[2022] Eagles Clinch Playoffs

[SageBow]

 

East Rutherford, NJ

The Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) travelled to their rival New York Giants (9-7) and silenced a raucous home crowd to walk out with a 28-13 victory. Star QB Aaron Pool accounted for all 4 touchdowns as the Eagles clinched a spot into the playoffs. Pool finished with 300 yards and 4 TDs through the air, adding another 31 yards on the ground. Star receiver Gilberto Silva was unstoppable, with 6 receptions for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns.

 

Pool started off hot, hitting Silva for a 10 yard TD with 10:40 left in the 1st. On the Giant's next possession, Eagle's safety Leonard Vaughn stripped and recovered the ball from Giant's tight end Damien Boone. The Eagles were unable to cash in on any points as Gary Brook's 41 yarder was wide right, but the defense struck immediately, with Eagle's linebacker Alvin Eckes picking off Giant's quarterback Jose Padilla on his very next attempt. Pool and the offense attacked right away, a 25 yard post strike to receiver Pedro Ekeler pushed the score to 14-0.

 

Before the 1st quarter ended, Pool fumbled after a big hit from Giants defensive tackle Michael Cuevas, and the Giants took advantage with a 32 yard touchdown pass from Padilla to receiver Adrian Rivera. The Eagles would reclaim their 14 point lead before halftime, a 32 yard strike from Pool to Silva and the score stayed 21-7 heading out of the break.

 

The Giants had a long drive to start the third quarter, but ended only with a field goal as Giants kicker Abel Chapa hit a 47 yarder right down the middle. Pool and the Eagles offense got a boost from a 20 yard punt return from Michael Vance, and cashed paydirt as Pool hit running back Greg Lemay in the end zone to make the score 28-10. Chapa would hit another field goal but the Eagle's defense tightened up and celebrations erupted as the clock hit 0.

 

"Oh my god, this is why we play the sport," an emotional Pool said to reporters at the end of the game. "All day long we fought man, I mean the coaches gave us a great plan, we just went out and executed. The Oline was awesome, man receivers were so good, Gilberto, Gregg, Pedro. And this defense man, oh my god. The play by Leonard was unreal just went and ripped the ball out of that receiver's arm. Just an all around team win."

 

"That was Eagle's football alright," said team owner SageBow. "Aaron, just unbelievable, this defense too my word. Acewulf has done a phenomenal job this season coaching up our players, we were incredible. Defense just kept attacking, and so did the offense. So pleased with this result, can't wait for the playoffs."

 

"I'm pumped for our guys," said coach Acewulf. We were in a win and we're in scenario, they took that to heart, and came out the gates swinging. Now we have even more work to do as we move into playoff mode. Enjoy this one, then it's back to work tomorrow."

 

The Eagles are the #6 seed and will be traveling to Tampa to take on the #3 Bucs.

Edited November 7, 2022 by SageBow