* The day has finally arrived. The Eagles are playing today at the Linc, taking on the visiting Atlanta Falcons in a divisional playoff game.
It's cold and windy outside, a perfect setting for the Eagles. Chances are QB Matt Ryan will try to throw the ball more than Nick Foles. Passing will be a challenge for both quarterbacks this afternoon, especially because of the windy conditions. Foles' game is short, quick throws, so he might not be as effected as Ryan may be.
Atlanta has never played well in Philadelphia. They are a dome team playing in cold conditions. The Falcons, when not in the dome, play a lot of their games in warmer climates, being in the NFC South.
Add to that 70,000 insulted, angry Eagle fans, who have been disrespected by so-called football experts, the media and even Las Vegas. The fans need to be loud and vocal and wild, supporting the team all afternoon, not getting down on them or booing even if things don't go well.
A team plays 16 games in the regular season to get into the postseason and to gain home field advantage. So it does mean something. The fans have been waiting for another shot at the playoffs for years. Today could be the first step to the Super Bowl in Minnesota.
Sure, the players need to perform, limit turnovers and be confident. But I also feel emotion will play a big part today. I can easily see the fans and the team being more motivated and emotional today then even next week for the NFC Championship game.
Atlanta doesn't score touchdowns. They have been hot and cold this year. They played well in Los Angeles last week, but the young Rams also played tight in the hot spotlight of the postseason.I think the Falcons may still have a negative hangover from blowing a 25-point lead in the second half of the Super Bowl last February.
An Eagle win is on tap today, 20-17. Would it be great if the Eagles came out, riding high on emotion, and bury Atlanta by several TDs? Yes. Imagine what it would do for the confidence of Foles and the team. The fans could exhale and feel better about the championship game next Sunday. But a win is a win, no matter how it's achieved. Win and you move on. Lose and you go home.
Fate and Destiny have been friends of these Eagles all year. It's time to write a new and special chapter in the history of Eagles football. It begins today at 4:35.
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Legendary sports announcer Keith Jackson died last night at the age of 89. Jackson did a lot of sports, including the Olympics and baseball playoffs, but Jackson will always be remembered for Saturday afternoons in the fall, calling college football games.
Jackson was the first lead announcer of Monday Night Football. But college football was his niche. You knew it was a really big game when Keith Jackson did the game.
One of his catchphrases was "Whoa, Nelly!" He was simply the best. He is another golden voice form a special sports era that has passed away, as another legend, Dick Enberg, died recently. Guys like Jackson were memorable, who didn't go out of his way to be outrageous to gain popularity. Nowadays, sports announcers try to be loud and sometimes obnoxious ( Stephen A. Smith). Jackson was always a professional and got his point across without being a clown.
College football will go on, but there will never be another announcer like Keith Jackson.
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