Typically, opening as a 2 1/2-point home underdog in the divisional round of the playoffs, despite being the conference’s top seed, does not evoke widespread frolicking and jubilation along the hedgerows and garden paths of your average NFL village.
But the Eagles’ situation is atypical.
With Carson Wentz on crutches and Nick Foles’ shaky hand grasping the controls of what had been the league’s most prolific offense, Eagles fans entered the wild-card weekend searching for a shred of hope, a glimmer of light amid winter’s dark chill. And late on a bitter-cold Saturday evening, the universe gave them one: the Atlanta Falcons’ 26-13 upset victory over the host Los Angeles Rams.