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ARLINGTON, TX -- **Jeffrey Lurie said the experience on Sunday night was "nerve-racking," as the Eagles held on to defeat the Dallas Cowboys 24-22 and win the NFC East title and clinch a playoff spot, the 12th time in Lurie's 19 years as the team's owner that the Eagles have reached the postseason.
"A big win tonight, winning the division in Chip's (Kelly, head coach) first year, but we've got a long way to go. Great feeling tonight and we'll celebrate on the plane ride home and then get ready for New Orleans on Saturday night," said Lurie.
It's been a wiild to 10 wins for the Eagles in 2013, a journey that began shortly after the Eagles finished 2012 4-12 and the tenure of head coach Andy Reid ended. Lurie, the team's Chariman and CEO, along with team president Don Smolenski and general manager Howie Roseman, began their search for a new head coach.
They found Kelly, the superstar who transformed Oregon into a national powerhouse on the collegiate level, and together the organization has gone from worst to first in the NFC East in a single seasonn.
Now the reward: Saturday night's game against New Orleans at Lincoln Financial Field.
"It's going to be rocking and off the charts," said Lurie. "It's a great group of people in this locker room. This locker room is as good as it gets in sports. I think that's a credit to the coaches, to the players. Amazing chemistry, incredible locker room.
"I know how excited the fans are. We're all excited. We have a big game on Saturday against a great Saints team, and we'll be ready to play.
"Tonight was extremely nerve-racking, which would be an understatement. I expected it to be this way. I did not expect an easy game. I have too much respect for Kyle Orton (Dallas quarterback). We've watched him over the years and he's a very effective quarterback, one of the best backups in the league. I expected him to keep it close. You just hope you can make some big plays and not turn the ball over too much, and that's what we accomplished."
