Eagles credit Burress' absence for defensive gem

Thank you, Plaxico Burress.

In between backslaps and high fives, that was the message that rang out loud and clear in the visiting locker room yesterday after the Eagles' 23-11 upset of the Giants. Many key defensive figures said it was the absence of the brilliant wide receiver that allowed them to put together a dominant performance.

"When he's not there, they have a huge, huge part of their offense taken away," safety Brian Dawkins said.

The Giants have never really been the same since Burress was suspended after shooting himself in the leg at a Manhattan nightclub on Thanksgiving weekend. The Giants, after starting 11-1, lost four of their final five games, including their playoff opener. The Eagles, who beat them twice at Giants Stadium without Burress, again did everything they could yesterday to exploit his absence. Continue