Eagles Crush Cowboys, Make Playoffs!

UNBELIEVABLE!!!! Can anyone think of a better word to describe the final Sunday of the 2008 season? The Eagles were handed a belated Christmas gift thanks to the Houston Texans and Oakland Raiders. By virtue of those teams disposing of the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Bucs earlier in the day, the Eagles and Cowboys were both playing for a trip to the playoffs. Win and you’re in. Lose and it’s a wrap for ’08. What happened?

The Eagles crushed the Cowboys 44-6 to lock down the final playoff berth in the NFC. It was an impressive display of domination in all phases of the game by the Birds. The Eagles forced five turnovers and scored 27 points as a result. The offense racked up 303 yards and converted three first-half touchdowns to take a 27-3 halftime lead. Donovan McNabb played perhaps his best “meaningful” game since 2004 by going 12-21 for 175 yards, two TD tosses, and one rushing TD.

While the offense shined in the first-half, the second-half belonged to the defense. Jim Johnson unleashed the lions and they responded with four sacks and three forced fumbles – two of which were returned for touchdowns by Chris Clemons and Joselio Hanson. Both strips were caused by Brian Dawkins, who played lights-out football from the start.

Tony Romo was harassed the entire game and never looked comfortable in the pocket. He and the Cowboys flopped horribly and once again unraveled in the face of December pressure. The Eagles – who have been inconsistent and unpredictable – were clearly the better team and put to rest, at least for another week, the “Andy Reid and McNabb must go” talk.

Up next, a trip to Minnesota to play Adrian Peterson and the NFC North Champion Vikings. But that’s next week. Let’s savior this satisfying victory that not only punched the Eagles’ playoff ticket, but also eliminated the hated Cowboys who were supposed to be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in February. How sweet it is. The Birds did what they have done best in 2008: Surprise their fans and the rest of the NFL. Congratulations Eagles!! You shocked everyone  and extended your season. WOW! What else can you say?