Philadelphia Eagles Pull Out Last-Second Victory

The losing streak eventually had to end.

And rookie quarterback Nick Foles did it in grand fashion, throwing a last-second touchdown pass to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23-21.

"Fly Eagles Fly, on the road to victory."

We haven't heard that theme song in some time. But the Birds battled all day, sparked by Foles and excellent games from receivers Jason Avant and Jeremy Maclin.

After an eight-game losing streak, the Eagles won a game they probably shouldn't have against a playoff-caliber team. While the Bucs shut down rookie running standout Bryce Brown to six yards, Foles found a way to get it done.

Special teams once again hurt the team as Damaris Johnson muffed a punt return while kicker Alex Henrey – who made 22 straight field goals – missed two, including a 58-yarder off the post.

No one expected the Birds to win.

Foles threw for almost 400 yards. He looked like he's been playing in this league for years. Foles even used his legs to gain key yardage and shook off enough sacks to drive the Birds downfield time and again.

The game looked lost when the Birds defense – which was strong in the first half – faltered in the second half.

Tampa Bay took a 21-10 lead after the Birds led 10-0. But Foles got them back with a score to Clay Harbor, who was filling in for tight end Brett Celek, who left the game early with a concussion.

After holding the Bucs, Foles fired away again with Maclin catching big passes and making a throw to Avant at the 1-yard line. Avant had one of the greatest catches of the season earlier in the game with a one-handed catch.

And then Foles rolled out and hit Maclin for the game winner as the clock ran out.

It's been quite chaotic for the Eagles this season. And Coach Andy Reid was pumping his fists after the game ended with one finally in the win column.

The Birds fought like crazy, Reid said after the game, and the defense kept providing pressure. Corner Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie especially played well.

"To be able to sneak it out like that..." Reid said.

Tampa Bay took away the run, but Foles – if anything – showed that he can play in this league.

After the game Foles played Sunday, he certainly looks like the team's quarterback of the future.

More importantly, the Eagles finally got a win. That should keep fans happy for a short week when the Birds play the Cincinnati Bengals Thursday night.