The 2017 Eagles' script is one final scene shy of a perfect Hollywood ending. Avenging a previous Super Bowl loss to the villainous Patriots would be a fitting conclusion to a season filled with its share of drama. The good kind.
Sports these days are filled with drama. Take the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are in the midst of one of their annual sky-falling, finger-pointing, he-said, he-said, let's-all-blame-Kevin-Love, cover-your-ass production.
How about our in-state neighbors, the Steelers. They just fired their offensive coordinator, who prior to the playoffs got into a bar fight in Pittsburgh. Their star running back is threatening to sit out next season because of his contract status. Their quarterback, who questioned the team's discipline, is now defending his embattled coach.
Despite the success both of those organizations have had in the past, this is not the kind of drama you want.
We've seen plenty of the bad kind of drama up-close and personal. Chip Kelly, "the dream team," T.O. circa 2005, Eric Lindros and his parents vs. Bob Clarke, A.I. poom-poom pants, Andrew Bynum bowling for dollars.
This year's version of the Eagles have had their fair share of drama. The good kind. Like a quarterback in his second season lighting the league on fire? Or a coach who few truly believed in leading his team to within one game of the biggest win in franchise history? How about a group of players undaunted all season by massive injuries? Or a team that totally encompasses that word that, despite having tied for the best record in football and owning home-field advantage, will be an underdog in every postseason game they play? Two down, one to go.
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There have been singular moments. Carson Wentz inexplicably escaping a pile of massive human beings and scampering for a big gain. Chris Long's strip sack in L.A. which led to backup Nick Foles driving his team down the field for a game-winning field goal in a game that more than likely got them that home-field advantage. Or rookie Jake Elliott nailing a 61-yard game-winning field goal. Doug Pederson defiantly telling the assembled media that despite losing his star quarterback, that his team will be fine. Foles pulling a "Wentz" and staying alive in the pocket long enough to connect with Alshon Jeffery on a 53-yard touchdown strike in an NFC Championship Game.
There were many detours and potholes that could have flattened the Eagles' tires along the way but they never let it happen. The head coach and the character players in this locker room did not allow it. Instead, it's been a joyride filled with memorable moments.
You couldn't write, produce, or act out this kind of quality drama. Or maybe you can.
