Eagles Examiner: For Once, Something Positive and Triumphant
McNabb wins game, keeps perspective, denies annoyance: Donovan McNabb didn’t have an extraordinary, world-beating game, but nor did he turn the ball over. That’s all that was needed yesterday as the Eagles defense provided much of the firepower. Yesterday also saw the return of McNabb’s legs, as he scampered for 53 yards without any ligament tears or ankle sprains. Donovan took his most assertive stand, however, during the post-game press conference, where he denied reports from Fox’s Pam Oliver that he feels like he’s being brushed aside by the Birds. If the Eagles win out, somehow make the playoffs, somehow advance in the playoffs, well, then, his exodus could be interrupted.
Westbrook’s non-touchdown leads to victory: Brian Westbrook once again was the offensive focal point for most of the game, but his biggest play didn’t result in any points. Even though he probably broke the hearts of thousands of his fantasy owners by falling down at the 1-yard line with a little over two minutes to go in the game yesterday, he did secure the win. Granted, it would’ve been tough for the Cowboys to rally from an 11-point deficit with two minutes to go, but the Eagles haven’t been in a position to tempt fate all year. If he doesn’t start in the Pro Bowl, it would be an absolute travesty.
The rejuvenation of Jim Johnson continues: Three interceptions, four sacks, unrelenting pressure and no touchdowns. This unit’s been progressing nicely all year, and yesterday everything came together. Trent Cole is destined for double-teams next year, Mike Patterson is knocking offensive tackles out, and the secondary played like it was 2003. If there’s a reason to believe this team won’t completely fall apart in the next few years, it’s these guys. For whatever reason, they were extra-motivated this time around to ensure Tony Romo had a terrible game. Maybe it was this. Next week, they face another high-powered air attack in New Orleans, and we’ll see if they can continue to play at a high level.
Playoffs? Playoffs?: So what are the scenarios? Right now, if the Eagles go 8-8, beat New Orleans next week, and the Vikings, Redskins and Carolina all drop to 7-9 in upcoming weeks, well, the Eagles could steal that last wild card spot. Possibly. Most important, they have to win, keep winning, and not worry about what anyone else is doing. It’s a muddy NFC with two sure-fire good teams and a bunch of also-rans competing for the last spot. But, as we well know, nearly impossible playoff scenarios are not new to this city.
PHOTO: Philly.com
December 17th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
The Vikings and Redskins both have 7 wins already and they play each other on Dec 23, so one of them will have at least 8 wins. So does this mean the Eagles are already out no matter what?
December 17th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
No, we split with the skins and they hold the tie-breaker with a better divisional record. however we beat the vikes head to head. So the easiest scenario is a vikes loss tonight, vikes win over the skins, and loss to Denver, while the skins lose all, and the saints lose to us and the bears and the panthers have to drop at least one, maybe two.
Its Head to head, Division record, then common opponent. WIth the skins the first two would be a tie, I don’t know about common opponent though.
aother unknown - Do we beat the Panthers in a tie? I doubt it, they have a good divvision record. Also- cardianals??? IDK