The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants rivalry is one of the most intense and long-standing in the National Football League (NFL). As members of the NFC East division, these two teams have been battling it out on the gridiron for nearly a century, providing fans with countless memorable moments, thrilling games, and heated exchanges both on and off the field.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants Tickets
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Historical Background
The rivalry between the Eagles and Giants dates back to October 15, 1933, when the two teams first met at the Polo Grounds in New York. The Giants won that inaugural matchup 56-0, setting the stage for what would become one of the most competitive and passionate rivalries in professional sports.
Over the years, the Eagles and Giants have faced each other 178 times in the regular season, with the Giants holding a slight edge in the all-time series with 88 wins to the Eagles’ 88 wins and 2 ties. The two teams have also met four times in the playoffs, with each team winning twice.
Notable Games and Moments
The Miracle at the Meadowlands (1978)
One of the most infamous moments in the history of this rivalry occurred on November 19, 1978, in a game that would come to be known as “The Miracle at the Meadowlands.” With just seconds remaining and the Giants leading 17-12, all they needed to do was take a knee to secure the victory. Instead, quarterback Joe Pisarcik fumbled the handoff to fullback Larry Csonka, and Eagles cornerback Herman Edwards scooped up the loose ball and ran it in for a touchdown, giving Philadelphia an improbable 19-17 win.
The Miracle at the New Meadowlands (2010)
In a game that echoed the events of 1978, the Eagles staged another miraculous comeback against the Giants on December 19, 2010. Trailing 31-10 with just over eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Eagles, led by quarterback Michael Vick, scored 28 unanswered points, including a game-winning punt return touchdown by DeSean Jackson as time expired. The final score was 38-31 in favor of the Eagles, in what many consider one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history.
The 2017 NFC Divisional Playoff Game
In more recent history, the Eagles and Giants met in the playoffs on January 21, 2023, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The Eagles, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, dominated the game, winning 38-7 and advancing to the NFC Championship Game. This victory was particularly sweet for Eagles fans, as it came en route to the team’s Super Bowl appearance that season.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Throughout the years, many legendary players have left their mark on this storied rivalry. Some of the most notable include:
Philadelphia Eagles
- Chuck Bednarik: Known as “Concrete Charlie,” Bednarik was a two-way player who famously laid out Giants running back Frank Gifford in a brutal hit during the 1960 season.
- Randall Cunningham: The dynamic quarterback terrorized the Giants’ defense throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s with his unique blend of passing and running abilities.
- Brian Dawkins: The hard-hitting safety was a thorn in the side of Giants offenses for over a decade, earning the nickname “Weapon X” for his fierce play.
- DeSean Jackson: In addition to his miraculous punt return in 2010, Jackson has had numerous big plays against the Giants throughout his career.
New York Giants
- Lawrence Taylor: Widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, LT was a nightmare for Eagles quarterbacks and offensive linemen alike.
- Eli Manning: The two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback had many memorable performances against the Eagles during his 16-year career with the Giants.
- Tiki Barber: The versatile running back was a constant threat both on the ground and through the air in matchups against Philadelphia.
- Odell Beckham Jr.: Although his time with the Giants was relatively short, OBJ made several spectacular catches against the Eagles that will be remembered for years to come.
The Stadiums
The Eagles-Giants rivalry has been played out in some of the most iconic stadiums in NFL history. For the Eagles, games have been held at Franklin Field, Veterans Stadium, and currently at Lincoln Financial Field. The Giants have hosted games at the Polo Grounds, Yankee Stadium, Giants Stadium, and now at MetLife Stadium.
Lincoln Financial Field
One Lincoln Financial Field Way
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Website: https://www.lincolnfinancialfield.com/
MetLife Stadium
1 MetLife Stadium Drive
East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Website: https://www.metlifestadium.com/
Fan Culture and Traditions
The Eagles-Giants rivalry is not just about the players on the field; it’s also about the passionate fans in the stands and the unique traditions that have developed over the years.
Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles fans are known for their intense passion and unwavering support of their team. Some notable traditions include:
- The “E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES!” chant that echoes through the stadium after every score
- The singing of “Fly, Eagles Fly” after touchdowns.
- The practice of booing Santa Claus, which dates back to a halftime show gone wrong in 1968 and has since become a part of Eagles lore.
New York Giants
Giants fans, while perhaps not as notorious as their Philadelphia counterparts, are equally passionate about their team. Some Giants traditions include:
- The “Let’s Go Giants” chant that reverberates throughout MetLife Stadium.
- The ringing of cowbells by fans, a tradition that dates back to the team’s days at Yankee Stadium.
- The “Giants Stadium Tailgate” parties that take place before every home game, often featuring elaborate setups and gourmet food.
Impact on the NFL
The Eagles-Giants rivalry has had a significant impact on the NFL as a whole. The intense competition between these two teams has often led to changes in league rules and strategies. For example:
- The “Miracle at the Meadowlands” led to the widespread adoption of the “victory formation” to run out the clock at the end of games.
- The physical nature of the rivalry in the 1980s and 1990s contributed to the league’s increased focus on player safety and the implementation of rules to protect quarterbacks and receivers.
- The success of both teams in developing quarterbacks (e.g., Donovan McNabb for the Eagles, Eli Manning for the Giants) has influenced how other teams approach the position.
Looking to the Future
As the Eagles and Giants continue to evolve and rebuild their rosters, the future of this rivalry looks as bright as ever. Both teams have young, talented quarterbacks in Jalen Hurts (Eagles) and Daniel Jones (Giants), setting the stage for potentially exciting matchups in the years to come.
The Eagles, coming off a Super Bowl appearance in the 2022 season, will look to maintain their status as one of the top teams in the NFC. The Giants, meanwhile, are in the midst of a rebuilding process but have shown promise under head coach Brian Daboll.
In Short
The Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants rivalry is a testament to the enduring appeal of NFL football. With a history spanning nearly a century, this matchup has provided fans with countless memorable moments, from miraculous comebacks to dominant performances. As these two teams continue to face off twice a year as division rivals, there’s no doubt that new chapters will be added to this storied rivalry.
Whether you’re a die-hard Eagles fan, a loyal Giants supporter, or simply a lover of great football, the Eagles-Giants matchup is one that never fails to deliver excitement and drama. So the next time these two teams meet on the field, be sure to tune in or, better yet, experience the electric atmosphere in person at Lincoln Financial Field or MetLife Stadium.
