Eagles Fans Cheer Their Team Into The Playoffs
By Brad Segall, Jenn Bernstein, Syma Chowdhry and Todd Quinones
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Hundreds of excited Eagles' fans streamed out of Chickie's and Pete's last night after a close win that sends the Birds to the playoffs for the first time in three years.
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The cheers were deafening when Brandon Boykin intercepted a pass near the end of the game to seal the Eagles' 24-22 win over the Cowboys in Dallas (see game story).
It was winner-goes-to-the-playoffs and loser-goes-home.
Derek, from North Philadelphia, says it got a little too close for comfort in the second half.
"I did not think that Dallas would have brought it as heavy as they did," he told KYW Newsradio following the game. "I gotta give them a little bit of credit. But I'm Eagles all the way, born and raised in Philly. We're in the playoffs!"
And on Monday morning, Eagles fans also celebrated at Melrose Diner.
"We've had fans in here all night going crazy," said Kathy, the diner's manager and an Eagles fan.
Now, it's on to the wildcard round against the New Orleans Saints.
"I just want to get lucky like we did in 2007; we belong in the NFC Championship game," said a fan named Tony. "I just hope this is the year."
Owner Jeffrey Lurie says the Eagles are celebrating but are focused on the next challenge.
"A big win tonight, winning the division in Chip's first year, spectacularly outstanding," Lurie says. "But we've got a long way to go."
Birds of a feather flock together at the Eagles Pro Shop at Lincoln Financial Field as fans are stocking up on Eagles gear.
"It's been absolutely incredible! Lots of fans coming in trying to get their hands on the merchandise," manager Annie Bobbe said.
Employees are pressed for time as jerseys fly off the racks and customers have to request customized ones instead.
"We've reordered Foles a few times, we've gone through them," Bobbe said.
If you are wondering which item is the most popular today, it's the division championship hat which is flying off the shelves.
"I thought this place would be sold out of the hats and stuff so I'm kind of glad. Trying to look for the shirts, but they said they will have shirts tomorrow," fan Brandon Survilo said.
With a game winning interception by Brandon Boykin, number 22 jerseys are in demand, something the stores do not have.
"Looking around trying to see if we can buy a Boykin jersey, but they don't have them here yet," fan Lou Margerum said.
(Chowdhry:) "So he's the new Eagles hero?"
"Oh for me? Yes! After last night, anybody who beats Dallas like he did he is a big hero," Margerum said.
At Chickie's and Pete's in South Philadelphia Monday night, the star signed autographs and talked about that play that crushed the Cowboys' hopes.
"I really just took a chance and knew he was probably going to run a slant, based off his alignment and what he did, and was able to undercut it," Boykin said.
With the Saints marching into town on Saturday, Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman wants fans primed and ready to make some noise.
"They're a huddle operation. They rely on communicating, so we're asking our fans to be loud every play. We need them. They can make a big difference in this football game," Roseman said.
From our Founding Fathers at the National Constitution Center (See Related Video) to patients at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Center City (See Related Story), everyone it seems is soaking up the good vibes stemming from the Eagles winning the NFC East in dramatic fashion.
Some Eagles players and Swoop spent part of their day bringing smiles to patients' faces.
"Even if an hour, two hours whatever. I really appreciate it," patient Pam Williams said.
Tickets for Saturday night's Eagles' playoff game will go on sale to the general public Tuesday at 12 noon (See Related Story).
The Eagles weren't expected to make much noise this season but finished the regular season with seven wins in eight games to capture the NFC East title. They play the Saints at the Linc on Saturday night.
