Jackson, Arenas, Auriemma, and random observations on the wonderful world of sports.

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---They are calling it the New Miracle at the Meadowlands. Micheal Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles orchestrated one of the greatest fourth-quarter comebacks in NFL history on Sunday afternoon at New Meadowlands Stadium, shocking the Giants en route to a 38-31 win for the ages. Down 31-10 with less than eight minutes remaining, Vick calmly led Philly to victory. It was another astonishing performance from the Eagles quarterback. Tom Brady is great, but make no mistake: Michael Vick is the Most Valuable Player in the National Football League. He has been electrifying this season.

---Speaking of electrifying, how about DeSean Jackson? Jackson has always been a marvel on the football field, and his thrilling punt return for the game-winning TD yesterday may well be the seminal moment of the 2010 NFL regular season. Many people decry Jackson's incessant showboating, but with the way he continues to excel on the field, he deserves to carry himself with some swagger.

---For my money, the Philadelphia Eagles are the favorites in the wide-open NFC. The defending-champion Saints are mired in inconsistency, and the NFC North-leading Bears still strike me as underwhelming. Thus, look for the Eagles to be playing in the Super Bowl.

---As for the Giants, anything is possible, and it is just one loss. However, it is hard to imagine the G-Men bouncing back from such a brutal defeat. Big Blue looked like they had just attended their own funeral in the aftermath of Sunday's stunner, and Coach Tom Coughlin certainly didn't boost his team's morale by publicly lambasting punter Matt Dodge after Dodge's ill-advised punt to DeSean Jackson in the game's final seconds. Coughlin has every right to be upset at Dodge for his glaring mistake, but screaming at him in plain view only made matters worse. Coughlin should have checked his emotions and talked to Dodge in the privacy of the Giants' locker room in an effort to spare Dodge from further embarrassment.

---All is not lost in the Big Apple, however, as the New York Jets came up with a huge win in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. The Jets are now back in business, and the victory in the Steel City has rejuvenated Rex Ryan's team with newfound swagger, swagger that will carry them into the playoffs.

---How about that NFC West? As a Niners fan, I am embarrassed to say that the NFC Worst is enduring an absolutely egregious season. Am I excited that the Niners still have a chance to host a playoff game if they win the division at 7-9? Hell to the no. I am completely disillusioned with Mike Singletary and company. The Red and Gold need a complete overhaul this offseason. As much as I like Singletary personally, he has got to go, as does quarterback Alex Smith. The Niners need a new regime if they are to rise out of their current awfulness.

---On to the best league in sports now, the National Basketball Association. There was a blockbuster trade over the weekend involving the Magic, Suns, and Wizards, sending Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson, and Hedo Turkoglu to Orlando. In return, the Magic shipped Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, and Mikael Pietrus to Phoenix, and sent Rashard Lewis to Washington. Wow. So much to digest here, so let's break down the trade team-by-team.

---Ultimately, I like this trade for Orlando. It remains to be seen whether the artist formerly known as Agent Zero can return to his elite ways playing alongside Dwight Howard, but Gilbert Arenas will definitely be a productive force for Stan Van Gundy's team. With a fresh start in Florida, Arenas should be able to put that gun debacle behind him and focus solely on basketball. However, as integral as Arenas will be for the Magic, the real stroke of genius by G.M. Otis Smith is the acquisition of Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu. As a Warriors fan, I have long been a big admirer of J-Rich, one of my favorite players. Richardson is a superb, savvy, electrifying player, and he is a steal for the Magic. And while Turkoglu has struggled these past two seasons in Toronto and Phoenix, my guess is that his return to Orlando will have an invigorating effect on his game. Look for Turkoglu to once again be a clutch sharpshooter capable of winning games for the Magic. I still like the Celtics in the East, but my goodness, Orlando is one hell of a deep team.

---However, before Magic fans start celebrating in the streets, they should be cognizant of the fact that they gave up a lot of terrific talent in this deal, and that is precisely why I also love this trade for the Phoenix Suns. Granted, losing J-Rich hurts, but the additions of Marcin Gortat, Mikael Pietrus, and yes, even Vince Carter make the Suns better equipped for playoff-style basketball. In other words, the presence of Gortat finally gives Phoenix a formidable center, something they have been sorely lacking for quite some time. Furthermore, Pietrus is a versatile scorer and top-notch defender. If he can get healthy from a knee injury that has hampered him this season, Pietrus will be a big part of the Suns' success. And while I have always believed Vince Carter to be amongst the game's most overrated players, Steve Nash will bring out the best in V.C.

---The trade is less monumental for the Washington Wizards, but it is still a positive deal for Flip Saunders' team. The departure of Arenas means that the Wizards can finally usher in John Wall as the face of the franchise. Wall is now the sole leader of the franchise, and that should excite Wizards fans. The addition of Rashard Lewis is also crucial for the Wizards. With Wall, Lewis, and Nick Young, the Wizards now have three significant scoring threats. Washington is in rebuilding mode, but this deal moves them a step in the right direction.

---Congratulations to Geno Auriemma and the incredible UConn Huskies, as the Connecticut women have won 88 consecutive games, tying the record previously held by John Wooden's UCLA Bruins. While women's college hoops would benefit if there were more teams of UConn's caliber, there is no denying the fact that this is an amazing streak, a remarkable feat that deserves to be applauded.