Depressed Fan

Yes, the Eagles were up 21-3 before they slithered out of Washington with a 21-19 win. No, they couldn't stop the run...at all. Yes, Washington is a horrible, horrible team with a rookie quarterback, an out-dated coach and nothing to play for. But I'm still going to  take this win as a good sign. Here's why:

With three games left, the Eagles control their own destiny. If they finish the season with wins at the Giants, at Dallas and at home against the Falcons not only do they make the playoffs, but they win the NFC East and host a playoff game. After losing McNabb for the year, you really couldn't have hoped for more than that.

Another reason is that the bend-but-don't-break defense, which took the Eagles all the way to the NFC championship game 4 straight years, sure is bending, but it isn't breaking. This is the second game in a row where the Eagles absolutely needed its defense to make a big play to preserve a win, and they were up to the task. Lito Sheppard did it last week and Dawkins did this week.

The final reason to be positive about this win: There's really nothing else going on in the sports world to be happy about, and I feel like feeling good about something, even if I'm just kidding myself. Seriously though, The NFL as a whole is just so bad, can you really say that the Eagles are drastically worse than half of the teams they're up against in the NFC? Westbrook is the best back in the NFC, Garcia isn't turning the ball over, the receivers don't seem to have the yips anymore, the secondary is making plays.

Sure, they can't stop the run, but no team is dominating every phase of the game this year except San Diego. I hate parity, but because of it, the Eagles' season isn't over. At least it's not in my mind.