Turns out Chip Kelly's team knows how to play defense, too.
Kelly, often referred to as an "offensive genius," and defensive coordinator Billy Davis blindsided their NFC East rival the Giants last night, shutting them out in a 27-0 blowout win.
Give credit for this one to Davis, who concocted a bewildering package of blitzes and coverage that seemed to totally confuse Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who spent much of the night on his back or running for his life.
The reserved, low-key Manning was one of the few Giants who was not trash-talking the Eagles last week. Maybe he knew something.
A confident Eagles team - apparently intent on ridding Philly of any nagging doubts about this squad - dominated in all three phases of the game, offense, defense and special teams.
Nick Foles had a solid night, going 21 of 34 with 2 TDs. The Eagles finally managed to get LeSean McCoy untracked. The running back burned the Giants for 149 yards on 22 carries.
But it was the defense that really dazzled in prime time.
The Birds came out dressed all in black, and quickly put Manning and the Giants into mourning.
It was the fist time in 18 years that the Eagles kept an opponent off the scoreboard.
The Birds' defense has been spotty at best in the first six weeks of the season. Not so last night. They harassed Manning into a miserable night, compiling just 12 first downs and 253 yards of total offense.
Manning was just 12 of 23 for 151 yards before he took a seat late in the fourth quarter.
I suppose this would be a good time to revisit my 'Dreaded Saturday Eagles Pick,' which of course appeared in this space on Saturday. In it I went with the Giants, saying I continued to have my doubts about both the Eagles and in particular Nick Foles.
The Birds answered all those questions Sunday night.
Foles was money. LeSean McCoy is back. The defense was lights out.
I've never been happier to get a game so wrong.
It appears the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are on a collision course to see who will win the NFC East. Mark your calendars. They will meet in Dallas on Thanksgiving in the 'Boys annual holiday affair.
The Cowboys served notice that they are for real by going on the road and beating the Seahawks in Seattle yesterday.
I'm done doubting the Eagles.
Bring on the 'Boys.
CLICK HERE to read Bob Grotz's game story on the Birds' big win.
CLICK HERE to read Jack McCaffery's take on the game.
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