Giants face Eagles for first time since Meadowlands meltdown

Published: Sep 22, 2011 at 04:37 PM

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- There are some games that a player never forgets.

Winning the Super Bowl in February 2008 was one that forever will bring a smile to the faces of New York Giants. Losing to the Philadelphia Eagles at the Meadowlands in December is one they will never live down.

How can anyone forget the Meadowlands Meltdown? The Giants had a 31-10 lead with less than eight minutes to play, and they not only lost the game, they managed to do it in regulation, squandering a chance to take over first place in the NFC East and ultimately costing themselves a playoff berth.

"Last year will linger with me until I die," Giants defensive captain Justin Tuck said.

The last play is just so memorable.

Giants rookie punter Matt Dodge failed to kick the ball out of bounds in the closing seconds and DeSean Jackson returned the punt 65 yards for a game-winning touchdown on the final play of regulation.

Eagles 38, Giants 31.

Do you remember Giants coach Tom Coughlin slamming his clipboard to the turf as Jackson whizzed by the Giants' bench?

"I think it sticks in everybody's guts," said Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka, who was sidelined with a neck injury. "It's something you never want to lose a game in that fashion. You never want to be a part of, be on the wrong side of a game like that, so it's something that everybody is going to remember here. As far as this week, it's all about this new season and getting a win for this year."

The Giants (1-1) and Eagles (1-1) will meet on Sunday with both finding themselves tied with Dallas for second place in the division, a game behind surprising Washington (2-0). The Eagles have also won their last six meetings.

Giants tight end Bear Pascoe said the loss last season will motivate the Giants, but most teammates were narrowing their focus to this week.

"If you let games stick with you, you are going to have a bad year," said safety Deon Grant, who has had the added distraction this week of being accused of faking an injury in Monday night's win over the Rams.

"If you're a smart player, and a professional, you deal with what you have to deal with in the offseason," he added. "I know you heard a lot about it because I heard a lot about it in the offseason. You prepare yourself for the season, to face those guys. This is our third game and this one we're prepared for."

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