The Philadelphia Eagles are headed back to the playoffs.
With A 27-13 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, the Eagles head the post-season for the eighth time in Andy Reid's 11 seasons.
So what does that mean for the Eagles hopes of advancing once the playoffs start?
Likely a trip to the NFC Championship game.
Of the previous seven appearances in the playoffs, the Eagles have made it to the NFC Championship game an astounding five times.
That is pretty remarkable.
The Eagles first NFC Championship game appearance was in 2001 against "The greatest show on turf." Despite being heavy underdogs, the Eagles almost pulled out a win over the St. Louis Rams, but came up just short, 29-24.
Despite the loss, the Eagles began a string of NFC domination which saw them advance to the NFC Championship four years in a row.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, all but one of those games ended in utter disappointment.
The Eagles hosted the Tampa Bay Bucs in 2002, a game they were favored to win. In what was probably the most heartbreaking championship game loss, the Bucs beat the Eagles in the final game at the Vet.
The Birds almost did not make it back to the NFC Championship the following year, but the famous 4th and 26th game led them back the Packers to face the Carolina Panthers. The lack of a solid receiver was never more evident in this game as they were shut down by Carolina, 14-3.
In 2004, years of suffering finally came to an end as the Eagles beat the Atlanta Falcons to head to their second ever Super Bowl. Of course, we all know the dream season ended with a loss to the Patriots.
After a disappointing 6-10 season in 2005, divisional round playoff loss to the Saints in 2006, and an 8-8 2007, the Eagles needed an absolute miracle to make the playoffs in 2008.
An Oakland Raiders improbable win over Tampa Bay on the final day of the season set up a showdown game with the Cowboys with the winner taking the division and the loser missing the playoffs entirely.
After a thrilling 44-6 thumping of the Cowboys, the Eagles beat the Vikings on the road in the wildcard round and then the Giants in the Meadowlands to advance to the NFC Championship game against the surprising Arizona Cardinals.
After falling behind, the Eagles made a valiant comeback but fell short, 32-25.
So here we find ourselves again, back in the playoffs.
There is still a lot to play for. Despite the Eagles being ahead of the Cowboys by one game, the NFC East is still up for grabs. The Eagles play the Denver Broncos this week while the Cowboys have the Washington Redskins.
Playoff seeding could very well come down to the last game of the season again - Eagles vs Cowboys.
No matter what happens in the regular season we know that the Eagles have a very good chance of advancing to the NFC Championship game.
And why not?
The top-seeded Saints have looked average of late and lost their first game last night, although they have been on the verge of losing for weeks.
The second seeded Vikings may be the toughest team to beat in the playoffs.
Arizona, Green Bay, and Dallas will likely round out the playoffs (the Giants could sneak in), but I can't see any of these teams being a major roadblock to the Eagles.
So I'll formally declare - NFC Championship game, here we come! Please just treat us a little nicer this time.
2 comments:
Anonymous, I know nothing is guaranteed. But look at history. When they make the playoffs they advance. Although Dallas "can" be a good team they have trouble putting it all together. The Eagles are playing very well right now and just cannot be counted out (did you expect them to make the playoffs or advance last year?)
i agree brian..i mean im a hardcore eagles fan and this time of the year we seem to pull things together so far we won 5 straight...yea we jus need to continue to do what we have been doing...vikings will be the toughest competition, but i have faith, hope to see those eagles in the super bowl!!!!!
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