LeSean McCoy set a new franchise record for rushing yards in a single game with 217 in the Eagles' 34-20 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. (Photo Courtesy of ESPN.com)
This one should silence all the critics.
The Philadelphia Eagles played what may have been their worst half of football this season in the first 30 minutes of the most crucial game. As Jeremy Ross returned a punt 58 yards for the Detroit Lions’ second score of the game, it appeared the game was iced over for the Eagles.
Leave it to this team, Chip Kelly’s very first Eagles team, to put them back on the road to victory.
The Eagles aren’t just on the road to victory. They are on their way to an NFC East title.
If there was one game the Eagles had to win to prove they were true contenders in the division and separate themselves from the pack, it was this game. Not only did they complete the challenge, they overcame serious adversity
The weather was a problem from the start. The team that hadn’t scored in the fourth quarter in four straight games faced a 14-0 deficit late in the third.
28 points fourth-quarter points later, following a dominant second half and a 34-20 win, how can you not believe?
Look at what the Lions were limited to, despite the weather. Matthew Stafford threw for a career-worst 40 percent completion rate. Calvin Johnson, Megatron himself, was held to just three catches for 49 yards.
If not for Joique Bell, the Lions may not have had an offense. Bell was responsible for 127 of the team’s 228 total yards. Even Ross, who scored two of the Lions three touchdowns, finished with 243 total yards on returns alone.
If there was anything that could be rewarded and acknowledged, it was the Eagles resiliency once again. Nick Foles threw an interception early. He was just 4-for-10 through the first half with a passer rating of 10. By the end of the game, he was 11-for-22 for 179 yards and one touchdown. His passer rating increased to 73.9 by game’s end.
The star of the game was LeSean McCoy. With just 51 yards in the first half, McCoy finished with 217 yards on the ground against the NFL’s third-best rush defense, setting a new franchise record. He added two touchdowns on masterful 40- and 57-yard touchdown runs.
McCoy's big day was as much a testament to his skill as it was the offensive line, with Jason Peters, Jason Kelce and Todd Herremans playing their best collective game of the season without a doubt.
With five minutes remaining in the third quarter, it all looked bleak for the Eagles. A game that many thought would be a shootout was out the window when Mother Nature took over. And the honest thought was that the Eagles playoff hopes may end by losing this game, not by fault of Kelly or Foles or McCoy but Mother Nature.
But the Eagles answered the call. They rallied back, something many wanted to see from Foles. Kelly’s playcalling adjusted as the game wore on. And through it all, the Eagles only turned the ball over once. The Lions barely had rhythm in the game and committed three turnovers.
The three turnovers were a testament to the defense, who continued to limit the opposition and make key stops.
The Eagles won the game for the same reason they won the previous four weeks, good offense, good defense and winning the turnover battle. It happened again, but it was hardly the way anyone expected.
Regardless, this is where the Eagles separated themselves. If this team can win in the midst of a snowstorm against one of the NFL’s top offenses and defenses, surely they can beat the Dallas Cowboys in a winner-take-all. The same principles apply. Cause trouble on defense, execute on offense, protect the football.
Perhaps the best part of this is how poised the team looks. With three games remaining, the Eagles have the Minnesota Vikings on the road, the Chicago Bears at home and the Cowboys on the road. They might just have the potential to win them all. Again, if they could win in this, they might be able to win in anything.
Anyone remember when this was supposed to be a rebuilding year? Scratch that. Your team is 8-5, Eagles fans. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Look for his Game Preview and recap every Sunday. Follow him on twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
