Less than 24 hours after experiencing the thrill of victory as the Eagles defeated the hated Cowboys in an epic prime time, overtime classic, Philly fans once again were dealing with the agony of defeat.
Actually, it's the agony of an injury.
Standout rookie linebacker Jordan Hicks, who sparked the Birds' comeback win with a 67-yard interception return for a touchdown, will miss the rest of the season with a torn left pectoral tendon.
Hicks was having a stellar rookie campaign, putting him in the running for the NFL's defensive rookie of the year.
Luckily, it's the one area where the Eagles have some depth, even if it is banged up. Hicks is not the only Birds' linebacker dealing with injuries. DeMeco Ryans continues to be hampered by a hamstring. He's missed the last two games. Kiko Alonso finally got back on the field Sunday night, but he's very rusty. Mychal Kendricks is struggling to regain the form he showed last year. All of them will now need to step up.
But make no mistake. This Eagles season will not be defined by the loss of Hicks, nor the rest of the linebacking corps.
This season will rise and fall on the play of Sam Bradford.
I've been Bradford's biggest fan. I still am.
I think he again showed Sunday night the potential that Chip Kelly had to see when he shipped Nick Foles - plus a second round draft pick - to the Rams for the oft-injured former No. 1 pick in the draft.
Actually, Sunday night's game mirrored Bradford's season. Social media was ablaze during the first half with calls for Bradford's head as the Eagles' offense again struggled, hiccuping their way to a series of 3-and-outs. But Bradford was the key to the Eagles second half comeback and his laser to Jordan Matthews after stepping up in the pocket to avoid the rush proved the difference in OT. Jordan for once did not drop the strike, instead catching the ball at the 20 and sprinting into the end zone to seal the win.
That is the Bradford Eagles fans have been looking for. But they want to see it for four quarters, not just in fits and starts. Can't argue with that.
I still think Bradford is the real deal. And I think he will continue to prove that in the next few weeks. The Eagles have the opportunity to get on a roll. They face the Dolphins, Bucs and then the traditional Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit. They should win all three.
That is, if Bradford continues to improve, and continues to avoid turning the ball over. Bradford did not throw an interception Sunday night vs. Dallas. This while Hicks was returning a pick-6 off Matt Cassell.
Hicks is now gone for the year. This is Bradford's team. They will go as far as he takes them.
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