The Perfect Christmas Gift

“Hey, Philadelphia. Merry Christmas!”

These words were uttered by Jeff Garcia, the “other” back-up in the NFC East Division. Tony Romo may be heading to the Pro Bowl, but the Eagles are soaring into the playoffs, possibly even a division title if (okay, when) they beat an erratic Atlanta team next weekend on New Year’s Eve. With a more balanced offense, an increasingly aggressive, but confident defense, the Eagles are making a case that they should still be considered the class of the NFC.

I will not lie. I hate, no despise the Dallas Cowboys. When I was growing up, all I ever witnessed was their domination of my football team because of the triumvirate of Aikman, Irvin, and Emmitt. We have been dominating them recently, with the exception of last season. The two victories this season, however, have carried much more weight due to the addition of Terrell Owens, now dubbed “Public Enemy #1” in all Philadelphians’ minds.

The first was an exorcism for Donovan McNabb, our beloved quarterback who once again is watching his football team from the stands thanks to a torn ACL in his knee. He proved once and for all that he is the star of the Eagles football team, not some loud-mouth, pass-dropping, O.D.ing wide receiver, who was held to just three catches in that contest. That win over Dallas in October signified, at the time, that the Eagles were back to their winning ways.

This second victory only emphasizes that fact after they had gone through a dreadful spell of losses, going 4-1 and dropping to 5-6. The Eagles were left for dead after the Indianapolis Colts dismantled them 42-21. Now, they’re back in the saddle again.

Their ability to control the game has been pivotal, particularly in the past two games where the running game has been established. Early in the season, Andy Reid was calling the plays as offensive coordinator and was constantly looking for the big play downfield. This gamble worked on occasion. The main problem with a quick-strike, big play offense is that it does not give the defense the opportunity to rest. And when points are not put up on the board, it puts even more pressure on the defense to make a play and stop the opposing team. Simply put, the defense was dead tired and was in no condition to stop the run.

Now, Marty Mornhinweg has taken the reins on offense and established a more balanced offense. The first drive of the game for the Eagles started on the 11 yard line. They marched 13 plays into the endzone. Such a drive may not have happened under the old offense with McNabb’s eyes always veering downfield. The “early” version of the Eagles never had a scoring drive that lasted more than 6 or 7 plays.

Now, they run the ball. Over 200 yards was amassed on the ground alone, thanks to Brian Westbrook, Correll Buckhalter, and scramblin’ Jeff Garcia. Running the ball runs the clock out and keeps the defense on the field. More importantly, it also keeps the Eagles defense off of it.

The run defense was able to step up for the second consecutive week. They only allowed 83 yards rushing and had one of the most impressive goal-line stands in recent memory. When you consider that Marion Barber, the Cowboys’ second-tier running back, has 14 times out the 28 touches he has had within the 10-yard line, he is almost a sure thing to score. Almost. Parcells went to Barber three times, and the Eagles defense turned him away just as many.

Playing such sound run defense made Romo rely more on the pass, which plays right into defensive coordinator Jim Johnson’s hands. His dynamic array of blitzes and pressure schemes forced the Dallas quarterback to either throw the ball away or into coverage, which resulted into two interceptions. Romo was never comfortable in the pocket as he was hurried, hit, and sacked all night. He didn’t look like the Pro Bowl quarterback, at least for one night.

Run offense and run defense made for quite a victory to regain the top spot in the NFC East.

It also made for a fitting gift for these tortured souls in Philadelphia.

Merry Christmas, indeed!