But an unforgivable penalty and a horrible coaching call ended up costing the team its fifth trip to the NFC Championship in six years.
Down by three late in the game, the Saints fumbled a pitch and the Eagles recovered the ball. However, they could not convert on three straight plays and faced a 4th and 10. Jeff Garcia found Hank Baskett on a big play downfield to give the Eagles a first down and a great opportunity to at least tie the game.
But not so fast. A false start penalty negated the play and the Eagles faced a 4th and 15. Instead of taking a shot, the Eagles punted the ball and gave the game away. With only two timeouts remaining the Eagles could not stop the Saints running game and they were able to get a first down and run out the clock.
As the Eagles did so often during their horrible mid-season stretch, they were unable to stop the run, giving up over 200-yards on the ground. Saints quarterback Drew Brees was able to pick apart the Eagles secondary as well.
And as in their wold card game against the Giants, the Eagles offense got off to a slow start. In fact, their run game was completely innefective for the entire first half.
Somehow, the Eagles still carried a 14-13 lead into the half, highlighted by a 75-yard touchdown pass to Donte Stallworth.
Not only that, but the scroed quickly in the third quarter on a 62-yard touchdown run by Brian Westbrook to take a 21-13 lead.
However, the Saints scored the next two touchdowns and were leading 27-21 heading into the final quarter.
The Eagles were unable to score on a first and goal and settled for a field goal to make it 27-24.
It seemed as though the Saints were going to continue to run the ball and run out the clock, until Reggie Bush fumbled a pitch to the left and the Eagles recovered the fumble. They could not muster any offense and the season came to a disappointing end.
1 comment:
It definitely was disappointing. I still don't understand why they punted the ball and didn't at least make a play for it..
*hugs*
Post a Comment