Giants vs. Eagles: Why Giants' Victory Is More Than Just a Win

The New York Giants showed the entire world last Sunday that they're a serious NFC East contender.

It was a great win for the Giants and the city of New York, but it was more than just a win.

The Philadelphia Eagles have beat the Giants six straight times before the G-Men finally pulled out a win against them.

However, with a certain player bolting NYC and going to the Eagles, as well as the punt return finish last season, here are five reasons why the Giants' victory is more than just a win.

Dream Team Hype

The dream team hype surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles this year was unreal.

Coming from the team that got bounced out of the playoffs 21-16 by the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers just a season ago—I thought the dubbing by some (Superbowl locks), was just a little too much.

Between the hype from the Eagles, Tony Romo coming back and Rex Grossman NFC East "predictions"—the G-Men were the forgotten team in the NFC East.

The Giants needed a big showing against the Eagles to get themselves back in NFC East contention talks, and they did just that this past Sunday.

Philadelphia Eagles Recent Dominance of the New York Giants

The Philadelphia Eagles have straight up dominated the New York Giants over the last three years.

The Eagles have beaten the Giants six straight times before the Giants finally beat the Eagles 29-16 last Sunday.

Just like the Buffalo Bills beating the New England Patriots after being besting them the 15 previous times, this win was exactly what the G-Men needed going forward into their season to give them some confidence and momentum.

Steve Smith

Steve Smith shocked the NFL world by ditching the New York Giants team that drafted him and went across the turnpike to the Philadelphia Eagles.

New York Giant players and personal were stunned, but I don't think anyone foresaw how bad the NYG fans would take it (don't click unless you're okay with foul language).

G-Men fans have been bashing Smith on Facebook ever since, and they still haven't stopped.

There's no doubt that Smith signing with a division rival added even more fuel to the fire which helped the Giants pull off the W.

DeSean Jackson's Punt Return

DeSean Jackson's punt return against the New York Giants last season still hunts me as a Giants fan.

And I'm pretty sure the Giants organization hasn't forgotten it either.

That punt return almost single-handely crushed the Giants shot at making the playoffs last season, and was definitely something the G-Men had on the back of their minds coming into last Sunday's game.

DeSean only had two catches for 30 yards against NY and only got 13 yards on his sole punt return.

Reassurance

The New York Giants needed that win against the Philadelphia Eagles to get themselves a little reassurance.

With all the injures and doubt surrounding the NYG, this win gives the Giants a little breathing room.

Now they know, with multiple starters out and all (Osi Umenyiora, Jon Goff, Mario Manningham and Terrell Thomas) that they're still a damn good football team.

They know their passing attack can still get it done (injuries or not), that they can contain Michael Vick and that they'll be just fine without Steve Smith.