Thursday, December 4, 2008

The Giants Are Winning These Games, The Eagles Nope

During the 2006 season the Eagles won the NFC East and beat the Giants in 2 of the 3 head-to-head match-ups. The past two seasons things couldn't be more different for the two teams. The Eagles continue to float at or slightly above mediocrity, while the G-Men are the NFL's top dog.

Why have the Giants soared while the Eagles have sunk? A great stat from WIP seems to answer the question perfectly. The Giants win the close games, while our Eagles crumble. Over the past 2 seasons, the Giants are 14-2 in games decided by 10 points or less. The Eagles are a lowly 7-10-1 in such contests.

What is the reason behind the Giants being so clutch? Is it having superior players and coaches or is it the game plan and play calling? Most likely all contribute to the Giants' success.

The NY players seem to have a cool about them in the clutch. The panic that often results in costly turnovers or boneheaded plays is absent. The coaches and play calling rely on an attack that favors the run game. But if necessary the personnel is in place to make the big play with the passing game. The clock is managed properly. The correct in game adjustments are made by players and coaches.

The Giants are champions because they can win the close games. They can hold off an opponent or deliver the come from behind play or drive. The Eagles can't and will continue to look up at the Giants until they can.

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