There just might be hope for the Eagles

And now, something different: reasons for Eagles fans to hope.

As Philadelphians grind their molars and prepare to watch the Giants and Patriots play for their fourth Lombardi Trophies, it's tempting to point to the differences between the two finalists and the 8-8 Eagles.

There are the coaching track records - each Super Bowl head coach already has a title - and the Giants' superiority in the draft. There is the Giants' talent for surging in the postseason, as opposed to the Eagles' history of spurning opportunity. There is "The Patriot Way," with a smugness that sounds like the "Gold Standard," only with better results. And there is Tom Brady, whom everyone outside New Orleans and Green Bay should envy.

But as a certified member of the Philadelphia sports media, I'm going to try to spread cheer, hope, and sunshine. So here goes: Behind the Patriots' and Giants' recent triumphs are reminders that success is not the only thing that quickly comes and goes in the NFL. Failure can be fleeting, too.

In the three seasons between the last Giants-Patriots Super Bowl and this season's rematch, the two teams combined for zero playoff victories. (The Giants reached the postseason once, losing to the Eagles, and missed twice; the Patriots missed once and twice lost in their first postseason game, both times at home.)

The Eagles and Andy Reid have justifiably come under criticism for a three-year drought with no playoff wins, but the Giants and Patriots show that playoff struggles are not limited to bottom-dwellers.

The Packers went 6-10 in 2008 and lost in the first round of the 2009 postseason before winning it all after the 2010 season. The Saints were 8-8 in 2008 and finished last in the NFC South before winning their first championship the next season.

Things change fast in the NFL. Eli Manning led the league in interceptions last season. One year later, his excellent playoff run has given him a shot at a second title.

Does that mean that the Eagles are poised for a Super Bowl turnaround?