There's very little about this 'dream season' that has gone right for the Eagles.
But in the last two weeks, they've given us a taste of what they could be. Today they will put that progress to the test when they invade Dallas for a Christmas Eve encounter with the Cowboys, still hanging on to their slim playoff hopes.
Actually, the Eagles will know when they take the field whether the game actually means anything. The Giants play the Jets at 1 and the Jets - mauled by the Eagles just six days ago - must rally to top the struggling G-Men to keep the Birds' hopes alive. A Giants' win will render the Eagles-Cowboys game meaningless, with the Birds eliminated.
However, a Jets win will make for an early Christmas gift for the Birds, giving them something they have not had for about a month, a chance to control their own destiny, at least for a few hours. Should the Eagles win, they will still need help next week. They would have to beat the Redskins at home while the Giants beat the Cowboys.
Hey, crazier things have happened.
The Eagles played their best game of the season in November, handling the Cowboys easily at Lincoln Financial Field.
I don't think this time will be nearly as easy.
Don't ask me why, but I'm starting to believe. The Eagles will be without Asante Samuel, which does not bother me in the least. I like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at the other corner aside Nnamdi Asomugha to shut down the Cowboys' big receivers. That will give Juan Castillo a chance to concoct more blitzes to put pressure on quarterback Tony Romo.
The Eagles again will lean heavily on LeSean McCoy, and a harried Romo makes a couple crucial mistakes to give the Birds the win.
Make it Eagles 27, Cowboys 26. And on to the final weekend. Merry Christmas, Eagles fans.!
Last Week: The Birds were impresive for the second straight week in battering the Jets. Juan Castillo seems to be coming into his own as the defensive coordinator. And that has been predicated by a return to what the Eagles have been known for in recent years - the blitz. They'll need to dial up some more today vs. Romo.
Season Record: I actually managed to get one right, backing the Birds and hiking my anemic mark to 3-11. The Eagles are showing signs of being the team we thought they were and now sit at 6-8. They're shooting for an 8-8 mark, tied with both the Giants and Cowboys, which would give them the NFC East. Should they do so, things could get even more bizarre. There's no reason why this team could not win a couple of playoff games and find itself playing in the NFC title game.
I know, first things first. The Eagles still need to win and have a couple of other games go their way. Put those at the top of your Christmas wish list.
But in the last two weeks, they've given us a taste of what they could be. Today they will put that progress to the test when they invade Dallas for a Christmas Eve encounter with the Cowboys, still hanging on to their slim playoff hopes.
Actually, the Eagles will know when they take the field whether the game actually means anything. The Giants play the Jets at 1 and the Jets - mauled by the Eagles just six days ago - must rally to top the struggling G-Men to keep the Birds' hopes alive. A Giants' win will render the Eagles-Cowboys game meaningless, with the Birds eliminated.
However, a Jets win will make for an early Christmas gift for the Birds, giving them something they have not had for about a month, a chance to control their own destiny, at least for a few hours. Should the Eagles win, they will still need help next week. They would have to beat the Redskins at home while the Giants beat the Cowboys.
Hey, crazier things have happened.
The Eagles played their best game of the season in November, handling the Cowboys easily at Lincoln Financial Field.
I don't think this time will be nearly as easy.
Don't ask me why, but I'm starting to believe. The Eagles will be without Asante Samuel, which does not bother me in the least. I like Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at the other corner aside Nnamdi Asomugha to shut down the Cowboys' big receivers. That will give Juan Castillo a chance to concoct more blitzes to put pressure on quarterback Tony Romo.
The Eagles again will lean heavily on LeSean McCoy, and a harried Romo makes a couple crucial mistakes to give the Birds the win.
Make it Eagles 27, Cowboys 26. And on to the final weekend. Merry Christmas, Eagles fans.!
Last Week: The Birds were impresive for the second straight week in battering the Jets. Juan Castillo seems to be coming into his own as the defensive coordinator. And that has been predicated by a return to what the Eagles have been known for in recent years - the blitz. They'll need to dial up some more today vs. Romo.
Season Record: I actually managed to get one right, backing the Birds and hiking my anemic mark to 3-11. The Eagles are showing signs of being the team we thought they were and now sit at 6-8. They're shooting for an 8-8 mark, tied with both the Giants and Cowboys, which would give them the NFC East. Should they do so, things could get even more bizarre. There's no reason why this team could not win a couple of playoff games and find itself playing in the NFC title game.
I know, first things first. The Eagles still need to win and have a couple of other games go their way. Put those at the top of your Christmas wish list.
Comments