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Giants looking to seize control of NFC East

Nov 4, 2008 - 9:49 PM NY GIANTS (7-1) AT PHILADELPHIA (5-3), 8:15 pm EST

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Forget a Super Bowl letdown. The New York Giants have been the best team in the NFC through the first half of the season and can gain a little breathing room in a highly competitive division this week.

Eli Manning and the Giants look to open up a two-game advantage in the NFC East when they face the rival Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.

New York took a major step toward collecting its third division crown of the decade last week, when Manning tossed three touchdowns to lead the Giants to their third straight win, a 35-14 triumph over the Dallas Cowboys.

While Manning is the face of the franchise, he is getting plenty of help from the running game. Brandon Jacobs pounded out 117 yards and a score to lead a rushing attack that gained 200 yards.

The Giants are ranked second in the NFL with 162.6 rushing yards per game. The running game has supplied the perfect complement to Manning, who has passed for 1,735 yards and 12 touchdowns with five interceptions.

The Eagles also will come into this contest with some momentum, winning their last three contests as well.

Philadelphia has capitalized on a relatively weak stretch of its schedule, defeating each of its last three opponents by at least 13 points.

Donovan McNabb passed for 349 yards and two scores and one interception as the Eagles posted a 26-7 triumph over the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday. It was McNabb's first 300-yard performance since the season opener.

McNabb did not miss L.J. Smith last week. Brent Celek filled in and set a franchise record for a tight end with 131 yards on six catches.

The Giants, who have not lost within the conference, leads the division by 1 1/2 games. The second-place Washington Redskins have a bye.