Eagles move back into playoff picture

There's still hope.

The defense finally made a play and the Philadelphia Eagles find themselves right smack in the middle of a scramble to win a spot in the NFC playoffs.

But it did not come easy.

With a three point lead and about three minutes remaining in the game, the Carolina Panthers moved the ball down the field with ease. It seemed as though they were going to tear the hearts right out of the Eagles and steal a victory and all but end the playoff hopes for Philadelphia.

But cornerback Lito Shephard, who had a game saving interception against Dallas earlier in the year, went up and made a spectacular catch on a poorly thrown ball in the endzone.

Receiver Keyshawn Johnson threw his helmet in frustration, wanting a penalty for pushing off. But he got no such call. And after reviewing the play to make sure Sheppard got both feet in bounds, the Eagles took a knee to seal the victory.

It was the fifth time this year Carolina lost after entering the fourth quarter with a lead.

Carolina took an early 7-0 lead, but the Eagles came right back to tie the game on a touchdown pass to Brian Westbrook. The highlight of the drive was a 51-yard one-handed reception by Donte Stallworth down the sideline.

Although tied, the Eagles seemed to have the momentum. But with a little over two minutes left in the half, Carolina stormed down the field to score a TD with four seconds left. Once again, the Eagles looked like they were headed for another loss.

But the Eagles faught back, tying the game on a 30-yard strike to Stallworth. Carolina answered with another touchdown. The team then traded field goals and then Jeff Garcia hit Reggie Brown for a 40-yard touchdown to take the lead. A Brian Dawkins interception led to a field goal before Carolina's final drive.

So where does this leave the Eagles?

Well, 6-6 is not too impressive. But the NFC is weak and they are right in the thick of things. Four teams are at 6-6, but because of tiebreakers the Giants hold the fifth seed and the Eagles are in the 6th spot. Atlanta and Carolina trial them.

Philadelphia hits the road for three straight divisional games before coming home to face Atlanta in the finale.

Tough, sure. But they control their own destiny. Win three of four and they will most likely find themselves in the playoffs.

It's up to them. I am still hanging on to my thread of hope.



Week 13 - Plays of the Week

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