I was watching a video on Youtube about Black Monday. When it ended, I noticed the replay of the 2002 NFC Championship Game displayed in the right hand panel. I don't think I had seen that game since it was played, so I watched.

 

Eagle fans refer to the game as Black Sunday.

 

Philadelphia, the #1 sead, was heavily favored.

 

Even though Tampa Bay had the #1 ranked defense in the league, the Bucs had never won a road playoff game. They were 1-22 when the temperature at game time was less than 40 degrees, it was 24 that day. They had lost to the Eagles 4 consecutive times, including wild card games in the previous 2 seasons and earlier that season in Philly. The Eagles had the #4 offense in the league and the #2 defense.

 

It looked like another Philly romp when Brian Mitchell returned the opening kickoff to the TB 26 and Duce Staley ran it in from the 20 with less than a minute gone in the game. Watching, I was reminded of the "DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSSSS" from the Philly fans. If they only knew what was coming.

 

The Bucs D shutdown the Eagles from that point forward. Tampa Bay outscored Philadelphia 27-3 the rest of the way. The final blow, a 92 yard pick 6 by Ronde Barber with the Eagles on the TB 10 and less than 4 minutes to go.

 

It was the final game at Veteran's Stadium.

 

Nice trip down memory lane for me.

That game was brutal to watch as an Eagles fan.

 

Thanks for ruining my Friday, @swamprat.