Still an Overall Positive Feeling for Eagles After Loss to Cowboys

There are plenty of things that happened in Monday Night's game for the Eagles that fans can be disappointed with.

The defense cannot cover a tight end right now. It gave up 41 points. Although I hate to say it, Brian Dawkins might be losing a couple steps. And let's not forget losing because of a botched hand-off.

However, going into the game, if you asked Eagles fans what they really wanted to see, most would have told you they wanted to see if the Birds could stick with the Boys. In this writer's opinion, mission accomplished.

The bottom line is that the Eagles probably go on and win that game, despite giving up 41 points, if McNabb does not fake himself out with the double clutch hand-off. To that point, the offense was having its way with what is supposed to be a stout Dallas defense.

You have to believe the Eagles would have at least got three points out of that drive and went up by 10 without a great deal of time to play. And in the NFL, when a team is down double-digits late in the fourth quarter, they become a little more predictable.

So what does this all mean? It means the Eagles went on the road and took what is considered by many to be the favorites in the NFC to the end. Yes, they gave up 41 points. But they scored 37.

Donovan McNabb is looking like his old self. Rookie wideout DeSean Jackson, despite the mental lapse at the 1-yard line, looks to be the real deal. And Brian Westbrook is, well, Brian Westbrook.

Although it is only Week Two, it seems that the Eagles are going to be there in the end. It does not look like another season ending without a playoff birth, barring injury.

And keep one thing in mind: These two teams meet again Dec. 28 at the Linc, in a game that could mean a division title. Stay tuned.