoff between quarterback Joe Pisarcik and running back Larry Csonka went awry, resulting in a fumble. Seizing the opportunity to win, Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Herman Edwards scooped up the loose ball and dashed two yards into the end zone, securing the winning score. This remarkable turn of events became known as “The Miracle at the Meadowlands” for Eagles fans, while Giants fans remember it simply as “The Fumble.”
1981 NFC Wild Card Game, New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles
1981 NfC Wild Card Game
In 1981, both the Giants and the reigning NFC champion Eagles secured playoff berths. On December 27, the Eagles hosted the Giants in a thrilling wild card game. The Giants quickly established a commanding 20–0 lead in the game’ opening quarter, led by quarterback Scott Brunner and head coach Ray Perkins.
Although the Philadelphia Eagles mounted a spirited comeback, they never managed to take the lead, and the Giants defense held on for a hard-fought 27–21 victory. The game concluded with Scott Brunner gracefully kneeling down on the ball, a sweet redemption for the infamous Joe Pisarcik game that occurred three years prior. However, the Giants’ playoffs’ journey ultimately the playoffs came to an end with a 38–24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the league, and eventual Super Bowl XVI champions.
Victory in ’88: Division Title Champions
During the 1988 NFL season, the Giants vs. Eagles fiercely competed for the NFC East title. On November 20th, 1988, the Giants hosted the Eagles in a pivotal match that would determine division control. Led by head coach Buddy Ryan and quarterback Randall Cunningham, the Eagles put up a valiant fight, resulting in a 17-17 tie at the end of regulation. In a dramatic turn of events, Eagles defensive lineman Clyde Simmons seized the opportunity in overtime, running the ball 15 yards after a blocked field goal attempt, securing a game-winning touchdown.
This victory completed a season sweep of the Giants. Both teams finished with impressive 10-6 records, but the Eagles ultimately claimed the NFC East crown due to their head-to-head victories. Unfortunately, that season, the New York Giants missed the playoffs as they lost the wild card tiebreaker to the Los Angeles Rams. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ journey came to an end in a legendary game known as the Fog Bowl, where the Chicago Bears defeated them.
2000 NFC Divisional Game and the Victory for the New York Giants
2000 NFC Divisional Game and the Victory for the New York Giants
On January 7, 2001, the Giants secured a decisive victory over the Eagles in a divisional playoff game, with key contributions from Ron Dixon’s remarkable 97-yard kickoff return and Jason Sehorn’s acrobatic 32-yard interception return. This triumphant moment they propelled the Giants towards Super Bowl XXXV, although they ultimately suffered a 34-7 defeat against the Baltimore Ravens.
2006, Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game
2006 NFC Wild Card Playoff Game
On January 7, 2007, in an exhilarating wild card playoff game, the Eagles emerged victorious over the Giants with a nail-biting 23-20 score. The game reached its climax as time expired, with David Akers sealing the win for the Eagles through a perfectly executed field goal. Although the Philadelphia Eagles had initially held a comfortable ten-point first half, lead, the New York Giants managed to stage a comeback in the fourth quarter, leveling the score with a touchdown pass by Plaxico Burress and just over half five minutes left on the clock.
Jeff Garcia and Brian Westbrook’s unwavering determination fueled the game-winning drive, propelling the Eagles deep into Giants territory. With strategic precision, the Eagles expertly managed the clock, allowing just three precious seconds to remain before Akers confidently lined up his 38-yard kick, ultimately securing the victory.
2008 NFC Divisional Game
The two teams had an even split in their 2008 matchups in playoffs. The Giants staged a remarkable rally to narrowly defeat the Eagles in Philadelphia, winning by a final score of 36–31. However, the Eagles showcased their defensive prowess in a subsequent game at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, holding the Giants’ offense at bay and securing a 20–14 victory.
They would meet once again in playoffs on January 11, 2009, in the 2008 NFC Divisional Playoffs, at the same venue. In a stunning upset, the #6 seeded Eagles triumphed over the top-seeded Giants with a win by a final score of 23–11, resulting in a tied 2–2 record in their all-time playoff series.
The Miracle at the New Meadowlands A Historic Moment in 2010 for Philadelphia Eagles
The Second Miracle at the New Meadowlands: A Historic Moment in 2010 for Philadelphia Eagles
On December 19, 2010, an intense football match occurred at New Meadowlands Stadium between the Giants vs. the Eagles. The first game and stakes were high as the teams battled for first place in the NFC East.
With just 7:28 remaining to play in the game, the New York Giants held a commanding 31-10 lead. However, the Eagles mounted a remarkable comeback, ultimately tying the football game by a score. In a stunning turn of events, DeSean Jackson sealed the victory for the Eagles with a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown as time expired, resulting in a win with a final score of 38-31. This historic play marked the first-ever walk-off punt return in a game in NFL history, a feat recognized by the league and Elias Sports Bureau.
Despite finishing the season with identical 10-6 records, the Giants missed out on a playoff berth this season, while the Philadelphia Eagles faltered in their final two games. This memorable game is a testament to the unpredictable nature of football and the teams’ resilience.
Other Memorable NFL Game Highlights Between Giants vs. Eagles
- On December 18, 1994, the Giants triumphed over the Eagles at Veterans Stadium, securing their fifth consecutive victory after starting with a 3-7 record. Meanwhile, the defeat marked the sixth straight loss for the Eagles, who had a promising 7-2 start to the season. As a result, Philadelphia’s then-head coach, Rich Kotite, was let go at the end of the season.
- On October 31, 1999, at Veterans Stadium in an overtime showdown, the Giants seized the game-winning moment when Michael Strahan intercepted a pass from Eagles’ quarterback (and future head coach) Doug Pederson. Strahan’s interception return for a 44-yard touchdown sealed the victory for the Giants with a score of 23-17.
- In Week 6 of the 2001 season, the Philadelphia Eagles ended a nine-game losing streak against the Giants. The game took a thrilling turn in the fourth quarter when James Thrash caught a game-winning touchdown pass from Donovan McNabb.
- During Week 2 of the 2006 season, the Giants faced the Eagles in Philadelphia. Trailing 24-7 by the end of the third quarter, the Giants staged an impressive comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns and a field goal to tie the game 24-24 and force overtime. Dramatically, the Giants emerged victorious when quarterback Eli Manning connected with Plaxico Burress for a game-winning 31-yard touchdown pass.
- On September 30, 2007, the Giants displayed an exceptional defensive performance against the Eagles, sacking quarterback Donovan McNabb a remarkable 12 times, which tied an NFL record. The Giants dominated the first half, keeping the Eagles scoreless. In the second quarter, Eli Manning completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress, putting the Giants on the scoreboard. In the third quarter, the Giants extended their lead with a 29-yard field goal from Lawrence Tynes and a 17-yard fumble return for a touchdown by linebacker Kawika Mitchell. The Eagles managed to score their only points of the game in the fourth quarter with a 53-yard field goal from David Akers. Later that season, in the 2007 playoffs, the Giants famously upset the previously undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
- On October 12, 2014, the Philadelphia Eagles achieved their first shutout victory in the series since 1996, winning 27–0. Quarterback Nick Foles threw for 248 yards and two touchdowns, while the Eagles’ running backs, along with Foles, rushed for a total of 203 yards. LeSean McCoy led the rushing attack with an impressive 149 yards. In the third quarter, the Giants attempted a fourth and goal play but failed, and unfortunately, wide receiver Victor Cruz suffered a season-ending injury on that play. The next morning’s New York Daily News featured a controversial cover photo that falsely portrayed an Eagles employee celebrating Cruz’s injury. However, it was later revealed that the photo was fabricated. Eli Manning was limited to 151 passing yards, and backup Ryan Nassib connected for 60 yards.
- On September 24, 2017, in Philadelphia, kicker Jake Elliott sealed a thrilling 27–24 victory against the New York Giants by nailing a 61-yard field goal as time expired. Initially considered a replacement kicker for the injured Caleb Sturgis, Elliott’s sensational kick earned him the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors and solidified his position as a reliable kicking option for the 2017 Eagles. This remarkable feat set a franchise record for the longest field goal in Eagles’ history, tied for the 7th-longest field goal in NFL history, and marked the longest successful kick since November 2015. Elliott’s heroics foreshadowed the Philadelphia Eagles’ ultimate triumph in Super Bowl LII later that season.
- On January 3, 2021, with the New York Giants winning earlier in the day, they were relying on the Eagles, who were already eliminated from playoff contention, to defeat the Washington Football Team for the Giants to secure the NFC East division title. However, the Eagles fell short against Washington. Despite initially leading 14–10, the Eagles could not maintain their advantage, and Washington staged a comeback to win 20–14, clinching the NFC East title and eliminating the Giants from the playoffs. Eagles head coach Doug Pederson faced criticism for benching rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was struggling, and there were concerns raised in the media about the team’s level of effort. As a result of this loss, the Eagles moved up three spots to the sixth position in the 2021 NFL Draft.
- On March 26, 2021, following allegations that the Eagles intentionally underperformed in their week 17 game to improve their draft position, the team traded with the Dolphins, dropping down to the 12th overall pick. Although the trade with Miami netted the Eagles a 2022 first-round pick, this decision sparked anger among Giants fans. The trade seemingly removed any justification for the Eagles’ suspected tanking strategy in week 17, despite the potential leverage gained from a higher draft position, which contributed to completing the trade. As the 2021 NFL Draft approached, the Giants held the 11th overall pick and were expected to select wide receiver DeVonta Smith, the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner. However, the Philadelphia Eagles made an in-division trade with the Dallas Cowboys, moving up to the 10th overall pick and ultimately drafting Smith. This move reportedly left the Giants’ front office “livid.” Consequently, the Giants traded down to the 20th pick with the Chicago Bears and selected Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney.
The movie – Invincible
The movie – Big fan
- The 2006 film Invincible chronicles the inspiring journey of Vince Papale (played by Mark Wahlberg) as he goes from an ordinary individual to a player on the Philadelphia Eagles football team. Along the way, he develops feelings for a coworker, who happens to be a New York Giants fan due to her New York roots. In a pivotal game, Papale makes a game-changing touchdown by recovering a muffed punt, and coincidentally, the Eagles are playing against the Giants.
- Released in 2009, the film Big Fan portrays the intense rivalry between a passionate Giants fan (portrayed by Patton Oswalt) and an equally fervent Eagles fan (played by Michael Rapaport).
- Following their victory in the NFC championship on January 29, 2023, the Empire State Building illuminated the night sky to celebrate the Eagles’ qualification for the Super Bowl. This gesture sparked controversy among many New Yorkers, including Mayor Eric Adams.
When Are the Giants and Eagles Next Game, and Where Can I Bet?
If you’re looking for the complete NFL Schedule, we’ve created a user-friendly table that allows you to search for your preferred team effortlessly. At Gambla.com, we also provide a comprehensive list of the top NFL betting sites and the finest platforms for free bets in the US.
