Three days later, and all the talk is still about the Eagles’ dramatic comeback win over the New York Giants this past Sunday. It’s easily the greatest rally in Eagles’ history, featuring the franchise’s greatest play — DeSean Jackson’s 65-yard punt return — but where does it rank all-time? Let’s take a look at Metro’s top five comebacks in NFL history:
5 Jets 40, Dolphins 37 (OT), Oct. 23, 2000 — Nicknamed the “Monday Night Miracle,” Miami held a 30-7 lead going into the fourth quarter, when Vinny Testaverde put on his Superman cape and rallied New York to 30 points, going 18-for-26 for 235 yards and four TDs in the fourth quarter. John Hall won it in overtime with a 40-yard field goal.
4 Vikings 28, Eagles 23, Dec. 1, 1985 — Yes, the hometown team was on the wrong end of this one. In fact, the Eagles are the only team in NFL history to lose after entering the final quarter with a shutout. The Vikings got a 65-yard fumble return and two scores from Anthony Carter before leaving the Vet with a victory. Eagles coach Marion Campbell was fired shortly after.
3 Bills 41, Oilers 38 (OT), Jan. 3, 1993 — This game gets bonus points because it was the playoffs. With the Bills trailing 35-3 in the third, backup Frank Reich tossed four TDs to rally the troops. When all was said and done, Buffalo had scored five touchdowns in 21 minutes and took a 38-35 lead. The Oilers took it to OT, but destiny was against them.
2 Eagles 38, Giants 31, Dec. 19, 2010 — Michael Vick engineered it, then DeSean Jackson made it a reality. The Eagles scored 28 unanswered points, and erased a 21-point deficit in the game’s final 7:28. It gets No. 2 because Jackson’s game-winning TD was filled with drama (he fumbled the punt) and controversy (was he trying to run out the clock or plan a celebratory dance when he skirted the goal line in the closing seconds?)
1 Colts 38, Buccaneers 35 (OT), Oct. 6, 2003 — That Peyton Manning guy was good even back then. Following a Ronde Barber interception, the Bucs led 35-14 with five minutes left. No problem. Manning led three touchdown drives to tie the game, then Mike Vanderjagt won it in overtime with a 29-yarder. Adding intrigue was the scowl of Bucs coach Jon Gruden and the bright lights of Monday Night Football.
