Cardinals 21, Eagles 17 was definitely your Sunday NFL surprise. Arizona played with its backup QB, a guy named John Skelton (make him the starter, they say!); the 29th-rated defense against the pass intercepted Mike Vick three times. The loss effectively ended any chance the Eagles had of making the playoffs. The knives have come out (again) for Andy Reid.

To keep those scant playoff hopes alive, the 3-6 Eagles must beat the Giants in New York Sunday night. And they’ll have to do it with Vick nursing two broken ribs, which he apparently suffered early against Arizona. That is, assuming Vick even plays. Last year in two games, the Giants sacked him six times. They only got him once in the earlier meeting this season, but he did fumble three times (lost none) while scrambling for his life from one of the most aggressive front fours in the league. The Giants lead the NFL with 30 sacks.

So two weeks after dismantling the Cowboys, 34-7, the Eagles have blown 4th quarter leads against Chicago and Arizona. At home. The $100 million QB has broken ribs. DeSean Jackson’s in the doghouse. Dreamy. I’ll spend the rest of this week preparing a eulogy for the 2011 Eagles.

Previously: Eagles Blow Another 4th Quarter Lead and Lose to the Bears, Face Serious Uphill Climb to the Playoffs