No Super Bowl for Philly but I Say, "Thank You, Eagles" for One Heck of a Try

Yesterday the Eagles almost made it to the Super Bowl. While some people may say this is indicative of what we have come to expect from this team, I beg to disagree. Yes, early on in the season the Eagles seemed to fall apart at the seams. McNabb looked like he forgot how to throw the ball while the offensive and defensive teams both seemed to have forgotten why they were on the field.

But the Eagles have a funny habit of pulling miracles out of thin air. McNabb finally seemed to be able to identify his receivers, the receivers were making the catches, and the offensive team got it together. We rediscovered our running game and marched down the field time and time again. And to top it all off, the defensive team was keeping our rivals deep in their own territory.

And then, there was yesterday’s game. By the end of the half, it seemed like the Eagles were going down faster than Lindsay Lohan after four fuzzy navels. The Cardinals seemed unstoppable what with number 11, Fitzgerald, lumbering down the field, snatching catches high in the air, and tossing off Eagles players like they were the Queen of Hearts’ deck of cards soldiers. (This man makes Paul Bunyon look small and timid.) The Eagles, on the other hand, could do no right. Dream kicker David Ackers broke his winning streak and even missed an extra point. Worse than that, McNabb couldn’t decide whether it was better to throw the ball behind the receiver or six inches out of his reach.

And then came the second half and all that changed. The Eagles finally found their game and McNabb his receivers. This was the team we had seen and loved these past few weeks. Before we knew it, it was 24-25 Eagles. Unfortunately, and with just a few minutes left in the game, the Cardinals decided to show the Eagles what it really takes to get to the Super Bowl. Charging down the field and making sure they ate up the clock, the Cardinals scored a touchdown and a two point conversion. With just seconds left, instead of going for the big “bomb,” the Eagles decided to play a game of hot potato as if to say, “Ok, we lost. We’re just being silly right now.”

Some may say that there is no joy in Philly. The mighty Eagles have struck out. But I say different. I say thank you, Eagles, for a thrilling season. Every Sunday, I have plopped my butt down on Scott and Sean’s cushy sofa in front of their 47” screen TV, and along with the best buddies a guy could have, we have screamed and hollered, laughed and cried, and cheered and high-fived our way through the Eagles’ season. The Eagles took us from what looked like a dead end run to the brink of the Super Bowl and gave us all the thrills and excitement that only a series like that could give. They may not have made it to the Super Bowl but they sure did provide some super nail biting excitement along the way there.

And you know what? The Super Bowl isn’t even here and I can’t wait for next season. So save me a spot and a cold beer guys, you know I’ll be there.

As a little side note, congratulations to my buddy, Mystery Man, over at Rants, Thoughts, and Other Things as his beloved Steelers are going to the Super Bowl. I watched that game and thought of you, rooting the Steelers on. While it would have been fun to see the Eagles and Steelers go head-to-head, I’ll settle for watching the Steelers trounce the Cardinals.