How Philadelphia Eagles’ success throws shade at the Dallas Cowboys

The Philadelphia Eagles have advanced to the Super Bowl, following a 38-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Once again, the Dallas Cowboys look on, envious.

I can’t even be mad right now. Let’s face it: The Philadelphia Eagles are NFC champions once again, and will travel to the Super Bowl. Sigh. The Dallas Cowboys, once again, are watching from home. Deep, deep sigh.

We can, of course, detail all five championships and eight trips to the big show to make ourselves feel better. But this losing vibe only makes me want to hold 1995 ever so tightly (again).

Following the 38-7 NFC Championship game that downed the Minnesota Vikings, confetti trickled down all over the faces of Eagles nation. Smiles. Cheers. Laughter and hugs. Once again, I’m reminded of how far away 1995 is, and how big of a lunatic I’ve become since then.

Let’s see, back in those days I had to nudge my mom for a car ride. I didn’t have a license. A gallon of gas cost you $1.09 in those times.

We we’re using Windows 95 operating system. I cried when I saw Batman Forever in theaters. (Still love me some Tim Burton and Michael Keaton.) I rocked Nintendo 64, earning Hall of Fame honors in the video game, Golden Eye.

Bill Clinton was the president. Michael Jordan returned to the NBA that year; he would go on to win three more titles with the Chicago Bulls.

And, let’s not ever forget, the Dallas Cowboys were running the football world. But that was a long time ago. The Eagles are now kings of the NFC, masters of the NFC East. This is their first trip back to the Super Bowl since 2004.

But hey, we still got the 90’s, right?

I don’t know about this, but the 90’s narrative is losing ammunition for me. Sure, the Eagles haven’t won a Super Bowl, among seven other teams. We could always use that angle, I guess. But again, all of this just throws shade at America’s Team.

After punching out the Minnesota Vikings at home, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe for the organization. Like the Cowboys, they dealt with injuries. Superstars went missing. The Eagles found a way to win when it mattered most without Carson Wentz, who in his own right, played at a stellar MVP level.

The Cowboys, on the other hand, galloped around like a wounded gazelle without Ezekiel Elliott and left tackle Tyron Smith. Injuries happen — I get that. What disturbs me, though, is how different organizations handle the “next man up” mentality.

I credit head coach Doug Pederson, for the fantastic job he’s done with the Eagles in only his second year. Most organizations sputter without a player like Carson Wentz at the quarterback position. Obviously, there were doubts, but for the most part, Nick Foles walked in and delivered a palpable knockout punch.

So, to close this — the Cowboys have stalled since the 90s, while the Eagles (and even the New York Giants) have towered since. Maybe I’m bitter. Maybe I’m not a true fan. What I know is, though, we’re stuck with Jason Garrett, and headlines that he’s the NFC version of Marvin Lewis (ouch).

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Owner Jerry Jones talks about how desperate he is to win one more. But it’s obvious that talking and doing are two different actions. I hate to say this, but the Eagles have found a formula the fixes the talking and doing mix, and it’s working.

I can’t even be mad, and neither should you.