Alive and Kicking

Few saw this coming. Particularly those who wear green and silver jerseys all year round. Even I was down on the fact that the Eagles were 5-6, teetering on the brink of missing the post-season for the second straight year.

As most recall last season, there was a certain team that maintains on a residence on the awful side of the Keystone State that made it into the playoffs riding a hot streak of victories. There is no reason why the Eagles cannot do that as well, especially after their impressive victory over the Giants yesterday.

The reasons are many. The offense is clicking and potent. There are no Torrance Smalls or Darnell Autreys on this team. There is a potential all-Pro back named Brian Westbrook, who eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark for the first time in his career. He has also stepped up as the vocal leader of this team after #5 went down only a month ago.

Jeff Garcia has resurrected his career in a Rich Gannon-like manner. Each week he becomes more comfortable in an offense he has played under for years. He is efficient and has rarely made mistakes since performing under center. Mr. Garcia was shunned at first by the collective Philadelphia community, but his resilience has won them over. His bloodied hand, which reminded me of Curt Schilling's bloodied sock performance in Game 6 in 2004 against the Yankees, epitomizes his ability to get battered around, but never stay down.

The defense has showed signs of improvement. Turnovers have played a huge part in the last three games the Eagles have won. And one player in particular has had a hand in many of them.

Brian Dawkins, a player who will go down in Eagles lore as the team's greatest safety, has been stunning in performance this season. The kinds of plays he has been making are beyond words. He seems to be willing the defense to improve their play by taking over the game. Against the Redskins, he had a huge pass breakup on third and long to prevent a drive from continuing. His sack of Jason Campbell made the 'Skins settle for a field goal rather than a touchdown, which proved to be the final points the Redskins would notch and sealed an Eagles victory.

Tonight, Dawkins seemed to be everywhere. He had 12 tackles, but more importantly, had a hand in 3 turnovers. He forced two fumbles, that were pivotal in halting two Giants drives. He also came up with an interception that resulted from Eli Manning firing the ball off of Mike Patterson's helmet. On the ensuing offensive drive, the Eagles scored a touchdown. "I look forward to this," said Dawkins. "I'm having a ball. Having to make plays or standing up in these times, I'm happy that I'm making those plays. " A phenomenal performance to say the least.

And now, the Eagles venture to the old West to take on their bitter rivals the Dallas Cowboys. Their playoff destiny is in their hands. They can take control of the division with a win next week and potentially win it if they follow suit in the home finale against Atlanta.

Such an idea is entirely within reach as long as the offense continues to put up point and maintain an edge in the time of possession. Apparently running the ball may have a larger part in the Eagles game plan in the coming weeks.

The defense also has to do its part as it benefits from the offense staying on the field. It has been a long time since they put together such a solid, all-around effort. The defense came up huge with turnovers, limited big plays, and most importantly, stopped the run. It was the first time since Week 6 that the Eagles did not let up more than 100 yards rushing.

If this is the kind of play that can be expected in the next two weeks, the Eagles will be rolling into the playoffs with some serious momentum. It is quite a turn of events, considering the situation a month ago. But like most Eagles fans, it was a most welcome surprise, with the thoughts of playoff football back on their minds.

Here's to putting on hold the Countdown to When Pitchers and Catchers Report.