Earning a bye in the playoffs isn’t what it used to be.

The New York Giants kept the losing streak of the NFL’s top seeds alive, folding down the stretch of a physical game with their division rival from Philadelphia and losing 23-11 to the Eagles on a cold winter day in New Jersey.

The Giants offense played poorly when it mattered most, turning the ball over three times and missing two key field goals, which gave the Eagles solid field position throughout most of the game. Their defense played well enough to win, but the turnovers and offensive miscues proved to be too much for New York to overcome.

Philadelphia QB Donovan McNabb on the other hand, played a solid football game throughout, rushing for a touchdown and throwing another late in the game that sealed the win for the Eagles. RB Brian Westbrook was held in check by the Giants defense, but in the end, it mattered little, because Philadelphia made enough plays to put away the victory.

Much like the Titans, this has to be a tough loss to deal with for the Giants, as they carried high expectations with them into the playoffs and believed they had the ability to run the table once again to win back-to-back Super Bowls. For the Eagles, their magical ride continues for another week, and will now make a journey out west to take on the equally surprising Arizona Cardinals in an unlikely NFC Title game.

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