NY sports history: Dec. 24, 2000

THIS DAY IN NY

SPORTS HISTORY

Sunday, Dec. 27, 1981

Giants beat Eagles, win first postseason game since 1956

In the Giants' first postseason appearance in 18 years, they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-21, at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia. The Giants jumped out to a 20-0 first-quarter lead, courtesy of two Scott Brunner TD passes and a Mark Haynes fumble recovery in the end zone. Down 27-7 at the half, the Eagles cut the Giants' lead to six on TD runs of 6 and 1 yard from Wilbert Montgomery. Montgomery's second TD came with 2:51 left in the game, but the Giants offense ran out the clock to hold on for the win. Second-year QB Brunner finished 9-for-14 for 96 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Bobby Carpenter paced the rushing attack with 161 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries. Carpenter also led the team with four catches for 32 yards. The Giants' season ended one week later in the divisional playoffs when they were defeated by the eventual Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers, 38-24.