Stayin' Alive: Philadelphia Eagles Copy Characteristics of Jeff Garcia

It's funny, the more I think about the current state of the Philadelphia Eagles, the more I think about the old addage, "Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear".

Truth be told, four weeks ago, looking at the Eagles - and hearing some of the players themselves - any person in their right mind would have made the assumption that the Eagles season - and any hopes of making the playoffs this year - were all but extinguished.

Now, just three weeks after their crushing debacle at the hands of Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, the Eagles are, amazingly, back in contention, with a huge game looming against their arch enemies, Terrell Owens and the Dallas Cowboys.

The funny thing about the Eagles recent success is that it has come with veteran quarterback Jeff Garcia at the helm and not franchise quarterback, Donovan McNabb who ruptured his ACL and was replaced by Garcia four weeks ago. At the time, all hopes of reaching the playoffs were, understandably, obliterated - or so it seemed

However, an almost immediate transformation began to take place when Garcia took over. What started off as a questionable decision, turned into a stroke of genius as Garcia has battled with every ounce of energy in his entire being.

Even more amazing was the transformation that took place among the entire team wher seems as though the Birds have instantly taken on the personality and mindset of their new leader - and are playing like a completely different team because of it.

What I find truly astounding is the effect Garcia's personality has had on the defense, which, three weeks ago, was floundering like a fish out of water.

Now, even the Eagles defensive players are starting to play with an all-out style that is as determined as that of their underrated and seemingly, physically challenged quarterback.

Running back Brian Westbrook has seen Garcia up close and personal for a month now and he is an unequivocal believer in the former all-pro signal caller.

"I've said it pretty much for three weeks now," Westbrook said. "He comes in, he doesn't make mistakes, he runs this offense, he leads the team, and with him back there we have a chance of winning."

Head coach Andy Reid also touched on the fact that every other Eagle is now playing at a higher level as well.

''Jeff has done a great job, but I think that everybody around Jeff has also picked their game up on the offensive side, on the defensive side, guys on special teams and the coaches. I think that is the important thing the players have done; they have picked up the slack a little bit," Reid said.Now, if the Eagles can complete their holiday exacta - at Dallas on Christmas Day and hosting Atlanta on New Year's Eve - they will win the NFC East. With some outside assistance, they could even host a home playoff game.

"He's a battler and he gets guys around him to rally during tough times," Reid added, not mentioning the fact that his decision to start Garcia ahead of popular backup A.J. Feeley had Eagles fans all over the Tri-state area up in arms.

And just think, four weeks ago, the Eagles were on life support, clinging to their collective last breaths. Now, thanks to one player in particular, the Eagles have new hope - and during this time of another holiday season, what more could anyone ask for?