PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- EAGLES

* All-Eagles, all the time this week. Only four days til the NFC Championship Game..

* Key figures in Sunday's big game vs Minnesota...

- Doug Pederson-

He called a great game against Atlanta. He was aggressive but not stupid. He needs to coach smart again, use Foles' strengths and not turtle-up in the biggest game of his life. Pederson had a great game-plan last week against the Falcons. I trust Doug now and know he will be OK on Sunday night.

- Nick Foles-

Do what he did last weekend. Hopefully Foles will be more comfortable from the start. Take care of the ball and don't do anything stupid. Don't give the Vikings a short field with a turnover. Stay confident and push the ball downfield.

- Eagles' Special teams-

Stop  with the turnovers. Catch punts cleanly. It would be nice to break a kickoff or punt for a change, but most importantly, don't muff or fumble a kick. Make field goals, Jake Elliot, and don't miss extra points. Donnie Jones, keep getting your punts off and pin  Minnesota inside their 20-yard line when given the chance. Defense and field position will be important on Sunday night, so Jones could be a key player.

- Fletcher Cox-

You played a terrific game last week against Atlanta. Keep the pressure on  Viking quarterback Case Keenum. Force him into mistakes. Get sacks and hurries. Stop the Minnesota run-game. Dominate the offensive line and take control of the game.

- Jay Ajayi-

Be the bell-weather running back again this week. Don't fumble. Keep the chains moving. Get huge chunks of yardage on first down to make third down easier for Foles. Along with Blount and Clente, control the ball and time of possession. Slow the game down, keep the clock running and rely on the defense to grind out an ugly, NFC East-type January victory.
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* Eagles' spirit is amazing. I was at the supermarket yesterday. I wore my kelly green Eagles old school cap. Strangers saw me in the aisles and said "Go Birds!" or commented on the team and their fortune this week. Green Eagle balloons with the Bird logo, along with green and white frosted cupcakes are on display in the store. Parties will be happening on Sunday, yet things are gearing up for Sunday even four days out.

Having a championship run like our Eagles are experiencing makes everyone feel good. People smile, even those who are not really football fans. It's almost like Christmas again, with folks having a pep in their step and warm feelings abounding. Even strangers have a common goal and have something to look forward to. Doesn't matter your race, religion, gender. Everyone comes together. It's fun, and a break from the routine of everyday life.

The spirit is high now- imagine the feeling if/when the Eagles reach the Super bowl in two weeks. The hype will be incredible around here.  Fans will have two agonizing weeks to prepare, plan parties and talk football.

We can only dream of the parade the following week.