To Packers fans, it’s a harsh reminder of the infamous play during the 2003 NFL playoffs. For Eagles fans, it recalls memories of Donovan McNabb somehow completing a 28-yard pass to Freddie Mitchell to keep a critical drive alive.
The scoreboard operator at Lincoln Financial Field sure remembers and posted “4th & 26” on the scoreboard as the Packers and Eagles were warming up ahead of Monday night’s game.
MORE: Eagles-Packers — Info, score, highlights from Monday night showdown
With the Packers holding a 17-14 lead, McNabb was sacked at his own 26-yard line. The Eagles were facing a fourth-and-26 with 1:16 remaining. But McNabb got time as the Packers settled in a Cover 2 and hit Mitchell over the middle. Packers linebacker Nick Barnett, who was supposed to go with Mitchell, left him to pick up the tight end. Mitchell then got behind safety Bhawoh Jue and made a leaping grab in front of safety Darren Sharper for a 28-yard gain.
The Eagles got a game-tying field goal from David Akers, whose 31-yard field goal in overtime sent the Eagles to the NFC championship game.
In a bit of irony, Monday is Mitchell’s 38th birthday. While it’s likely that putting “4th & 26” on the scoreboard was a way to taunt the Packers, maybe the scoreboard operator was just trying to wish Mitchell a happy birthday.
