The Eagles are in the NFC Championship Game for the sixth time in 17 years. They have only won one of those games, back in 2004. But it's a testament to the Eagles organization that they are reached the NFC Championship so often in such a limited time.
Sunday night the Birds are at home to face the Minnesota Viking for the right to go to Super Bowl LII on February 4th. Philly is a 3 1/2 point underdog, but what else is new/ Since Carson. Wentz was hurt against the Rams in December, the Birds have been underdogs Disrespected by Vegas, the national and local media and so-called football experts, the Eagles are relishing in their role of underdogs.
Philadelphia is the ultimate underdog city, the blue-collar place where Rocky lived and fought. It makes sense that the Eagles would be underdogs, despite their No. 1 seed and having home field advantage. Philly teams have always played better when least expected, not when they are favorites. It also makes victory that much sweeter, knowing it was hard earned.
Minnesota won last week on a miracle, fluky play. Granted, they had to make that play, and wide receiver Stefan Diggs had to catch the Case Kennum pass. How he avoided stepping out of bounds is a miracle. In reality, the Saints should be at the Linc this Sunday night. But their safety, Marcus Williams, blew the final play and new Orleans sits at home.
Turnovers will again be key, and the Eagles can't afford to be 0-2 in the giveaway department and expect to win. They need to rely on their running games, stick with the short, quick passes from Foles, and the defense needs to remain solid and force Kennum into mistakes.
Foles can't be afraid to push the ball down the field. If he can take the top off in a ball control, field position game, go for it. One or two big plays may make the difference in the end.
The fans need to be loud, even louder than last week, if possible. Once again, they need to support the team, even through the predictable ebb and flow of a tight, low-scoring contest.
I feared the Falcon offense more last week, yet this Sunday the Viking defense may make the difference. I still can't believe it's Nick Foles vs. Case Kennum in the NFC Championship Game, but it is what it is, and even though Kennum has had a surprising year, Foles' overall body of work should be considered, especially in big games.
Getting ahead will also be important. Make Minnesota play catch-up so Kennum needs to throw the ball and our defensive line can pressure him.
We've talked about the statistics all week. Minnesota is 0-3 all-time against the Eagles in playoff games; Minnesota lost three games all season. Two of the games were on the road, on grass and in outdoor stadiums, as will be the case Sunday night.
Then we can talk about the Eagles being a team of destiny. They defeated Atlanta and Minnesota in the 2004 playoffs, on the way top the Super Bowl match-up with New England, the same clubs they are playing this year. It's the Chinese Year of the Dog, and there will be thousands of dog masks and dog t-shirts in the crowd on Sunday. And, other than the Dallas game, when Foles only played a quarter, he is undefeated as Eagle quarterback after Wentz was injured.
If there is a blow-out, it would be on the Eagles' side, with the rush of the hyped-up fans combined with an emotional letdown by Minnesota after their unbelievable last-second win over the Saints. But i think it's going to be close all the way. Both teams didn't come this far to blow it. They will play conservative and wait for the other team to make the fatal mistake.
I've been 17-0 picking Eagle games this season, picking the wins and the losses. I say Eagles 20 Vikings 17. It's a pick form the heart, but it's also with logic.No matter how well Minnesota has played, I just can't see them coming into Lincoln Financial Field and beating the Birds in front of 70,000 passionate fans, outdoors, and winning the NFC championship. I just can't see it happening.
Eagles 20 Vikings 17.
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