Eagles almost blow game, stay in playoff hunt

The Philadelphia Eagles live yet another week - butit sure did not come easy.

Leading 21-3, they allowed Washington to bring the score all the way to 21-19 in the second half. Unlike in previous games though, the Eagles were able to sustain their last drive long enough to be able to take a knee and stay in the NFC playoff picture.

Possibly the biggest play of the game came late in the fourth quarter by the defense. With a first and goal, the Eagles stopped Washington on the first two plays. On third down, Dawkins chased down Washington quarterback Jason Campbell, sacking him at the 18-yard line.

The Redskins connected on a field goal, but big runs by Westbrook and big completions by Jeff Garcia sealed the deal.

Philadelphia improves to 7-6 and remain tied in the standings with the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons, both of whom won today. Carolina fell to 6-7.

With the Eagles and Giants winning, it sets up a huge showdown at the Meadowlands next week. If the Eagles defense plays anything like it did in the second half today, they could be in for a long day.

After falling behind 3-0, rookie linebacker Omar Gaithier came up with a big interception, leading to a touchdown pass to tight end L.J. Smith. Michael Lewis also intercepted a pass for Philadelphia. Washington was in Eagles territory and a pass deflected by William James landed in the hands of Lewis, who ran in for an 84-yard touchdown.

The Eagles defense was yet again poor in stopping the run. Ladell Betts ran for 171-yards.

They also struggled stopping the Redskins on third down, as Washington converted seven of 16 tries.

But the score is all that matters and for the first time since October, the Eagles have won two in a row. With games remaining against the Giants, Cowboys, and Atlanta the Eagles control their own destiny. If they go 2-1, they should be in the plyoffs. Even if they go 1-2, they will have an outside shot in the weak NFC.

But for now, they just live one more week.



Week 14 - Plays of the Week

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