Philadelphia Eagles: One Final Game

Oct 12, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Trumaine McBride (38) after a reception during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Giants 27-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

This afternoon, the Philadelphia Eagles face off against the New York Giants one final time in their 2014 season. Most fans remember the 27-0 blackout shutout earlier in the season at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles were on a roll en route to a 9-3 record and a clear shot at the playoffs. Today, the Eagles are looking at the playoffs from the outside, eliminated after a pathetic loss to the Washington Redskins. Is there anything left to play for, or should the team just take the loss and aim for good draft position?

One Final Game.

A fitting end to their 2014 campaign – the Birds closed out the Linc with a loss. They take a 3 game losing streak into the Giants house. Perhaps this might be motivation enough to notch a win and at least equal last year’s win total. But questions remain across the entire team. For one last game, let’s consider all of those questions:

Can the offense put on a show like they’ve shown in the past, limiting turnovers, and not adding to a league-leading total?

Can quarterback Mark Sanchez lead the Eagles on touchdowns drives, and not settle for punts or field goals?

Will kicker Cody Parker return to his reliable form, after missing two critical fields goals in the loss to the Redskins?

Will running back LeSean McCoy show the running game dominance that defined his 2013 season?

Will the wide receivers and tight ends make the catches they matter, instead of settling for incompletes and fumbles?

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As if that wasn’t enough, let’s look at the defensive side of the ball, whether the Birds struggled heavily after the loss of linebacker DeMeco Ryans.

Will cornerback Cary Williams keep his emotions in check, and keep plays in front of him?

Will cornerback Bradley Fletcher actually defend a receiver cleanly, instead of getting burned for a touchdown or long gain?

Will the defensive line dominate the line of scrimmage, and put pressure on the Giants’ offensive line?

Will the defense as a whole stop committing stupid penalties that extend opponents’ drives?

Unfortunately, these are just a summary of the long list of questions haunting the Eagles as they move into the off-season. The silver lining of missing the playoffs – based on their play this season, they probably wouldn’t have gone very far. A repeat one-and-done would have been anything but a surprise. This gives the Eagles extra time to begin their off-season evaluations, and prepare for making the changes necessary to become a championship team.

But today, the Birds face one final team. An opportunity to put some positives in place before they head to the off-season. Lose today, and even more questions will mount about head coach Chip Kelly, his entire staff, and the team as a whole. As much as this game is meaningless to the standings, it is a must-win for some momentum. The Birds simply cannot fall behind their 2013 record. For one final game, the Eagles must show us what could have be, and what could be.