Dogs have bite
Eagles barking about disrespect since Wentz injury
PHILADELPHIA — The dogs should be out in full force at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
In the latest of playoff fads, not only are the Philadelphia Eagles embracing their roles as underdogs, but they're encouraging their fans to do so as well.
Those attending the NFC championship final against the Minnesota Vikings were invited to join the fun started by right tackle Lane Johnson and defensive end Chris Long — who donned German Shepherd masks after Saturday's divisional round win over the Atlanta Falcons — when the Eagles sent out this tweet on Tuesday:
“Doggone it, you better believe dog masks will be allowed at @LFF Stadium this weekend. Just make sure you take them off when you go through security.”
The Eagles, who were three-point underdogs to the Falcons, are being similarly disrespected by oddsmakers for the NFC championship game. The Vikings are 3½ favourites.
In a story on ESPN.com, Eagles coach Doug Pederson said “no one’s given us a chance” since starting quarterback Carson Wentz suffered a season-ending knee injury on Dec. 9.
“I understand Carson is a great player, but every week our guys are hearing the same thing,” Pederson said. “Now, all of a sudden, we're not good enough? We’re 13-3, best record in football, home-field advantage throughout.
“The guys are going to motivate based on what they've heard for the last month. It really doesn't matter what you guys talk about, because (our) locker room is united. I'll go to bat for every one of those guys; I'll go to war for every one of those guys in that dressing room.”