For all those fans who were hoping that the Eagles’ front office would finally get rid of coach Andy Reid (including me) this offseason, their 26-14 victory over the Minnesotta Vikings on Sunday squashed any chance of that happening.

Despite some questionable play calling throughout the game by Reid, Jim Johnson’s defense handled a clearly mismatched Tavarus Jackson with two turnovers, including an Asante Samuel interception returned for a touchdown, holding the young quarterback to just 15 completions on 35 attempts for a paltry 164 yards.

Even though Adrian Peterson scored two touchdowns, they were the only two scores the Vikings had all day. Peterson ran the ball 20 times, but had just 80 yards total rushing, including one 40 yard rush. So for the NFL’s most dangerous player, the the Eagles contained Peterson and ensured that he would not inflict too much damage.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Sunday’s game, and the most heart warming, was that Reid stuck with the run, even though it struggled for most of the game. Westbrook run the ball 20 times, but mustered just 38 yards. But Reid stuck with it, throughout the entire game, including 13 first down attempts. It kept the Vikings defense on its toes, because no matter how poorly Westbrook was running, he is so dangerous that you have to give him that respect. It was that respect that allowed Westbrook to get in position for a 71 yard touchdown reception that ensured the Eagles’ victory.

Even if the Eagles fall to the Giants next Sunday at the Meadowlands, Reid has guided this team from the brink of extreme mediocrity to a surging playoff team and Super Bowl contender. Reid certainly does not deserve all the credit, as Donovan McNabb has played through the roof with the exception of the Redskins game. The offense, defense, and special teams have all come together at the right time; at the same time. But if Reid is to be levied with much of the blame when things are going badly, then he has to be given his share of the credit when the Eagles are playing well. Like it or not, Reid is here to stay, so we might as well make the most of it. Maybe he’ll prove us all wrong and take this team to Miami.