Philadelphia Eagles: Turnovers Leader

Nov 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety C.J. Spillman (37) picks up a fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles started their Christmas gift giving early, adding two more turnovers to a league leading 35 total. Ask any analyst, player, coach, and they’ll shake their head and suggest this is not the way to get it done in the NFL. What should have be a game where the Birds dominated the Washington Redskins, the script became a familiar one from the last three weeks. An offense that sputtered, a defense that couldn’t get out of its own way, and those turnovers! The result – a recipe for their third loss in a row, effectively ending any hopes for the playoffs this year.

The blame game will continue throughout the week, and unfortunately for the Eagles, for the rest of the off-season. Too many opportunities squandered. Too many points left on the field. Too many field goals instead of touchdowns. Too many turnovers. Bad timing for players to hold cold streaks. Barring an epic collapse from the Dallas Cowboys, not outside the realm of possibility, the Eagles will sit home and watch the playoffs unfold wondering what could have been.

Last night’s game shined a light on all the problems this team has had throughout the season. Quarterback Mark Sanchez, in his current form, is not the answer at the team’s most critical position. We can only hope quarterback Nick Foles is cleared for next week’s season finale against the New York Giants. It is imperative that he have a chance to demonstrate some shred of hope for next season. Kicker Cody Parker, until last night pretty reliable, needs to bounce back and end the season strong. In fact, the entire team has to end the season strong.

More from Eagles News

• Eagles captains earn high praise on roster blending veteran leadership, youth
• How former Eagles star Cre’Von LeBlanc helped Renegades upstage Cowboys
• Eagles 2023 schedule: Every WR duo Darius Slay, James Bradberry will battle
• Imagining better names for Jason Kelce’s Good Guy Award
• Bold predictions for the Philadelphia Eagles offense in 2023

Head coach Chip Kelly suggested that the blame falls to the team if they miss the playoffs, and the statement is 100% true. Other teams have injuries and recover. Other teams have droughts in production and recover. Even with the loss of linebacker DeMeco Ryans, the defense played sloppy. Cue cornerback Cary Williams and his stupid unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. How about not getting burned by receivers week after week? Watching the last few games, the Birds lost their discipline. It’s a lesson in watching  a team unravel. Did we mention the turnovers?

Last night’s game showed that even an apparently dysfunctional team can come out ahead if they have more hunger. The Redskins had more hunger. Any given Sunday! Now the Eagles can effectively pray for a miracle, but realistically look to the 2015 season. This is the year that could have been, a story Philadelphia fans have heard before. The Redskins game started and ended fittingly – with turnovers. A Sanchez fumble and a Sanchez interception. Maybe it’s time for St. Nick Foles to bring a little Christmas cheer to the Birds for their final game.

What I want to see in the final game in a dominant Eagles team. A defense that doesn’t give up the big plans. An offense that protects the football, and the puts the ball in the end zone every chance it gets. A coaching staff that pulls out all the stops, opens the playbook, and unleashed the Eagles team we know is buried there somewhere. And more important than anything else – NO MORE TURNOVERS!