In no small part because Tom Coughlin did it again --- he punted to DeSean Jackson --- the Eagles won a football game Sunday night, and with it, a chance to salvage a season.

It was Jackson's 50-yard punt return late int he first half that eventually helped the Birds widen a lead to 10-0 ... and reopen their confidence.

Now, they trail the Giants by only two games in the division race.

It was just last season that Jackson's 65-yard walk-off TD return for a touchdown in the Meadowlands turned the Eagles' season. Not that it inspired Coughlin to order all punts in his direction to be kicked out of bounds.

Stubbornness will get Coughlin one place ... and that should be second place in the NFC East, behind either the Eagles or Cowboys.

Check out my column on the Eagles defense, and my report on the many effects, positive and negative, Jackson has had on this strange, strange season in the Daily Times Monday and as always on delcotimes.com