And just like that, the Eagles are 2010 NFC East champions!
Before the day began, an Eagles win or a Giants loss would bring the NFC East crown back to Philadelphia for the first time since 2006. While the Eagles will have to wait until Tuesday night to face the Vikings, the Packers took care of business at home with a 45-17 rout of the Giants and allowed the Eagles to celebrate a division title on snowy night off.
Aaron Rodgers led the Packers offense to 45 points with 404 yards passing and 4 touchdown – a 139.9 quarterback rating. Receiver Greg Jennings exploited a tired Giants secondary with 142 yards receiving, while the Packers offense racked up 515 total yards.
As efficient as the Packers looked on offense, New York continued to struggle protecting the football. Eli Manning and the Giants offense had turned the ball over more than any other team in the NFL entering Week 16, and committed six turnovers Sunday in Green Bay. Manning had four interceptions and now has thrown a league-high 24 on the season.
What a year it's been for the Philadelphia Eagles. The unexpected rise of Michael Vick highlights a season that's featured a 59-point game, a dramatic 21-point fourth quarter comeback and now an NFC East title – the sixth under head coach Andy Reid.
While the ultimate prize is still up for grabs, a division championship confirms what the Eagles have believed from early on ... that come playoff time, Philadelphia will be very much in the mix.
-- Posted by Josh Goldman, 7:45 p.m., December 26
