Whatever else happens in the playoffs, the Eagles have earned the respect and gratitude of an unshaven city.
Sometimes that's the kind of praise heaped on a team when you think it's gone as far as it can. Not so with these Eagles.
There's no reason - other than this city's cherished tradition of negativity - to believe the Eagles can't reach the Super Bowl.
Just six weeks ago, they dismantled the Arizona Cardinals - Sunday's foe - in Philadelphia. True, the Cardinals have been playing much better since, but so have the Eagles. Philadelphia is the only team to beat the Super Bowl champion Giants at the Meadowlands this season, and they did it twice in the past five weeks.
The Eagles' remarkable run could not have come at a better time. There are plenty of reasons this winter to feel down. More people are losing their jobs and their homes. The recession is forcing the city to cut services, and to lay off workers.
Victories by a sports team don't put food on our table, or provide us with a warm bed at night. But they do lift spirits, create excitement, give us a common bond. You can see it from Princeton to West Chester, from Germantown to University City.
Show of hands - how many guys out there haven't shaved in weeks because the Eagles, including Coach Andy Reid, are growing beards? He's the same coach whose ouster fans were demanding in November. Kudos to team owner Jeff Lurie and president Joe Banner for sticking with a proven winner.
Word has it there is a city in western Pennsylvania whose team is still alive, too. We'll look into that report as soon as we wipe the green face paint out of our eyes.
Win or lose, the Eagles have done this city proud. But let's be clear, they should win Sunday, too.