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With Week 17 upon us, the 2013 season for the NFC East winds to a merciful close.
New York Giants(6-9)
New York Giants 23
Detroit Lions 20
Big Blue Morning: Last Ride For Many Giants - Dan Graziano, ESPN
As I am sure that almost everyone has figured out by now, outside of our sister site Big Blue V
iew, Dan Graziano is my go-to source for NY Giants information. It is only fitting to conclude the 2013 Weekly BEast Report by opening with his most recent Giants article. Dan gives us his take on who will not be wearing that hideous shade of blue in 2014.
The game Sunday against the Commanders could be the final one in a Giants uniform for long-timers like Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, David Diehl, Hakeem Nicks and others. Tuck says the fact is on his mind, even as he works to focus on trying to win the game. Nicks is a free agent too, and doesn't appear to have the support of the coaching staff anymore after playing as poorly as he has in his contract year.
Five Off-season Questions For New York Giants - Ed Valentine, Big Blue View
BBV's head honcho, Ed Valentine, takes a quick look at some areas where the team needs to make improvements.
The New York Giants won't make the playoffs, marking four of five seasons that has happened. The Giants will, however, enter the offseason feeling much better about themselves than anyone could have expected following a disastrous 0-6 start to the season.
The Giants have gone 6-3 since that start. While most of the wins have not exactly been picturesque, regardless of what happens in Sunday's season finale the organization can head into the offseason feeling like enough good things happened during the final two-thirds of the season that they can have reason for optimism.
That, however, does not hide the fact there is much work to be done restore the Giants to championship contention.
Live Like A Giants Rookie During Super Bowl Week - Jennifer Gould Keil & Selim Algar, New York Post
A New York Giant has figured out a way to get a Super Bowl check, even though his team blew its chance to make the big game.
Big Blue rookie Cooper Taylor is renting out his New Jersey condo with roof-deck views of MetLife Stadium — because it will be too depressing to stick around for the madness, he told The Post.
Just in case anyone out there has $9,000 dollars to burn in early February.
New York Giants News, 12/27: Tiki Talks About Eli Manning - Ed Valentine, Big Blue View
If I started with Graziano, I have to close out with Eli, right?
Barber told WFAN on Thursday Manning’s dreadful 2013 season — the quarterback has thrown an NFL-high 26 interceptions — is a mental issue.
"He’s done great things, but he doesn’t do it consistently," Barber said. "What makes someone great in the history, in the annals of an organization or a league? It’s consistency. The problem with Eli, as of late, I think, is there’s something physically off. There’s definitely a confidence issue." - Tiki Barber
Plus you get the rest of the BBV links for the day as an added "post-Christmas bonus."
Washington Commanders (3-12)
Dallas Cowboys 24
Washington Commanders 23
Mike Shanahan Wants To Return - John Keim, ESPN
Based on the record that Shanny has in Washington, I want him to return as well. Aside from last season, Shanahan's Commanders have done a solid job in securing the NFC East cellar. Who wouldn't want the Skins to keep a man like that?
"No, I've told you from day one, I love these guys. We've been working extremely hard to put this thing together. We've had a couple of bumps, which we all know, with the [$36 million] salary cap [penalty]. But I'm looking forward to building this team. Like I said, I'll get the chance to sit down with Dan at the end of the season, and we'll go from there." - Mike Shanahan
Have I mentioned that Washington is on a seven game losing streak, their longest drought since the full merger in 1970?
Narrowing Down The Commanders Free Agent Targets - Mark Tyler, Hog's Haven
Mark does a good job of highlighting the Skins needs, hopefully Dan Snyder & Co. are not nearly as efficient in evaluating their roster.
I have outlined four major areas of need for this team in free agency based on projected value at the position both in the open market, and with potential draft targets. My targets are, Right Tackle, Middle Linebacker, Safety and Defensive Tackle/Defensive End.
Remember, Danny Boy will have money to spend, so Washing has an opportunity to buy themselves a quick turn-around for 2014.
Commanders Next Coach Should Have His Best Days Ahead Of Him - Jason Reid, Washington Post
Assuming the Shanahan era in Washington is all but over after one playoff appearance, three double-digit-loss seasons and way too much drama in four years, Snyder must try something new in selecting the Commanders’ third head coach in eight years: stop chasing yesterday’s great coaches and start pursuing the up-and-coming ones of tomorrow. In order to build a foundation that will last, Snyder should bring in a true general manager, task him with hiring a fast-riser and then let them do their thing.
HMM...I said something similar about Dallas recently.
What Could The Washington Commanders Get If They Traded Quarterback Kirk Cousins? - Mark Maske, Washington Post
“I don’t see that happening,” said Louis Riddick, a former NFL scout and front office executive for the Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles. “It’s not because he’s not a great kid. I’m not saying it can’t happen. The quarterback market is often irrational. People often climb all over themselves if they see the guy they want. But to me, the high end would be a two.”
Coach Shanahan believes that the fourth-round selection who is getting ready to make his fourth career start is worth a solid first -ound pick. Perhaps, with Bobby Trey's issues, the Commanders should consider holding on to their backup, at least for the duration of his rookie deal.
Philadelphia Eagles (9-6)
Chicago Bears 11
Philadelphia Eagles 54
Eagles Prep For A Team, Not A QB - Phil Sheridan, ESPN
"I don't care," cornerback Cary Williams said. "Jerry Jones could suit up. Jason Garrett could suit up. Suit 'em up. It doesn't matter to me. We're here to contend for the playoffs. We're here to win the Super Bowl. We're on a mission and they're in our way. Period."
Philly defensive coordinator Bill Davis does not expect much change in what Dallas will try to do with Kyle Orton as the starter. As for Dallas riding DeMarco Murray more with Orton in the game, Davis stated that with the Cowboys recent success on the ground he expected them to pound the ball even if Romo hadn't gotten hurt. I guess he missed the 9,876 articles bemoaning how Dallas abandons the run.
The Eagles And Cowboys Have Changed Since Their First Meeting - Brandon Lee Gowton, Bleeding Green Nation
The stakes are high. This isn't just a battle for the NFC East lead; it's a battle for the playoffs. There's no question that the Eagles have been the better team recently. But will they be the better team on Sunday? It's hard not to feel good about their chances.
Gowton gives a solid rehash of what has changed for both teams, and while I agree that, on paper, it is hard to not feel good about Philly's chances, I expect that the Eagles will be cleaning out their lockers on Monday morning.
Foles Readies For Perfect Ending - Dave Spadaro, philadelphiaeagles.com
The talk of "future franchise quarterback" has been replaced by the present for Foles, and for the Eagles. They are 9-6 and preparing for Sunday night's game at Dallas, and Foles has the NFL's top passer rating.
He also has a score to settle. In an October 20 game against Dallas, one hyped as an early NFC East showdown between two teams that would surely score more than 30 points each, Foles and the offense shut down for 60 minutes. The Eagles managed just a field goal in a 17-3 loss, a game that was surprisingly shaped by the defenses.
Foles played poorly, completing just 11 of 29 passes for 80 yards before he was knocked out of the game late in the third quarter with a concussion.
It seems that some in the City of Brotherly Love feel that their quarterback has a score to settle with Dallas. Perhaps he should consider scoring first, since his offense only put up three points during the last meeting.
In Conclusion
To wrap up the 2013 season, the BEast will feast upon itself this coming Sunday. For starters, the New York Giants will attempt to drive the final nail into Mike Shanahan's coffin as the Washington Commanders visit Met Life Stadium for the final football game to be held in the Big Apple prior to the Super Bowl. Finally, to wrap up the 2013 NFL regular season, the Philadelphia Eagles will invade AT&T Stadium to face the Dallas Cowboys in the annual "NFC East Championship Game." Thankfully, by 11 PM central time on Sunday night, three of the NFC East teams will have been put out of their misery, and hopefully the best Cowboy will be left standing.
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