NFL

Giants blitz

HERO

Eli Manning threw five touchdown passes, the third-highest single-game total in team history and most since Phil Simms on Sept. 7, 1980. After poor outings in consecutive losses, Manning bounced back and was in control from start to finish against a disorganized Eagles defense.

ZERO

The temptation would be to go with Philadelphia’s wretched defense, epitomized by overpaid and oft-burned cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. But the day’s real goat was the Lions, who had the Bears reeling but couldn’t close out the deal in a 26-24 loss that eliminated Big Blue from the playoff contention.

UNSUNG HERO

Ahmad Bradshaw fought his way through an injury-plagued season to crack 1,000 yards, finishing the season with 1,015 yards, and prove his toughness yet again. He had 107 yards on 16 bruising carries, including plunging in for a 1-yard touchdown in the second quarter and carrying a flock of Eagles down to the goal line on a 13-yard run in the fourth.

KEY STAT

134.5 That was Eli Manning’s quarterback rating, a season-high and function of five of his 13 completions going for touchdowns.