The Eagles had a two-point lead in the fourth quarter - a margin that looked thinner than DeSean Jackson with each passing moment. Soon, the fans grew progressively louder and angrier. The discussions I had with people all featured the same basic gist: Why aren't they getting the ball to Brian Westbrook?

People were frustrated. People were nervous. People were preparing themselves for possible disappointment.

And then Westbrook - who had touched the ball 16 times at that point - saved the day. Just when things were growing dark, just when you thought Andy Reid had forgotten about his best offensive option, Westbrook caught a screen pass, found some daylight (or artificial light, actually), and took off for the end zone. As he crossed the goal line 71 yards later, relief swept through Philadelphia like a fast-moving storm.

Eagles 23, Vikings 14, the scoreboard read.

"We needed that," Reid said with typical insouciance when asked about Westbrook's magnificent, game-altering dash. Leave it to Reid to undersell the play's importance. The Eagles "needed that" the way a diabetic needs insulin. "Brian hit that son of a gun. He had some blocking, but he's tough to stop once he gets out there."

True enough. Reid should send him something nice. A fruit basket, or maybe a Hallmark card that says "[Finally] thinking of you."

Cheers Brian Westbrook: Perhaps Reid and Marty Mornhinweg should get him the ball earlier in games. Just a thought.

Asante Samuel: Another pick six for the team's most consistent defensive player this season. He's earned that fat contract.

Brian Dawkins: For an old man - one people wanted to bury earlier this year - he sure can move. And hit.

Donovan McNabb: Not his best game of the season, but certainly good enough.

David Akers: Touchdowns are better. Still, the guy did a fine job nailing four field goals.

Tarvaris Jackson: Remember when do-nothing Quincy Carter played (terribly) for the Cowboys? I'm fairly certain that he changed his name and moved to Minnesota.

Jim Johnson: Christmas came twice for him. One was delivered by Santa, the other by Jackson.

L.J. Smith: He was inactive yesterday because of a banged-up shoulder. You missed him, didn't you? Yeah, me neither.

Kendra Wilkinson: She went to the game dressed in a replica Hank Baskett jersey, thereby guaranteeing that yours truly - and others - would mention her. Again. At this point, we might as well assign a beat reporter to her. (There's a joke to be made about the irony of a Playmate being "covered," but I'm passing on it.)

Boos Jared Allen: With the biker mustache, the mullet and the headband, he looks like an extra from Road House . Also, he makes too many plays.

Adrian Peterson: He was as good as advertised.

Metrodome crowd: Of course it was loud in there. Indoor Football is an abomination.

Settling for field goals: Against the Giants, that won't be good enough.

Two-minute offense: Watching the Eagles run the two-minute drill is an awful punishment.

Play-calling: Yes, Minnesota has a good run defense. But how is it that the Birds managed just 67 yards on the ground? And did Correll Buckhalter even make the trip to Minnesota, or did he stay behind and watch the game from Chickie's & Pete's?

Excessive celebration penalties: How I long for the days when cell phones and Sharpies and interpretive dances were used to commemorate touchdowns. Wherefore art thou, Ickey Shuffle?

Jeffrey Lurie: The Eagles owner finally spoke up about McNabb, saying the team has "every intention" of bringing him back next year. Huge news. But rather than tell any of the numerous media outlets here in town, he gave one of the most important interviews of the season to the Boston Globe. (Total rag! Besides: Who reads newspapers?) Lurie knows he owns a team in Philly, right?

Obviously, part I: Between the studio analysts, the sideline reporters, and Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, we were repeatedly told that it was bitter cold in Minnesota yesterday. Get out. Seriously? Meanwhile, I still have no idea why that matters when the game was played inside a climate-controlled dome.

Obviously, part II: Early on, Aikman boldly stated that Reid has been known to "give up on the run game." Tell your friends.

I actually don't mind Buck and Aikman, but I'll take Merrill Reese and Mike Quick any day. . . . Someone needs to get Reid a razor. Fast. With the scruff and the baseball hat, dude is starting to look like Michael Moore . . . . Eagles vs. Giants in a rubber match. Sounds like fun . . .

Contact columnist John Gonzalez at 215-854-2813 or gonzalez@phillynews.com.