With back-to-back wins over the Dolphins and Jets, the Eagles have climbed to 6-8. With the Cowboys at 8-6 and the Giants at 7-7, the Eagles remain very much alive for the NFC East crown.
They’re in position to somehow qualify for the postseason because their star quarterback, in a distinctly Philly “cut me Mick” move, decided to do whatever he needed to do to play.
Per a league source, Vick insisted on receiving painkilling injections last week and this week, so that he could play despite lingering broken ribs. Previously, the team resisted allowing him to receive shots, due to concerns about his past effectiveness while playing with numbing agents coursing through his veins.
Vick completed 15 of 22 passes for 274 yards and a touchdown in the 45-19 win over the Jets. He also rushed for 32 yards and another score.
Against Miami last Sunday, Vick didn’t aggravate the injury, but he was still experiencing considerable pain, which prevented him from practicing on Wednesday of this week.
Now, the Eagles can steal the division with a win over the Cowboys on Saturday, a Giants’ loss to the Jets on Saturday, a win over the Redskins on January 1, and a Week 17 win by the Giants over the Cowboys.
Far crazier scenarios have allowed teams to sneak in to the postseason, and few teams would be more dangerous than the Eagles, if the Eagles sneak into the NFC playoff field.