Eagles-Broncos: Three Factors from Philadelphia's Win Over Denver

In a game that ended up being a lot closer than it should have been, Philadelphia Eagles came through with a field goal with just a few seconds left">the Philadelphia Eagles came through with a field goal with just a few seconds left to spoil Brian Dawkins' homecoming in a 30-27 win over the Denver Broncos.

With the win, the Eagles not only kept their playoff hopes alive, but still have a chance at the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the postseason thanks to the Chicago Bears win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Eagles lose 17-point lead in second half

After Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Donovan McNabb halfway through the third quarter to make it a 27-10 game, Philadelphia seemed to be well on their way to a sixth-straight win. That was until Denver received a second life.

The Broncos went on to score 17 unanswered points after kicker Matt Prater tied the game on a 46-yard field goal with just over six minutes left to play. All of a sudden, the Eagles were on the verge of losing for the first time since Week 10.

Thanks to terrific foot work on a 27-yard reception by Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in what ended up being the game-winning drive, Philadelphia still has a chance of receiving a first-round bye in the postseason.

The inconsistency and collapse by the Eagles' offense

When the Eagles jumped out to a 27-10 lead after Avant's 15-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter, their offense seemed to be unstoppable against the Broncos' defense. Unfortunately, the offense suffered a similar collapse to the one against the Washington Redskins in Week 12.

Towards the end of the third quarter, the Eagles' offense failed to get anything going against the Broncos' defense. Four straight drives consisted of three-and-outs with McNabb finishing 1-of-5 for seven yards and getting sacked twice.

Lucky for them, the offense snapped out of their late funk and showed up when it mattered the most on the final drive to set up the game-winning field goal by Akers from 28 yards out. However, the Eagles offense needs to be consistent throughout the entire game if they have any chance of winning in Dallas next weekend.

The Return of Weapon X: Brian Dawkins

When Dawkins signed with the Broncos last March, was the one date Eagles fans had circled as the one game they could not wait to see this season. They realized how emotional it would be for the 68,000+ on hand at Lincoln Financial Field to see the return of a player who bled green and played his heart out for Philadelphia the last 13 years.

At the end of the day, Philadelphia could have not asked for a better outcome in what could end up being the last game Dawkins plays at Lincoln Financial Field. Not only did the Eagles come through with the win, but Dawkins managed to have an impressive performance for the Broncos, leading the team with seven tackles in the game.

He also received a well-deserved standing ovation as he was introduced at the beginning of the game.

Many imagined numerous scenarios for Dawkins in his return against the Eagles. What if he laid-out DeSean Jackson? What if he picked off McNabb? Lucky for the Eagles, he was able to have a solid game without any of the above happening.

Dan Parzych Is the Eagles Fan Voice for NFLTouchdown.com

He is also the founder of the new NFCEastFootball.com