So, the Eagles are rested after their bye. They play at home Saturday in the playoff divisional game vs Atlanta. The Falcons are now a 3 point favorite. It's the first time a No.1 seed in the NFL playoffs is an underdog to a No. 6 seed. It's the ultimate sign of disrespect.
It's all about QB Nick Foles. Vegas, the media- both local and national- the so-called experts, even fans who bet on football, all don't believe in Foles. True, Carson Wentz was a MVP-caliber player this season. He is missed now more than ever, as thoughts of what could have been haunt us. But the Birds didn't get to where they are now- 13-3, NFC East champs, the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC-with Wentz alone. No, the Eagles are a good team, with a solid defense, a good ground game and top-notch weapons .Wentz had a great season, but there were games when Wentz wasn't at his best. Still, the Eagles won.
Foles has pride. He was a solid quarterback at the University of Arizona before turning pro. He has an incredible Pro Bowl season in 2013 when he threw 27 touchdown passes while only tossing two interceptions the entire year. He hasn't been the same since, but he hasn't played much. He's far from a bum, and if the Eagle coaches have tailored the game plan to his strengths, Foles can manage the game and limit turnovers.
Maybe Foles doesn't have to win the game on Saturday, but he can't lose the game.
The Birds have home field advantage, which will prove to be big, refuting the stupid column that local writer Mike Sielski wrote this week. The fans will be crazy, and even more frenzied by the lack of respect. These fans are hungry for a Super Bowl title. Saturday is the first step to that goal, and the Eagle fans will have a big part in the outcome.
The weather isn't forecast to be as nice as originally predicted. 50 degrees and dropping through out the afternoon into the evening. Not exactly dome atmosphere which Atlanta is used to playing in. Plus, the Falcons, after playing in Los Angeles last weekend, needed to travel again cross-country to get to Philadelphia.
Matt Ryan is a good, experienced quarterback. He is seasoned and has played in all kinds of weather and hostile situations. But he is only 1-3 all-time at the Linc.
Atlanta as a team is experienced, but let's not forget how they choked in the Super Bowl against New England, blowing a 28-3 lead in the second half.
The Eagles have a point to prove. The Falcons have been inconsistent all year. They don't score touchdowns. The Birds can keep it close, running the ball and playing tight defense.
Can motivation help Foles play better? If he and the team aren't pissed off by now they never will be. Don't be scared, play with confidence. Act like you are favorites. You are playing at home with 70,000 of your fans behind you. Use the "Us Against the World" motivation.
No one believed in the Eagles when they went to Carolina and won. Most forecasters predicted the Birds would go 8-8 at best in 2017. Coach Doug Pederson has been slammed yet is in the running for Coach of the Year honors. Even the owner, Jeff Luire, thought before the season began that the team was still in rebuilding mode.
The fans have to believe. Believe there will be an NFC championship game in Philadelphia next Sunday. Victory will be that much sweeter. don't give up now. The Birds have come too far, and who knows- even with Wentz in the future- if they will ever be in this position again.
I feel good when I predict: Eagles 20 Falcons 17
FLY EAGLES FLY1
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