Golden Tate delivered the game-winning touchdown catch for the Eagles, making it worth giving up a third round draft pick for him.
It might’ve taken a little longer than expected to start seeing results, but Philadelphia Eagles fans can no longer complain about their team giving up a third round pick for Golden Tate.
Thanks to Tate, the defending Super Bowl champs have survived the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs, and are now on their way to New Orleans for a showdown with the 13-3 Saints. Tate put the 6-seeded Eagles in position to upset the 3-seeded Chicago Bears at Soldier Field with a go-ahead touchdown with just under a minute to play.
It was a make-or-break play for the Eagles. Chicago’s defense, arguably the best in the league, was one play away from an all-time great goal line stand to lock up a playoff victory. On fourth-and-goal from the two-yard line, with Philadelphia’s season hanging in the balance, quarterback Nick Foles took a few steps to his right, then quickly shoved the ball in Tate’s direction.
Tate made the catch and just barely stumbled over the goal line for the go-ahead touchdown, putting the Eagles on top 16-15. They failed to convert on a two-point try to make it a three-point game, but nonetheless, the damage was done.
After Cody Parkey missed a potential game-winning field goal on the other end, the Eagles took a knee to seal the victory, and will advance to continue defending their title next week.
Even if Eagles fans have been frustrated with the fact that Tate hasn’t been near as productive as they would’ve liked since coming to Philly at the trade deadline, it’s all out the window now. He just came through with a game-winning touchdown catch to secure a playoff win for the Eagles. If he doesn’t catch another pass in these playoffs (which he probably will), the trade resulted in Philadelphia winning a playoff game, and that made it completely worth it.