FanPost

Now That We're In...I Have A Few Quandaries


First, let me say that I'm thrilled that the Birds are headed for their 8th playoffs berth in 11 years under Andy Reid. Now that we've got that sorted out, there are a few questions I have regarding the remainder of the regular season and the impending playoff matchups.

1. CAN THE EAGLES DEVELOP CONSISTENCY ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL?

A win is a win, especially when it clinches a plyoff berth, but this one was far from perfect. The defense was once again suspect as San Francisco running back Frank Gore eclipsed 100 yards on the ground, the first time in 24 games that an opposing RB has done so against the Eagles. Penalties on both offense and defense were a problem (we're currently the 2nd-most-penalized team in the NFL), and at times the offensive line was shaky. At times, Donovan McNabb was having trouble seeing open receivers, threw two ugly interceptions, and had some accuracy issues. That being said, the effort from both units was by no means deficient. McNabb amassed over 300 yards passing, with 140 of them going to miracle worker DeSean Jackson. The running game racked up 116 yards and a touchdown, and Brent Celek once again had a strong outing with 73 yards. The defense forced 4 turnovers (1 fumble recovery, 3 ints), and harassed San Francisco QB Alex Smith all afternoon. Now that we have made it into the playoffs, I have to wonder what it will take to become consistent on both sides of the ball. Moose Johnson brought up a good point today: occasionally the Eagles will fall into a sort of lull during games, when the defense is porous and the offense can't sustain drives. We saw the beginnings of that in the 2nd half today, but luckily both units recovered and secured the win. We're going to have some stiff competition in the playoffs, and consistency will be essential to advancing. Teams like New Orleans and Minnesota won't let us get away with much, and I get the feeling that at least one of these two teams will be in the NFC title game. Both units have to tighten up a little and focus, starting now.

2. NOW THAT WE'RE IN, DOES THE DIVISION TITLE MATTER OR SHOULD WE REST OUR STARTERS?

If someone else was running away with the NFC East, I'd say rest the boys, but Dallas is only a game behind and if they end up taking the crown, that means they'll have home-field advantage in the first round. Can you imagine if we had to play them two games in a row in that awful place? No spank you. In this case, the Eagles should play every man-jack of their starting lineup in order to secure home-field advantage. Dallas and our other remaining opponent, Denver, are dangerous teams. Throwing in the towel now by resting starters sends the wrong message, and robs us of a valuable playoff advantage. The team needs to play even harder in the final two games.

3. WHO WILL WE FACE IN JANUARY?

As it so stands, the Saints and the Vikings are the 1st and 2nd seeds. The Eagles' chances for a division crown will probably see through to the final game in Dallas. If they defeat the Broncos and the Cowboys, they wind up at 12-4, which will probably be good enough for a third-seed placing going in (I have them losing to Denver and beating Dallas, so we'll be 11-5 in that scenario). Arizona clinched their division with a win and San Francisco's loss. They're 9-5 with the moribund Rams and the dangerous Packers remaining on the schedule...I have them beating the Rams and losing to the Pack, bringing them to 10-6 on the season and the fourth seed. The wild card teams, Dallas and Green Bay, are both 9-5. The Cowgirls have Washington and us remaining, and the Packers have Seattle and the Cardinals. In Dallas' case, I think they will go 10-6 and make it in. The Pack could go either 10-6 or 11-5, but either way they will clinch. The Giants, basically the only other NFC team in the hunt, are 7-6 with Washington, Carolina, and Minnesota remaining. I simply don't see them going undefeated here. They'll miss the playoffs at 9-7. So, by my reckoning, the NFC playoff picture will be thus:

1ST ROUND:

PHI VS. DAL @ PHI - PHI WINS

ARI VS. GB @ ARI - GB WINS

BYE: NO, MIN

Obviously, the peculiar thing about these matchups is that they are exactly the same as the week 17 matchups for all four teams. Should make for some interesting viewing.

2ND ROUND:

PHI VS. NO @ NO - PHI WINS

GB VS. MIN @ MIN - MIN WINS

Holy crap, Brett Favre versus his old team in the playoffs?!?! ESPN will be creaming themselves!! Oh yeah, the Eagles beat a tired Saints team too.

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

PHI VS. MIN @ MIN - PHI WINS

What the hell, might not happen, but there's just something about this Iggles squad that gives me chills.

The questions have been asked...now how far off base will my answers be? What are your thoughts, Philly Phaithful?