Great timing for Steve Smith TD

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - This is what Steve Smith wanted, what the Giants anticipated and what seemed likely to happen: Smith crossing the middle of the field at MetLife Stadium, catching a pass through traffic and running into the end zone.

Except the plans were always for Smith to do so wearing a No. 12 Giants jersey, and not a No. 11 Eagles jersey.

Smith caught a second-quarter touchdown pass last night in the Eagles' 17-10 victory over the Giants for his first score in an Eagles uniform and his first celebrated play to date in Andy Reid's offense. It was also Smith's first time visiting the Giants, the team with which Smith won a Super Bowl, developed into a Pro Bowl player and set the franchise record in 2009 with 107 catches.

"It feels like the cherry on top of the win," Smith said. "Making a play to contribute, and especially against my old team."

The touchdown came with 1:30 remaining in the first half. It was actually a designed route for DeSean Jackson, except Jackson had just returned a punt 51 yards and the Eagles gave him a breather. Smith filled in for Jackson, ran through the Giants' coverage and was left with linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka chasing him.

"I was wondering who was on me, because it seemed like nobody was," Smith said. "I know the guys. I know who we're going against, but I don't really know what they're doing, besides studying and seeing what they did last week."

Smith suffered a left-knee injury on Dec. 14, 2010, that ended his season and required microfracture surgery. When the NFL's lockout was resolved in July, the Giants said they wanted to re-sign Smith. With the prolonged recovery expected to keep Smith out during training camp, the Giants did not immediately act. They waited for Smith's knee to progress, keeping an offer on the table and expecting an opportunity for a counteroffer.

On Aug. 10, the Eagles swooped in and added Smith with a 1-year contract that exceeded the Giants' offer. The Giants were not provided an opportunity to match the deal, leaving coach Tom Coughlin frustrated and general manager Jerry Reese defiant. In August, this appeared a victory for the Eagles over their bitter rivals. Entering last night's game, it instead looked like the Giants had the last laugh.

"It's different with microfracture surgery, that's the hardest surgery," wide receiver Jason Avant said. "That's one thing. He's coming around, his legs are stronger. And also, dealing with the quarterbacks here, they're different. Dealing with Mike [Vick], that's a dude who can throw a ball through a brick wall . . . [Eli Manning's] different. He's a softer thrower, while Michael's a harder thrower. It's just a little bit different. It's a transition."

Smith rushed back to the field and had been an inexact fit in the offense and an ineffective presence on the roster. He entered last night's game with only 10 catches for 110 yards and was most effective last week against the Cardinals, when he finished with five catches for 47 yards. Yet his performance is most remembered for diving short of the first-down marker, costing the Eagles a potential first down.

Smith's problems with the Eagles might be an indication that he's not yet fully healthy, although the team also is using him differently than the way he excelled with the Giants. In New York, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride considered Smith the best middle-of-the-field receiver in the NFL. He could navigate the most crowded areas, using quickness and body control to sliver into space and provide a safety blanket for Manning.

During the week, Smith told reporters he does not regret signing with the Eagles because he'd prefer more money in his pocket. ESPN reported yesterday the receiver would welcome a move back to New York after this season. Smith said after the game that he did not know where that report came from and he's happy with the Eagles. Last night, at least, the Eagles were happy with him.

"It meant the world to Steve tonight," Avant said. "I'm glad it happened for him, to have an opportunity to score a touchdown, especially in New York. And he was so excited. It makes him feel part of the team."

Now, the question is whether Smith can build off the touchdown. Jeremy Maclin will soon return from injury and Jackson won't always leave the field. Perhaps Smith's catch was an anomaly, a one-catch redemptive flash in front of his former front office to show he's improving. Or maybe it was a sign of things to come for the season's final 6 weeks, when the Eagles need victories and would benefit from a Pro Bowl-quality receiver who can navigate the middle of the field to score touchdowns.

"We'll see," Smith said. "We got so much talent here, we got Maclin coming back. Hopefully I'll be able to keep making plays."