It is not often that a number one seed beats a six seed in the National Football League (NFL) Playoffs, by a score of 15-10, and it is a considered an upset. That is the position the Philadelphia Eagles found themselves in as they faced the Atlanta Falcons, last night in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Nobody, but the players, and fans of the Eagles expected a win. However, the Eagles were able to prove all their doubters wrong, and advance to their first National Football Conference (NFC) Championship game in ten years.
The Eagles were the first number one seed in playoff history to be underdogs at home. Many experts, and some fans were seriously doubting that the Eagles could make it past the second round.
Just like 1st Peter 1:6 says, “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”
The Eagles limped into the playoffs. They beat the Raiders on Christmas Day, and were shut out against the Cowboys two weeks ago. The team was sputtering on the offensive side of the ball due to Nick Foles not looking confident.
This team just was not clicking before the playoffs, and it seemed like the team had lost its confidence, since star quarterback Carson Wentz went down with a knee injury.
The Eagles must have been holding back during their last two regular season games, because the old Eagles showed up last night.
The Eagles defense were able to shutout the Falcons offense in the second half. A huge reason for the defense being able to shutdown the Falcons, was that the Eagles offense stopped turning the ball over.
The Eagles offense committed one turnover on a fumble by running back Jay Ajayi, and the Eagles Special Teams also fumbled on a punt return. Both plays set the Falcons up with excellent field position and allowed them to score ten points.
The hero of the game was Nick Foles, who played like his old self. Foles found himself after the starting the game off very shaky. His first pass attempt sailed on him on a deep ball pass to Torrey Smith. Foles was able to overcome some nerves and completed 23 out of 30 passes, for 246 yards, and he did not commit a turnover.
Foles showed that if he is given the right plays to work with, he might be able to lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl, and for the first time in 13 years the Eagles have a chance to win a NFC Championship game. Hope is alive again in the City of Brotherly Love. Just like 1st Peter 1:6 says, “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”
