Eagles’ DeSean Jackson Makes History in Win over Giants
DeSean Jackson has made NFL history.
He becomes the only player to score a touchdown on a punt return on the final play of the game.
The game was going into overtime with Jackson and the Philadelphia Eagles tied with the New York Giants at 31 points apiece.
But an error from Giants kicker Matt Dodge and great blocking by the Eagles allowed Jackson to score on a 65-yard punt return for the game winning touchdown.
Dodge was told by New York’s coach Tom Coughlin to punt away from Jackson. Even though he was looking to kick out of bounds, the ball just happened to find its way to Jackson.
Jackson fumbled the ball before taking off, giving the Giants a chance to take him down. But they missed their chance and then, thanks to the Eagles’ blockers, Jackson took off like a bullet out of a rifle for one of the greatest plays in NFL history.
Its actually pretty amazing that the teams were tied in the first place. At the end of the first half, the Eagles were down 3-24. But then they came back in the third and fourth quarter, scoring five touchdowns, four of which were in the last seven minutes
of the game.
The Eagles won the game, 38-31. The loss reminded the Giants and their fans of “The Miracle at the Meadowlands” back in 1978.
Well, since the game was at the New Meadowlands Stadium, we’ll just call it “The Miracle at the New Meadowlands.”
What happened in 1978? Well, coincidentally enough, the Giants were playing against the Eagles. At the end of the game, a handoff that went wrong resulted in the Eagles’ Herm Edwards to pick up the fumble and run it to the end zone for the touchdown and
win.
However, this time, the spotlight was on Jackson.
"I was thinking to myself like 'they're not going to kick it to me,' " Jackson said. "I was thinking he was going to kick it out of bounds. But it got to me. From there, I just used my instincts and my speed to get into the end zone."
And boy, was he confident. After making it to the end zone, Jackson stopped just short of making a touchdown and pranced down the end zone line like a magical fairy, before stepping in for the touchdown. His show wasn’t over just yet. No amazing touchdown
is complete without celebrating by throwing the ball about 20 rows into the stands, don’t you think?
"Somebody told me that Coach Coughlin ran on the field and tried to get his kicker because he was just so pissed that his kicker punted the ball to me," said Jackson. "That just shows how mad he was at that punter."
Strangely enough, this is the same player who couldn’t practice well all week because of a foot injury.
After the play, Coughlin tossed his papers to the ground and confronted Dodge angrily.
"I'll take full responsibility for the last play," Coughlin said. "With him back there, you don't punt the ball to him."
But they did, resulting in the play becoming an NFL legend about a 24-year old rookie who scored the only game winning punt return on the final play in history.
Even Jackson didn’t see the play coming, later saying that, "I haven't had a big return or a return for a touchdown the whole season, so it was an honor to be in that situation. It was a blessing."
Eagles quarterback Michael Vick threw for 242 yards and three touchdowns, while throwing his fifth interception of the season. He also led in rushing with 10 carries for 130 yards and one touchdown.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning threw for 289 yards and four touchdowns, also throwing one interception.
The Eagles now lead the NFC East with a 10-4 record, and will get the division title if they win one of their final home games against the Minnesota Vikings or Dallas Cowboys, or if the Giants lose one of their final road games against the Green Bay Packers
or Washington Redskins.
The Giants will play against the Packers on Sunday December 26 at Lambeau Field, while Philly will play against the Vikes at home on the same day.
Stay tuned!
Tags: