For most of the 2009 season, fans and pundits alike have gushed about the Saints and the Vikings being the best teams in the NFC, which they have been.
But are the Eagles the team to be feared the most in the NFC now? Think about it: With their 30-27 win over the Broncos on Sunday, Philly has rattled off six in a row and for the most part, have spanked every team they’ve played. In comparison, the Saints have lost two in a row and the Vikings have dropped two of their last three.
No team wants to go into Philadelphia and play the Eagles in the playoffs; it’s a hostile environment and the team feed off their fans. And personally, I think Philly is one of those teams that can walk into Minnesota and New Orleans and not fear the Vikings or Saints.
That said, it’s been the same ol’ song and dance for the Eagles for years. Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb have tortured fans by peaking at the right time, heading into the playoffs with momentum and then choking in the NFC Championship Game. So the Eagles might be the hottest team at the moment, but it doesn’t mean anything if they can’t sustain it and make it to the Super Bowl; their fans won’t settle for anything less.
Their win over the Broncos on Sunday was hard fought, although they did turn the ball over three times, which kept Denver in the game. Still, McNabb completed 20 of 35 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns. Philly also held the Broncos to only 241 total yards, including just 70 rushing yards.
We’ll see if the Eagles can take a win like this and build momentum, or if they’ll flounder again in the postseason.
