PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES, FLYERS, SIXERS

* File away the away game next season for the Eagles when they play Jacksonville. The Jaguars always have at least one game in London every season, basically because they don't sell out in Jacksonville. The Eagles are only one of six teams never to have played in England, so I wouldn't be surprised to hear That the Birds will play the Jags mid-season next fall in London ( especially if Wentz is healthy and the team reaches the Super Bowl this year).

* Don't discount the advantage of having home field all the way through the playoffs. First, the three possible teams to play the Eagles on January 13- the Saints, Falcons and Panthers- all have losing or average  records on the road this season Dome teams have a distinct disadvantage in the cold weather Warm weather teams, like the Rams, play and practice in ideal 75 degrees, then need to perform in icy, windy 25 degrees ( after flying cross country, battling the time change).

Every opposing team can may invade the Linc in the next few weeks all have their flaws. With Wentz, the Birds would've been prohibitive favorites to reach the Super Bowl. Without Wentz, the ledger is more even, despite home field advantage, with 67,000 rabid fans cheering on the Birds.

I know many fans are discouraged by the play of Foles and the team the last few weeks. But keep the faith. We would've given anything before the season to be in this position- two games away from the Super Bowl, both games in Philadelphia. Defense and a solid game are keys to victory in winter weather. The Eagles have both. They need to limit the turnovers. force take-aways out their own, control the clock and play smart football to win.

In 2004, the Eagles went to the Super Bowl without star receiver Terrell Owens.They lost their final two regular season games to finish 13-3, then went on  to sweep the NFC playoffs and face New England in the Super Bowl. T.O. was a key offensive weapon 14 years ago. Maybe he wasn't as important as an MVP-type quarterback like Wentz, but it was still a big blow. Yet I don't remember the fan base being so down on the team's chances as they are now.

The fans will need to come up big on January 13. The weather may help, but if the fans come into the game not enthusiastic and sulking the loss of Wentz, home field advantage suddenly disappears.

It's easy to support the team when things are going  good. The real test between a true, loyal fan and a bandwagon fan is what happens when adversity hits. If the players aren't giving up, why should the fans quit?

The victory will only be sweeter if adversity is overcome and the fans stick with the Eagles.

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The Flyers return to action tonight at the Wells Fargo Center against rival Pittsburgh Penguins. The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions come to Philly to face a Flyer team they defeated earlier in the season. Time for the Orange and Black to step up, especially against a hated rival like the Pens.

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Meanwhile, the 17-19 Sixers  are home Wednesday night , hosting the San Antonio Spurs. Also time for the 76'ers to step up and get back into playoff contention. The team has won two in a row, both road games, and looks to continue their winning ways. Look for Joel Embiid to play against the always-tough Spurs.