When the 2011 season began, I’m not sure many people would guess that Vince Young and Matt Leinart would play prominent roles in determining playoff positioning but indeed we have arrived at such a point.

When the 3-6 Philadelphia Eagles hit the field on Sunday night versus the NFC East-leading New York Giants, they will play for their collective football lives this season.

A loss to the 6-3 Giants would put the Eagles four games out of the NFC East lead and New York would hold the tiebreaker advantage as well due to a season sweep of Philly.

As Michael Vick sits out with a rib injury, Young attempts to save the day versus New York. Thus far, his two appearances this season resulted in an interception and Young lining up in the wrong formation during an eventual Eagles loss.

Meanwhile, Leinart takes over for the injured Matt Schaub in Houston. According to reports, Schaub will miss the remainder of the season with a foot injury. While Houston’s 7-3 record puts the Texans far closer to the postseason than Young’s Eagles, Leinart must make plays for Houston to reach the postseason for the first time in team history.

Five years ago, Young and Leinart owned college football. Until last week, they were clipboard carriers, who were well removed from any chance to add luster to their sagging NFL credibility.

Now, both have an opportunity to restore promise to their once prominent stature in football.