Philadelphia Eagles Control Their Own Destiny with Just Three Games to Go

The Philadelphia Eagles are doing it again.

Left for dead after a Week 12 thumping at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens, the Eagles are back in the thick of the playoff race.

Thanks to a balanced offense and improved play from the defense, the Eagles are on a two-game winning streak with three games left to play. For Eagles fans, the finale to this season is reminiscent of the 2006 season, when Jeff Garcia helped pilot the team to a 10-6 record and the playoffs.

Brian Dawkins agrees.

"I think the feeling is the same. The confidence level is the same. We are believing in what we can do as a unit," the All-Pro free safety said Thursday. "You have a confidence that when you step on the field, you should win that game."

That confidence is going to need to go a long way if this team wants to get to the playoffs.

Right now, with the unusual record of 7-5-1, the Birds largely control their own destiny. If the Falcons lose one of their last three games and the Eagles win out, the Eagles are in and McNabb will see the postseason for the first time since Super Bowl XXXIX.

Getting there won't be easy. Two of the three remaining games are within the division. The Birds must face Washington on the road and Dallas at home to finish out the year. This will be no small feat, as Philadelphia is only 1-3 in the division this season.

Oh yeah, and the Eagles play the Browns on Monday night. Or something.

The Eagles have a habit of playing their best ball in December. Since 2003, the Eagles are 17-7 in the final month of the season. To Dawkins, getting hot at the end of the season is all about character and confidence.

"The character we have in that locker room, that desire—that's something that Andy [Reid] always preaches about this time of year." Dawkins said. "This is where you separate yourself. We understand the significance of this time, also."