As odd as it was to see smiles on the faces of the Eagles players after they were defeated by the Patriots yesterday, it was understandable. After being 24 point underdogs against an unstoppable Patriots team, this is one loss the Birds should not be too bummed about.
Losing to an 10-0 team on the verge of making history by only three points is something to be proud of as weird as it may sound. Leading up to the game all I heard was how it would be a miracle if the Eagles were only down by at least 10 points by the half. However, to everyone’s surprise, the Eagles were on top twice during the game, once in the second quarter and again in the third. Unfortunately, they were not able to be in control of the lead when it mattered most.
Thankfully, this three point loss to the Pats was not as devastating as it was three seasons ago.
There were many positives about the Eagles yesterday that should be looked at. A.J. Feeley stepped up big by connecting to seven different receivers, including Greg Lewis who had only four receptions for 68 yards under his belt for the 2007 season. Lewis surpassed these statistics in one game and also earned his first two touchdowns this season
Tom Brady was sacked by Thomas, Gocong, and Howard. He had only been sacked 10 times in his previous 10 games this season. Lito Sheppard definitely did his part by holding Brady’s number one target, Randy Moss, to only five catches for 43 yards and no touchdowns.
The possibility of the Eagles pulling one of the biggest upsets in NFL history all came to halt with Feeley’s two crushing interceptions in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
It was ironic that the first Eagles possession resulted in Asante Samuel picking off Feeley’s pass and returning it 40 yards for a touchdown and their last possession was ruined by an interception by Sanders. However, what occurred between these two agonizing plays was something Eagles should commend themselves for. They came out on the field angry about the spread and they felt they had to quiet the critics.
Now let the controversy begin of who our starting quarterback will be next week if McNabb is healthy. If you weren‘t aboard the A.J. Feeley bandwagon last week after he was able bring the team a win after McNabb left the game injured with a score too close for comfort against the winless Dolphins, I’m sure you are now.
Even though many people are saying that a loss is a loss and the Eagles did not go into yesterday’s game hoping to only lose by a little, they still restored my faith as a true Philadelphia Eagles fan.
