3 Takeaways from Philadelphia Eagles Week 17 loss
![PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 03: Quarterback Nate Sudfeld #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by linemen Cole Holcomb #55, Jon Bostic #53 and Jimmy Moreland #20 of the Washington Football Team in the fourth quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 03, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 03: Quarterback Nate Sudfeld #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by linemen Cole Holcomb #55, Jon Bostic #53 and Jimmy Moreland #20 of the Washington Football Team in the fourth quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 03, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/de43408a680d26a552af884ca1dbdb856f445c46c97450b881fdf4b13b6515cb.jpg)
It ends as it began for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Philadelphia Eagles ended the 2020-2021 season in a familiar fashion, with another ugly loss, one by a 20-14 margin. This time, it came at the hands of the newly crowned NFC East Champion Washington Football Team. As most of you know, this game didn’t mean very much to the Eagles as they were already out of playoff contention.
Playing with most of their starters missing, it seemed the Eagles had turned their attention to the offseason, where they will have a lot of decisions to make, but just for kicks, here are a few takeaways as Philly’s season has reached its ending.
1. Jalen Hurts should remain the Philadelphia Eagles’ starter.
If you’re reading this, you might disagree with the theory that Jalen Hurts should remain as the starting quarterback for the Eagles after his last two performances versus the Dallas Cowboys and Washington. After all Hurts only completed seven of his 20 passes and he threw an interception in the finale, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Hurts also ran for two touchdowns, both in the first half, which is important to note. With an offensive line as bad as Philadelphia’s, it’s good to to have a quarterback that can move around when they aren’t performing well.
2. Let’s talk about that Philadelphia Eagles offensive line in more detail.
Whether it’s been Hurts in at quarterback or Carson Wentz, one thing has remained constant. The guys playing in the trenches have been putrid, and that’s putting it nicely. The Eagles have had injury after injury and so many different stating combinations that we’ve lost count, and that has plagued this team all season.
For example, the Eagles lead the NFL in sacks allowed (62). That’s almost incomprehensible. Credit Jeff Stoutland for holding things together with all that’s gone on, but more time needs to be spent investing in adding some depth. If not, it won’t matter who the quarterback an skill players are.
3. Philadelphia Eagles fans should take some time to say thank you.
As mentioned, there are many changes that could occur for the team. One has already been announced, and that is the news that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is going to step away from the team next year and contemplate retirement. Under Schwartz, this defense has performed pretty well, including two big playoff performances during their Super Bowl run and a nice showing in two playoff games in 2018, but lately, they’ve been up and down.
Related Story. Was Jim Schwartz forced out?. light
Among the other legendary figures that might leave is tight end Zach Ertz. There’s been plenty of speculation that he isn’t happy and that led to friction with him and upper-management all season, but if this was his last time wearing Eagles green, he should be appreciated for all that he’s contributed. His continuing story and the stories of so many of his fellow veteran teammates should facilitate an eventful offseason in Philly.