As the 2004 NFC Championship Game approached, I felt the Eagles would win. Philadelphia led 20 to 10 over three quarters. During the break between the third and fourth, most of the Eagles raised their right arms and extended their index fingers. Just one more quarter until victory, the NFC Title, and the Super Bowl.
The final drive was one of the most electric moments in Eagles' history. Donovan McNabb and company took over with about eight minutes left at their own 30. The Atlanta's defense was tired since the offense hardly moved the ball in the second half. You could feel the confidence in both the crowd and the team. McNabb's short passes and Brian Westbrook's runs consumed both yardage and time. The clinching touchdown pass to Chad Lewis, his second of the day, put Lincoln Financial Field in orbit.
Philadelphia won 27 to 10. The Eagles were clearly the better ball club. After the euphoria, which lasted for about three hours, I realized the victory should have been much easier. Two defensive penalties in the first half and two Red Zone failures in the third quarter prevented a real blowout.
First Quarter-Dorsey Levens made that great gritty touchdown run to give Philadelphia a 7 to 0 lead. In the first series after the kickoff, Sheldon Brown intercepted a pass from Michael Vick and the Eagles had the ball at the Falcons 36. However, a holding penalty nullified the play, the Falcons moved downfield, and kicked a field goal. The defense did make a great Red Zone stand. Michael Lewis blocked a pass from Michael Vick and Hollis Thomas stopped Vick on a third down run on the Eagles two. The Eagles lead was down to four, 7 to 3.
Second Quarter-The Eagles went ahead 14 to 3 on a touchdown pass from McNabb to Chad Lewis. Once Again, Philadelphia stopped the Falcons on third down. However, a flag came flying in a questionable roughing the passer call. The Falcons retained possession, Vick completed a long pass to Alge Crumpler, and Warrick Dunn ran 11 yards for a touchdown. At the half, the Philadelphia Eagles led 14 to 10. I felt at least a 17 to 0 score was possible. Third and Fourth Quarter-Twice the Eagles had the ball inside the Falcons 10 and settled for field goals. Once after a good drive and another after an interception from Brian Dawkins.
Starting the final quarter, the Eagles led 20 to 10, still within the Falcons reach. The final drive sealed it. It would have been much easier to eliminate the penalties and score touchdowns in the third quarter. Any team should use reserves to the maximum extent possible; but this was a victory and a trip to the Super Bowl for the first time in 24 years.