Another Eagles season has come and gone, but this ending is a little different. It’s not as sour, it’s not as heartbreaking, it’s not as crushing to endure. After most disappointing seasons, the city of Philadelphia can be described as a desolate and gloomy place to be.

Not this time. The Philadelphia Eagles finished 9-7, finding a way to sneak into the playoffs after a roller coaster season. From the highs of beating Atlanta on opening night, to the lows of losing to the Dallas Cowboys twice, this year was a whirlwind of emotions. Ironically, the lowest point of the season, which was quarterback Carson Wentz getting hurt, led the way to a dramatic and fulfilling end to the season.

“Backup” quarterback Nick Foles took over in week 15 against the 11-3 Los Angeles Rams and led the way to a season-turning victory. The Eagles went on to win out and clinch a playoff berth on the last day of the season.

Next up was the No.3 defense in the league, the Chicago Bears. They were the No. 1 defense in total scoring and in rush yards allowed. The Eagles won 16-15 on a missed field goal by Bears kicker Cody Parkey. Parkey had hit the upright five times before this game, and the Bears season ended on his double-doink at the end of the game. Foles threw for 266 yards and two touchdowns in another magical performance.

The Eagles season ended at the hand of Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints with a final score of 20-14. The Eagles were driving and had a very good chance to take the lead, when wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey let a ball go through his hands and into the hands of Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

The reason why this season didn’t leave a sour taste in the mouths of everyone in the Delaware Valley is because this team came together and was virtually one play away from the NFC Championship game. This team was special.

Yes, the Super Bowl team was last year, but like Alshon, many guys on this team gave us moments we will never forget. Fathers embracing their sons, mothers embracing their daughters and vice versa. Parading down Broad Street celebrating a Super Bowl for the first time ever. The heart this team showed to get back into the divisional round, and almost make it out, was all we as fans needed. They showed us the fight from last season, and that’s all we ask.

More on Alshon Jeffrey. He had one of the biggest drops in Philadelphia sports history, but instead of sending him death threats and trashing him like the city of Chicago did with Parkey, the city showed an unprecedented amount of love.On Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, Jeffrey received thousands of promising messages.

Jeffrey is the perfect example of what it means to be an athlete in Philadelphia. He played all of last year with a torn rotator cuff and played the game against the Saints with broken ribs.

That is why this season isn’t devastating. Yes, it still stings, but the guys on this team won us one Super Bowl last year, fought as hard as they could for a repeat this year, and will surely be back next season.

Lastly, this off-season will be eventful. The Super Bowl Most Valuable Player, Nick Foles, will most likely be leaving the team. Other veterans, like Brandon Graham, Jordan Hicks, Darren Sproles and Jason Peters, could follow. Even with these probable exits, the future is bright in Philadelphia due to head coach Doug Pederson, the executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman, and the franchise quarterback, Carson Wentz, who is only 26 years old.