EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- In an exhibition of poetic justice, wide receiver Steve Smith caught his first touchdown pass of the season Sunday night against the team that did not re-sign him last offseason as the Eagles beat the Giants, 17-10.
Incidentally, the catch would have never happened, were it not for a big punt return by DeSean Jackson the previous play.
Jackson's 51-yard return not only set up Vince Young and the offense for the 14-yard drag route by Smith that resulted in a touchdown. It also tired Jackson to the point where he had to take a play off, forcing Smith to take his place for the first offensive play of the drive.
On that play, originally designed for Jackson, Smith was able to find an opening in the defense and turned upfield for the touchdown.
"I think the Giants got lost in coverage because once I caught it I was all alone," he said. "We were feeling red hot coming off DeSean's big punt return. It was a great call by coach (Marty) Mornhinweg."
Head coach Andy Reid said after the game that he was happy that Smith was able to get involved.
"It was nice for Steve to get a touchdown," Reid said. "He did a good job turning up field to get the touchdown. It's always a great feeling to face off against your former team and score."
The former Giant was certainly pleased with the opportunity he was given Sunday night.
"It's a great feeling," said Smith. "It was the cherry on top of the win, to have been able to make a play and contribute against my old team. From a team standpoint, we have felt that we've been underachieving all year long, and we felt like tonight we finally kind of put it all together and made some big plays when we needed to."
The USC-alum knows that he likely will not be a major contributor in the offense once Jeremy Maclin returns from the shoulder injury that sidelined him against the Giants, but that doesn't bother him. Winning is what matters.
"I'd love to be able to keep making plays," he said. "But all I'm thinking about is taking it one game at a time. We just want to build on this big win and continue to improve moving forward."
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