Despite 3-1 Record, Have the Eagles Really Been "Tested" In '09?

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As I was driving in my car late Sunday afternoon (stuck in traffic from my day trip back from Media, PA), I was listening to one of many Philadelphia Eagles postgame shows on one of the local radio stations. Most of the topic of discussion was regarding the Birds latest 33-14 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lincoln Financial Field.

On paper, the Eagles had every reason to believe they would have little trouble getting by the now 0-5 Buccaneers. In their three wins this season (Panthers, Chiefs, and Bucs), the opponents have a combined record of 1-13. Does this mean the Eagles have yet to be truly tested in 2009?

While listening to the postgame show, one listener called in and stated the Eagles and their fans have nothing to be excited about, despite the team’s 3-1 record. He claimed there’s no reason for excitement and the Eagles have yet to prove themselves so far in 2009 since their three wins came against teams that are at the bottom of the standings in each of their divisions. Should we find this statement true?

To be honest, the Eagles have proved themselves in 2009, even if their three wins have come from three teams with a combined one win this season.

There is a popular saying in the NFL that on any given Sunday, any underdog has the possibility to pull the unthinkable and finish the game with a victory. The Eagles may have been favored to defeat teams such as the Panthers, Chiefs, and Buccaneers, but last season is a perfect example of how the Eagles could have lost either one of these games this season.

Last season, the 5-4 Eagles traveled to Paul Brown Stadium as heavy favorites to the 1-8 Cincinnati Bengals. With a high-powered offense and a bone-crushing defense going against a Bengals team without their star quarterback in Carson Palmer, there was every reason to believe the Eagles would have no trouble leaving the jungle with a win.

Instead, the Eagles and Bengals finished with a 13-13 tie, the first one in the NFL in four years.

The Eagles-Bengals tie is a perfect example of why the Birds have proven themselves so far in 2009. They may have defeated three teams who have struggled so far this season, but the Eagles still needed to show up and perform well enough to win each time.

For those who think the Eagles have yet to prove anything in 2009, just be glad they were able to pull out the victory each week. After an upcoming game against the Oakland Raiders, the Eagles have three tough matchups in a row against each of their NFC East division rivals (Redskins, Giants, and Cowboys).

The Eagles may have been fortunate enough to play against three struggling teams during their first four games of the 2009 season, but they will be heavily tested over the next couple of weeks on whether or not they really are contenders in the NFC.

Dan Parzych Is the Eagles Fan Voice for NFLTouchdown.com