Champions

They did it.  For the first time in 58 years, the Philadelphia Eagles are champions, beating the favored (and formidable) Patriots 41-33 yesterday evening (some photos and highlights).  Their season was amazing from start to finish, though they started as longshots to do anything.  Coming off two straight 7-9 campaigns, with a second year coach and quarterback, people viewed them as a squad with future promise but facing a long way to go.  They went that long way in a short time, and it all started in the offseason.

GM Howie Roseman did an amazing job bringing in weapons for offense and defense.  The WRs, RBs, and CBs in particular were bolstered by smart signings and trades.  The offense would score the third-most points in the league; the defense would allow the fourth-fewest.  What a combo.  They dominated throughout the year, going 13-3, often making it look easy.

This team was fun to watch.  They players looked like they genuinely enjoyed everything, and both offense and defense had some amusing (and well-choreographed) team celebrations.  Not to mention high-fives during the game.  They played as a team, with humility and deference to each other, and few superstars.  Each person stepped up when needed.

Foles and Wentz.  It took humility for both to succeed as they did

The story of the year was injuries.  Darren Sproles, Caleb Sturgis, Jason Peters, Chris Maragos, Jordan Hicks, and Carson Wentz all were lost for the season.  Most clubs would fold; the Eagles had a "next man up" philosophy that served them well and shocked the league.  Nobody would have expected, especially once Wentz went down, that they'd be able to sustain their success.  But they did.  Nick Foles went from uneven backup QB to Super Bowl MVP.  The coaching staff did an incredible job changing the offense mid-season to suit Foles' strengths- a leadership lesson indeed.

Some season highlights that will be fondly remembered:
- rookie Jake Elliott hitting a 61-yard FG to beat the New York Giants
- four wins by 27 points or more
- two away games (both in LA) that felt like home games due to the Eagles fan base there
- Wentz the escape artist
- the defense scoring two last-play TDs on turnovers after offenses tried 'razzle dazzle' plays
- scoring 38 unanswered points in the NFC Championship
- Nick Foles in the Super Bowl
- the humility of the players and coaches, several giving glory to God when interviewed after big victories
- the choreographed dance routines (examples above and below)

Fly Eagles Fly.  They even bowl well.