Mark Sanchez throws long touchdown pass (Video)

Nov 23, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez (3) warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Sanchez is dropping dimes and scoring points.

The Philadelphia Eagles desperately need to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and they are off to a fine start on Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia is leading 7-0 after backup quarterback Mark Sanchez hit wide receiver Josh Huff on a short slant, who then took it the distance for a 37-yard touchdown.

At 4-5, Philadelphia is somehow right in the thick of the NFC East race. The Eagles are only a half-game behind the New York Giants in the division, and would be in first place at the end of the day with a victory. Despite all of their issues to this point in the season, the Eagles would find themselves in very good position headed down the stretch.

The Eagles are likely to be without quarterback Sam Bradford next week as well. Philadelphia plays on Thanksgiving Day against the Detroit Lions, another game it will be favored to win despite being on the road. Of course, Thanksgiving will have some tough memories for Sanchez, who met the butt of Brandon Moore years ago.

Philadelphia was projected by most pundits to be a playoff team at the least and perhaps a Super Bowl team. At this point, just reaching the postseason would seem like a victory.