Inquirer Editorial: Eagles soaring

It's been quite a December for Philadelphia sports fans.

First, the Phillies pull off the deal of the baseball off-season by bringing back star pitcher Cliff Lee. Then, the Eagles pull off the steal of the football season, with a historic 38-31 comeback against the New York Giants on Sunday.

In between, West Catholic High won a football state championship, and the University of Delaware team, led by former Downingtown quarterback Pat Devlin, advanced to a national-championship game.

Temple basketball coach Fran Dunphy's 400th coaching victory also occurred this month. Villanova's basketball team is ranked 10th in the country. The Flyers are in first place. Even the Sixers are showing some heart.

By far, the Eagles' victory against the Giants has been the most amazing feat. The team was losing 31-10 with 8:10 remaining, and scored four touchdowns, including a 65-yard punt return by DeSean Jackson as the game clock expired.

It was the first game-winning punt return as regulation time expired in NFL history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, and only the ninth time in NFL history that a team trailing by 21 points in the fourth quarter won the game.

The victory moved the Eagles into first place alone in their division. They had shared the lead with the division-rival Giants. Even better, the win took place on the road in New York, er, New Jersey.

With Lee snubbing the Yankees for the Phillies, that's twice in a week that New York has lost out to Philadelphia.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and he has come early this year.