The Eagles were on their way to a big victory over the New York Giants. With a little over 30 seconds to play in Week 14, QB Eli Manning fumbled the ball on a sack by Philly DE Darren Howard, basically confirming the Eagles’ rivalry win. However, despite the good feeling, one of the most dominant and aggressive defenders on the Eagles’ roster got involved in a brief scuffle with some of the New York offensive lineman. Trent Cole, who leads the Birds with 9.5 sacks and definitely deserves Pro-Bowl consideration, began to throw punches at the Giants’ Shaun O’ Hara following a few verbal exchanges after the play. Eventually, shoving and more “smack talk” ensued, and both teams’ nerves began to heat.

Cole (pictured) was ejected from the remainder of the contest because of his actions, and it was expected by many that the great Defensive End would be handed a suspension by the league for his involvement in the fight. After all, the NFL has been awfully strict regarding inappropriate conduct this year, but Cole assured the media that he will be playing on Sunday, and also said this: “It was a situation that got ugly and got out of hand, and now I have to pay the consequences for my actions and I’m going to move forward,” “Whatever punishment the NFL deals to you, you have to take it. I don’t think they’re going to be unfair about it … I’m the one that was out there tussling and fighting.”

Clearly, he expects something to come out of the situation, probably a fine, but his opening statement of “I will be playing Sunday” says it all. His presence is definitely a big one on the defensive side of the ball, so as long as Cole is correct in his game day assumption, everything should be just fine on the d-line.

(picture source)