|
|
|
![]() |
|
![]() ![]() |
PhiladelphiaEagles.com
» Features
» Season Rewind Cowboys
|
|
|
|
With the inconsistency of the Eagles' offense in 2007, it is no surprise that it was the defense that stepped up and secured the team's signature win of the season, a 10-6 victory over the 12-1 Dallas Cowboys. How the Eagles did it, on the other hand, is slightly more surprising.
As stout as the defense had been all year, entering the game in Dallas, Jim Johnson's unit had struggled mightily to create turnovers. But the defense shocked the Cowboys faithful by intercepting quarterback Tony Romo three times.
Romo never got going against Philadelphia, and though Donovan McNabb looked as healthy as he had all season and completed 23 of 41 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown, the Eagles offense also struggled to get moving against a swarming Dallas defense. The first quarter featured five punts and one missed field goal by David Akers. Dallas kicker Nick Folk eventually broke the tie midway through the second quarter with a 33-yard field goal that Philadelphia gift-wrapped. After Romo drove Dallas down the field, he was picked off in the end zone for the first time by Quintin Mikell, who subsequently fumbled after being popped on the return. Romo had dodged a bullet, but the next time he threw an interception, he wouldn't be so lucky. On the Cowboys' next possession, Romo threw in the direction of Terrell Owens along the right sideline, but Lito Sheppard jumped the route and gave Philadelphia excellent field position at the Dallas 49-yard line. McNabb, who ran for 53 yards on the day, eventually cashed it in on a 1-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Brown that proved to be - surprisingly enough - the game-winning score. From there, the teams traded field goals, and Romo threw one more interception to Brian Dawkins, and Brian Westbrook memorably took a knee at the Dallas 1-yard line - instead of scoring a sure touchdown - so the Eagles could run out the clock. It was an unselfish play from an unselfish player, and it was also the signature play of Philadelphia's signature win in 2007. - JUSTIN KUNKEL
|
|
|