What is it about Tampa that so entwines our fortunes when it comes to pro sports?

It might be painful for Eagles fans who still grimace at the vision of Joe Jurevicius (is he still running?) cavorting untouched down the sideline, or of Ronde Barber returning that interception for a game-sealing killer TD, but we’re about to become Bucs’ fans.

At least for this weekend. Here’s why.

The Eagles have miraculously resuscitated their season and are back in the playoff hunt. But as of right now, they need some help, in addition to running the table by winning their last three games.

That’s where Tampa comes in. If you figure that Carolina, by virtue of their big win over the Bucs Monday night, has the inside track to win the NFC South, it also looks like a pretty safe bet that Tampa, at 9-4, is likely to snag one of the two wild-card spots. That leaves the Eagles, Falcons, Cowboys, Redskins and Bears doing mortal combat for that final playoff spot.

The Falcons just happen to host Tampa this week. You want the Bucs to win. If they do, all the Eagles have to do is win their final three games and they’re in the playoffs. But they need Atlanta to lose at least one more game. They can take care of the Redskins and Cowboys themselves, since they face them in the final two weeks of theseason. But someone has to beat the Falcons. So let’s get behind the Bucs.

After all, we kind of owe them one. It was just a few months ago we were parading down Broad Street after the Phils broke our long championship drought by defeating the Rays in the World Series.

Philly and Tampa. Our pro sports worlds just seem to be forever locked.

And if you really believe in karma, how about this final item. The Super Bowl will be played this year on Feb. 1. Guess where? That’s right, Tampa.

Ya gotta believe!