December 23, 2001
The Eagles have the perfect opportunity to clinch their first NFC East title since 1988 next Sunday at Veterans Stadium when they play the New York Giants.
The 7-7 Giants drove 96 yards in the final two minutes Sunday and scored a touchdown with 20 seconds remaining to stun Seattle, 27-24.
That sets up a showdown at the Vet, just as everyone prior to the season predicted.
"We look forward to the challenge," said head coach Andy Reid. "Everyone thought the division would come down to this game when the season began, and it's come to this. It's a big game. That's the way you want it to be. You want to be in big games.
"I'm sure our guys will be up to the challenge. That's what we're in it for."
An Eagles win clinches the team's first NFC East title since 1988. A Giants win keeps New York alive for another week. The Giants close their season with a home game against Green Bay while the Eagles finish the regular season with a game at Tampa Bay.
The Eagles have not swept the Giants in a season since the 1996 campaign.
"I know about all of that, but what matters is how the teams execute on the field on Sunday," said Reid. "It's exciting. It's the way it's supposed to be. We want to win the division by winning an important game. This is an important game."
Sunday is Fan Appreciation Day at Veterans Stadium, where the Eagles are only 3-4 this year.
Height: 6-2
Weight: 226
College: Syracuse
Experience: 3
Birthdate: 11/25/1976
Born: Chicago, Il
