KRTAndrew Matysik
assistant sports editor
ajm722@cabrini.edu
Philadelphia Eagles fans have yet to snap out of their euphoric Super Bowl daze since the NFC championship victory over the Atlanta Falcons. It would be hard to argue that the Eagles organization and loyal supporters don’t deserve the trip to Jacksonville, Fla.
After three unsuccessful Super Bowl attempts in just as many seasons, the Eagles finally broke through the curse. On Feb. 6, they will play in their first Super Bowl in 24 years.
The present season has been nothing short of magical. With a record of 13-3, the Eagles saw very few bumps throughout the regular season. The birds had a mid-season scare when they took a spanking from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This particular loss put the spotlight on our inability to stop other running backs. However, the Eagles defense gradually improved in this area. Tenacious defenders Jeremiah Trotter, Jevon Kearse and Brian Dawkins lifted the bone-crushing midnight-green defensive-unit back up to a higher rating.
The Eagles finished the regular season with two insignificant losses that were due to Head Coach Andy Reid’s decision not to play his starters. This choice was a tactical move to preserve the health of Reid’s valued players.
Before the Eagles could squeak out of the season with no serious injuries, superstar Terrell Owens went down. He suffered a severe ankle injury that would stop him from playing in all playoff games and possibly the Super Bowl. The injury of “T.O.” would send shock waves of anxiety to all involved-in and supporting the Eagles organization.
There was speculation of how the Eagles would perform without their star wide receiver Terrell Owens.
Dr. Margaret McGuinness, religious professor, still had a positive outlook after Owens injury. “Mcnabb got injured last year and we still made it pretty far. I hope that T.O. can play, but if not I think we’ll still win.” Andrew Randoph, sophomore English and communication major, agrees feeling that the Eagles can overcome their struggles and make the best of their situation.
Paul Archambaolt, senior history major, did not share in their optimism. “I thought they were going to lose after T.O got injured,” Archambaol said.
Quarterback Donovan McNabb put the doubts to rest and reminded the fans of why he is the leader and most valuable player on the team.
In the NFC East championship game, the Eagles were set to face the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings, led by quarterback Dante Culpepper and wide receiver Randy Moss, had a very impressive offensive system. However, the Eagles defense stifled Culpepper and made Moss virtually non-existent.
The game was an obvious victory after a miracle-play occurred for the Eagles. A short pass was thrown to tight-end L.J. Smith. Smith pounded his way towards the end zone until he was cracked by a Viking defender. The ball miraculously popped out of Smith’s possession into the air where it would be recovered by Eagles wide receiver Freddie Mitchell for a touch down.
It is widely known among Eagles fans that miracle-plays such as the Freddie Mitchell touchdown do not happen to the Eagles. This play helped the Eagles gain confidence and the utmost support of their fans. Also it made the fans believe that luck is on their side. The following game, against the Atlanta Falcons, was a comfortable win and an exciting ticket to Super Bowl.
However, team leaders know that the job is not done and there will be no feeling of satisfaction until a Super Bowl ring is acquired. As for Terrell Owens, he said he will play on Super Bowl Sunday. Eagles fans hope this is true but he must gain clearance from Head Coach Andy Reid.
