Eagles finally return to playoff picture

Long-suffering Philadelphia Eagles fans, who bit the collective bullet throughout the abysmal Chip Kelly era and have not seen their beloved Birds in post-season play since Jan. 4, 2014, against the New Orleans Saints, are now being rewarded for their loyalty and patience.

The 13-3 Eagles, led by second-string quarterback Nick Foles, take on Exton, Pa.’s Matt Ryan and the 10-6 Atlanta Falcons in a divisional playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday. Kickoff is at 4:35 p.m. on NBC 10.

Despite their home field advantage, the Eagles are considered the underdog in this contest due to the absence of quarterback Carson Wentz, who was a heavy favorite for league MVP before a serious injury against the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 10 took him out of play for the remainder of the season.

Despite the doubters, Foles has confidence in himself and his team. “It’s just going out there and playing and staying in the zone and trusting my instincts,” Foles said Tuesday at the NovaCare Complex. “I think that’s the big thing. I’ve played this game a long time. There’s a reason I’ve been able to do what I’ve been able to do. Part of that is my teammates, my coaches, but when I play my best and am most comfortable, I just play.”