It's going to be an old-school NFC East clashing in Big D.


Because of Minnesota's loss to the Chicago Bears in overtime on Monday Night Football, the Eagles have a chance this Sunday to not only wrap up the NFC East, but to steal the No. 2 seed and not have to worry about playing Wild Card Weekend.

This is what it's about. This is where we see what kind of team this 2009 Eagles team really is. Are they a team that can win when there's not a whole lot on the line, but crumble under the pressure? Or, are they a team that will step up when the time comes and take something that they need or want?

Personally, I believe that this team has shown up when they have to. Whether it be playing tough to clinch a playoff berth or simply playing tough in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter to complete the comeback.

This, to me, looks like a team that is sick and tired of hearing all the whispers. They're done hearing about what a good team they could be if they just did this, or they just did that. They've had their ups and downs, but this could be the very best team the Philadelphia Eagles have put on the field since their last championship in 1960.

But, let's not get ahead of ourselves. There is still a game to be played against a very good Dallas team that -- to the misfortune of Philly fans -- have finally found a way to win in December.

But this isn't a December game. It's January and it's for all the marbles. Unlike the Birds, the Cowboys don't seem to have that killer mentality to do what is needed in order to win a game.

They beat the Saints, but I've been saying since day one that a hard-nosed running team like Dallas could beat them. It's impressive knock off an unbeaten, but in this case I don't think the Saints' record reflected them as a football team.

Either way, this is going to be a clash of NFC East opponents both looking to take back the divisional crown and gain some footing heading into the playoffs. Look for this game to be hard-hitting, crowd-pleasing, and a back and forth bout that could rival last year's showdown in Week Two.

Want a prediction? Here you go: Eagles will win in the last two minutes of the game on a Donovan McNabb-Brent Celek connection. The Cowboys will get the ball back, and Tony Romo will force a pass into coverage, being intercepted by Sheldon Brown.

Eagles win 27-24.