Eagles vs. Giants: Behind the Numbers

Welcome to another installment of Behind the Numbers, the new series I put a lot of work into but nobody reads! Regardless, I enjoy analyzing the stats and writing about the games each week, so deal with it. Before I begin, I gotta throw a shout out to Brian Dawkins, whose #20 was officially retired last night.

Right off the bat I have to mention the most alarming stat of the game. NO EAGLES TURNOVERS!!! After racking up 12 through the first 3 weeks, the Eagles managed to protect the ball for all 4 quarters against the Giants.  This proved to be key, as nobody scored until after the 2 minute warning in the first half. The game ended with a low score, so any Eagles turnovers would have been amplified. The lone turnover of the game -another red zone interception by Eli Manning- resulted in an Eagles field goal. Winning the game by only 2 points, this proved to be the difference. Winning 19-17, the Birds are in sole possession of first place in the NFC East, at 3-1. Let's take a look at the stats:

David Akers ties NFL record with 63 yard field goal

Congrats to former Eagle kicker David Akers, who just "nailed" a 63 yard field goal for the 49ers, tying an NFL record. It hit the crossbar and flipped over through the uprights; it would have been short if it were kicked even a foot shorter. For some reason, 63 yards seems to be the limit for field goals, as several kickers have tied it but nobody has passed the mark thus far. Congrats again!

3 Eagles named Pro Bowl starters

Congrats to LeSean McCoy, Jason Peters, and Jason Babin, named Pro Bowl starters for the NFC as RB, T, and DE respectively.  At least we'll be able to watch some Eagles play football past January.

Also a congrats to 49ers Kicker David Akers for starting yet another Pro Bowl, and for breaking San Fran's single season points record as well as the NFL record for field goals made in a season.

Full NFC and AFC Pro Bowl rosters at CBS Sports.

David Akers thanks Philly fans...

...by purchasing a billboard.  Awesome way to show his appreciation for his 12 years of excellent service as Kicker of the Philadelphia Eagles.  We should be buying a billboard to thank him, honestly.



from The 700 Level