By Darin January 11, 2004, is a date etched in Philadelphia sports lore. The NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers was slipping away. Trailing 17-14 with just over a minute left, the Eagles found themselves in a seemingly impossible situation: 4th and 26 from their own 26-yard line. The frigid air at Lincoln Financial Field was thick with tension; the season rested on a single snap.
What followed was one of the most improbable plays in NFL playoff history. Quarterback Donovan McNabb, who was already having a phenomenal day on the ground with a postseason-record 107 rushing yards, dropped back. He launched a deep pass over the middle, connecting with wide receiver Freddie Mitchell for a 28-yard gain—just enough for the first down. The miracle drive was alive.
Article from Jan 12, 2004 The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)
Overtime Heroics
The successful conversion drained the life from the Packers and instantly swung momentum to the Eagles. Kicker David Akers calmly connected on a 37-yard field goal to tie the score and force overtime, a testament to the team’s resilience.
In overtime, the high-stakes drama continued. Packers quarterback Brett Favre, under pressure from the Eagles’ defense, threw a costly interception to safety Brian Dawkins. Dawkins’ crucial turnover put the Eagles in prime position to seal the victory. Moments later, Akers stepped up again, delivering the 31-yard game-winning field goal for a thrilling 20-17 Eagles victory.
A Legacy of Resilience
The “4th and 26” play is more than just a successful conversion; it represents the fighting spirit of the early 2000s Eagles team. It was a day defined by clutch performances, from McNabb’s dual-threat mastery and Mitchell’s unforgettable catch to the game-sealing defensive play by Dawkins. This victory propelled the Eagles one step closer to the Super Bowl and remains one of the most exciting, emotionally charged moments in the team’s storied history.
