Stayin’ Alive

The Eagles win on Sunday improved their record to 5-6 and kept their playoffs hopes alive.

Is that a good thing?

This team has shown us nothing to make us think they are going to start playing at a high level. It is possible, but sure doesn’t seem likely.

I understand those who say the best thing for this team is to finish with a poor record, thus securing a higher draft pick. What’s the point of winning the NFC East at 8-8 only to lose in the wild card round?

I do think there is value in having this team make the postseason. Carson Wentz has never been in a playoff game. It would be good for him to get a taste of the postseason so that if the Eagles turn back into an outstanding team in 2019, he’s not getting ready for his playoff debut.

There are some other young players and rookies who could benefit from being in a playoff game. Postseason football is on a different level. You have to experience it to really understand it. Even if the Eagles were one and done, that could have long term benefits.

Another benefit could be momentum. The Eagles played better down the stretch in 2016 and that seemed to carry over to last season. A good finish to this year, even if the Eagles don’t make the playoffs, could help the team next season. You build confidence by winning games and playing well.

Maybe all this talk is putting the cart before the horse. Can the Eagles even get to 8-8? Will that be good enough?

The Cowboys upset win over the Saints certainly complicates matters.

DAL 7-5
WAS 6-5
PHI 5-6
NYG 3-8

The Eagles could win out and probably win the division. But beating the Skins, Boys, Rams, Texans and Skins would be very difficult. The Eagles haven’t won two games in a row all year. Winning the next five would be crazy.

I do think the team can finish strong. The run game came alive last week. The Eagles were good with the OL and DL. If they can get some injured DBs back, this team could get hot and win some games. Still, going 5-0 or even 4-1 might be pushing things a bit.

The Eagles control their destiny in regard to the Skins. They will need help with the Cowboys. That’s why you don’t want to blow games to the Titans and Panthers. It has you watching the scoreboard, hoping some other team helps you out.

For now, all the Eagles can do is win games. Control what you can control and let the chips fall where they may.

*****

He’s alive.

Darren Sproles lives #Eagles pic.twitter.com/xl7iamEPNC

— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) November 29, 2018

Sproles could help the Eagles as a RS or RB. That said, don’t expect him to come in and start making big plays left and right.

I do hope we get to see him make some plays down the stretch. This is his final year. Would love to see him have some impact.

*****

Golden Tate says it’s the best start to a week since he’s been here. Says the team has extra “juice”. Every guy I asked agrees with him #Eagles

— Jamie Apody (@JamieApody) November 29, 2018

This probably doesn’t mean much, but it at least feels encouraging. Good practices helped the Eagles to get ready for the playoffs last year. Maybe they could have a similar impact this year, with helping the Eagles to go on a winning streak and finally play well on a consistent basis.

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