Fortunate Giants help their cause in crappy NFC

PHILADELPHIA -- This game was a perfect example of why much of the NFC is an unfiltered, smells-like-Warren Sapp's-jockstrap, stinks-out-loud mess.

Brandon Jacobs loses two fumbles, including a key drop in the fourth quarter. (US Presswire)

At 9-4, the New York Giants are the third- or fourth-best team in the conference, yet against Philadelphia on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field they could muster only six measly first-half points against an Eagles defense that sometimes plays extremely soft.

Brandon Jacobs looks like he's 58 years old and weighs more than Tony Siragusa. Eli Manning still plays quarterback with the frenetic nervousness of a woman who's water is about to break.

The Eagles were fighting for a playoff spot, still alive, but they were careless with penalties, and if it wasn't for the oversized vena cava and stubborn determination of the most undervalued athlete in all of sports -- running back Brian Westbrook -- the Eagles would be the Cincinnati Bengals minus the arrests.

Garbage, this NFC.

Even the way the Giants earned their 16-13 victory -- basically ending the Eagles' season -- was typical of these teams and this underperforming conference.

Philadelphia (5-8) lined up for a 57-yard David Akers field goal with five seconds left. The football careened off the right upright. It hit with a thud, a perfect symbol.

Goodnight, Philadelphia. Enjoy the playoffs on CBS.

When asked if the loss summed up the Eagles' year, coach Andy Reid said: "I'm not going to sum it up because we're not done yet."

Sure, the Eagles have a chance to make the playoffs. It all depends on how much they want to spend on tickets.

The NFC has turned into a battle of who will suck the least. Or: Which team will be the last wanker standing.

Perfect example. After leading 7-6 at halftime the Eagles, following a Jacobs fumble, got the ball at the New York 8 early in the third quarter. Again, remember, Philadelphia's season was on the line.

What do the Eagles do? They mount an inspirational, awe-inspiring four-play drive for minus-4 yards and kick a field goal. First: false start. First official play: Donovan McNabb sack. Second play: short gain. Third play: incomplete pass, followed by the field goal. That series was the most crucial for Philadelphia, and it was perhaps its lamest.