Self-immolation seems like a viable alternative to writing a post peering into the future of the Eagles, but here I am.
After the jump I'll make an earnest attempt to look at the remaining schedule without mentioning an obstinate coach, gutless quarterback or silly strategic decisions. I'll try.
| WEEK | OPPONENT | RESULT | RECORD |
| 1 | St. Louis | Win, 38-3 | 1-0 |
| 2 | @ Dallas | Loss, 41-37 | 1-1 |
| 3 | Pittsburgh | Win, 15-6 | 2-1 |
| 4 | @ Chicago | Loss, 24-20
| 2-2 |
| 5 | Washington | Loss, 23-17 | 2-3 |
| 6 | @ San Francisco | Win, 40-26
| 3-3
|
| 7 | BYE WEEK |
| 8 | Atlanta | Win, 27-14
| 4-3 |
| 9 | @ Seattle | Win, 26-7 | 5-3 |
| 10 | New York Giants | Loss, 36-31 | 5-4 |
| 11 | @ Cincinatti | Tie, 13-13 | 5-4-1 |
| 12 | @ Baltimore | -- | -- |
| 13 | Arizona | -- | -- |
| 14 | @ New York Giants | -- | -- |
| 15 | Cleveland | -- | -- |
| 16 | @ Washington | -- | -- |
| 17 | Dallas | -- | -- |
OK, let's make this quick.
- @ Baltimore: Perfect game for the Eagles. They're facing the team with the best run defense in the league, so it's completely acceptable to throw the ball 80% of the time. Don't ask me why, but I think the Eagles win this game.
- Vs. Arizona (NFL Network, Thanksgiving night): Not sure if I'm going to be able to watch this game. Expect Joselio Hanson to be on Larry Fitzgerald because the Eagles won't have Asante follow him all over the field. This one is a loss.
- @ NY Giants: This is going to be the game that gives every Eagles fan false hope. Westbrook runs wild, the Eagles win comfortably, things look a little less bleak with a 7-5-1 record. People start to mutter the word playoffs again.
- Vs. Cleveland: The momentum builds against a bad Browns team. 8-5-1
- @ Washington: And the bubble bursts. Clinton Portis gains 200+ yards, Westbrook gets 12 carries. The season ends at Washington.
- Vs. Dallas: As they've managed to do the past couple of years, the Eagles leave us with a little bit of a positive feeling heading into the offseason. Dallas is playing for a playoff berth, the Birds have nothing but pride to play for. Romo turns the ball over 5 times and the Eagles romp. No playoffs, but at least they knocked the Boys out. Final record: 9-6-1.
Ultimately, that tie will keep them out of the playoffs.
I could see this playing out just as you mentioned. Even if it does, I don't see us making the playoffs.
I think the Giant and Ravens game are both losses. I'll venture a guess of their record at 7-8-1, as Andy is so predictable, I think John Harbaugh and his Ravens might get the best of him.
You might have started something here....you mentioned Cowher as a good coach for the Eagles, and now Cowher's name is being mentioned on other Eagles blogs as well. Maybe it will gain some momentum. I couldn't think of a better, blue collar, smash mouth football coach for these Eagles. Let's hope Lurie is listening to the fan base.
I'd be happy with Cowher, maybe happier with a younger, hungry guy. It depends on how good you really think the talent on this team is. If you bring in a guy like Cowher, then you think you're almost there. I don't think you bring him in to rebuild. If you think you have a core (DeSean, Kolb, the LBs, Asante, maybe Westbrook at the end of his career), then going w/ a young coach to handle the rebuild may be a better idea.
Although we lost John Harbaugh, there's always Jim. Isn't he a college coach somewhere?
I honestly dont see the Eagles winning more than 7 games...MAYBE 8...but certainly no playoffs. I attribute at least 3 losses directly to Andy Reid and his refusal to run the damn ball and predictable play calling.
Ironically the one thing that everyone was worried about has turned into a bright spot....the wideouts. Desean will be great and I like curtis a lot.
Id take Baskett or Avant over Reggie Brown.