FOXBORUGH — It was an appropriately crazy finish to an already eventful season.
The Patriots knew they had the AFC East wrapped up at the end of Sunday’s win over the Bills. But after the game, they were all caught by surprise when the Eagles were driving on the Texans with a chance to upset Houston — which would give New England the second seed in the AFC.
According to players, as they came up the runway toward the locker room, word quickly spread Philly had the ball, and a shot at the upset. As they were celebrating the division championship in the locker room, players were checking their phones for updates from Philadelphia.
And after Nick Foles guided the Eagles into field-goal range with less than 10 seconds left, they exulted when Jake Elliott delivered from 35-yards out to lift Philly to a 32-20 win, giving the Patriots the second seed.
“Hell yeah, Nick!” screamed one player after the game was complete, setting off a round of cheers in the New England locker room, as well as outside the locker room in the family area.
We never thought we'd say this in 2018, but...
Thanks Nick Foles! #StNick pic.twitter.com/KFVWYzDIOE
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 23, 2018