will we ever win?

For Who[sic], For What?

Eagle fans, that is the question I challenge you with this week as we head into one of the season's most highly anticipated games: Eagles vs. Cowboys. What is this game really all about? It's easy to become defocussed when such a great matchup meaningfully comes to town this time of year.

But, is Sunday all about the arch-rival Cowboys losing? Is it about bounties for downed Cowboy players (Buddy Ryan, 1989)? Is this about tarnishing a team's Super Bowl season (cough, cough) by busting a brainiac Switzerian double shot at fourth and one (1995, leading to an Eagles' game winning field goal)? Is it about despising an obnoxious stand-out two way player (Deion)? Is it about putting a pretty boy quarterback on the ground in the first quarter with a concussion (1997... there was also an 11 sack Aikman game somewhere in there)? Is it hoping for a moment to cheer a seriously (career ending) injured star receiver motionless on the ground (1999's Tim Hauck hit on Irvin)?

No, my fellow Eagle fans. While all of those moments were classic in this great rivalry of the times, the times they have changed. No bounties from AR; no Super Bowl for this year's Cowboys; no fourth and one mirages from Parcels; no big mouth hot shots in blue and gray (although Fox's pregame will feature that buffoon); and, it's just hard to hate any of the individual Cowboys right now. You see, this year features a more competitive Cowboy team than the last few and the rivalry is renewed; but, this week is about the Eagles winning. It is about the Eagles heading to 10-3 and taking over firm control of the Division. It is about extending their winning streak to eight games and proving McNabb right after this year's first matchup, where he shortly afterwards exclaimed with confidence: "We have to beat everybody we play. We should have won last week's game (against Dallas)... Everyone knows that in order to win the NFC, you have to go through Philly."

You see, watching Dallas lose is a great thing. And, all of us should enjoy witnessing that this coming Sunday. However, last Thanksgiving's Miami game should have been the last time this season Eagle fans focus so much on that, because this Eagle team is about bigger and better things than a Dallas loss at the Linc. It is primarily about heading back to the NFC Championship with homefield advantage, momentum, and confidence (regardless of the opponent). Our road to this main goal only conveniently happens to involve a crossing path against the Cowboys this weekend, which is icing on the cake (but not the cake itself).