One More

Finally.

After four arduous years for both the Philadelphia Eagles and their loyal fans, the football team that never could get over the hump finally did just that.

After three consecutive losses in NFC title games, the Eagles have at last provided perpetually vexed Philly fans exactly what they were praying, screaming and living for. With a score of 27-10, the Eagles beat the Atlanta Falcons and secured the win that would send the city’s most beloved team to one of the biggest events in sports, the Super Bowl.

Conventional wisdom suggests that Philly fans are historically critical, fickle and unforgiving. They never gave up on their Iggles though, and can now bask in the collective glory of a ride down to Jacksonville, Fl., the site of Super Bowl XXXIX.

In 17-degree weather, with wind consistently blowing around 30 mph, a day after Philadelphia’s first major snowstorm of the year, it seemed as if an omen was flatly telling fans this was, once again, not their day. But alas, the sun began to shine, trucks started to plow, and those lucky enough to attend the game were able to swim in a sea of green and white.

Looking forward, the second biggest story behind an Eagles victory is the prospect of seeing star wide receiver Terrell Owens return to the field on Super Bowl Sunday. Owens was injured during the final weeks of the regular season with an ankle injury, and it seemed nearly out of the question that he would return. On Sunday, both Owens and coach Andy Reid appeared to fully expect to reactivate him, showing signs that Philadelphia’s luck may spin a total 180 degrees.

“Relief. Does that sum it up for you?” asked FOX football analyst Terry Bradshaw to Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb after the game.

“There’s no relief for me,” McNabb said. “We’ll have relief after the Super Bowl. We set a goal of winning the Super Bowl, not just the NFC. So that’s where I’m going. We’re excited, but we’re not done.”

If that’s what Donovan says, then the rest of the Eagles are sure to follow. Undoubtedly, the team will be towing a caravan of adoring fans that now, finally, have something they can truly cheer about.