Nick Foles’ Eagles eliminated from playoffs, Rob Gronkowski’s Patriots advance to AFC title game

Nick Foles Magic is over

Nick Foles Magic is over.

The Philadelphia Eagles fell short in the NFC Divisional round, losing 20-14 to the New Orleans Saints on at the Superdome on Sunday, ending their bid to repeat as Super Bowl champions.

Foles completed 18 of 30 passes for 201 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. The University of Arizona alum also rushed for a one-yard score. The Eagles took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter after Foles passed and ran for a touchdown, but it was all Saints from there, though there were some dramatics at the end.

New Orleans had a chance to ice the game late in the fourth quarter, but Wil Lutz missed a 53-yard field goal with 3:03 left, keeping Philly alive. Foles drove the Eagles to the Saints’ 27-yard line, but was intercepted after his pass sailed through the hands of wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.

Foles joined Kordell Stewart and Freeman McNeil as the only players in the Super Bowl era with at least one passing, one receiving and one rushing TD in their playoff careers.

Foles’ contract expires at the end of the season, so he is expected to play elsewhere next season, since the Eagles plan to use Carson Wentz as their starting QB. Wentz has missed the playoffs the last two seasons due to injury, paving the way for Foles to make history.

While he and the Eagles fell short this season, Foles was named Super MVP last season when Philadelphia captured its first-ever Super Bowl title with a win over the New England Patriots.

Gronk, Patriots advance

Speaking of the Patriots, former Wildcat Rob Gronkowski hauled in one catch for 25 yards as New England obliterated the San Diego Chargers to advance to their eighth straight AFC championship game.

It was Gronk’s 69th career catch in the postseason, a nice feat for the 29-year-old, whose career appears to nearing its end.

An NFL.com report said Gronk will consider retiring after the postseason. Gronk had similar musings after last season, but opted to return for his ninth season. But “some people close to him believe Gronkowski’s decision will go the other way” this time, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Gronk caught 47 passes for 682 yards and three touchdowns during the regular season, one of the worst years of his career.

from Arizona Desert Swarm - All Posts http://bit.ly/2VPhbXb
via IFTTT