PHILADELPHIA -- The 1970's soul song "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers was playing inside the visitors' locker room at U.S. Bank Stadium after the Philadelphia Eagles ' 28-22 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 19, a soothing soundtrack for a group that had captured a moment's peace.

Things were rocky around the Eagles after a two-game slide. First, a 21-17 loss to the Denver Broncos on Oct. 4 -- just their second defeat in over a year. When reporters entered the home locker room afterward, it was silent and had a feel more normally associated with a postseason exit.

"I think this team forgot how to lose," a reporter whispered.

Players sensed the energy was off during the ensuing short week leading up to Thursday's game against the New York Giants , and sure enough, Philadelphia g

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