Timmy Jernigan jogged over to his quarterback during warmups. He knew Nick Foles didn’t need any advice, motivation or even a reminder, but the defensive end wanted to give him one last message. Play the play, Jernigan whispered to him. I don't care what happens, if the worst happens, we will always get you the ball back. Every time you come off the field, we’re going to try to make [the drive] three plays and be right back so you got a fresh start.
Foles nodded and dapped him up. And then he went right ahead in taking care of business for the Eagles, leading a crucial touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter that was just enough to steal a 16–15 wild-card round win at Chicago, against a Bears team that had won nine of its last ten games and fell short of a victory because of a missed field goal—a rare double-boink.