The NFL Playoffs are quickly approaching and the Philadelphia Eagles have put themselves in the position for another underdog run.
Whether this is what we Philly fans had envisioned four weeks ago or not is a topic for another day that will never come. I have no interest in focusing on would’ve, could’ve, or should’ve. Being an Eagles fan since I was nine-years old (20 years) has taught me a lot about how much life sucks and how reality will never miss an opportunity to beat you into the ground.
Becoming an Eagles fan was maybe the worst decision of my life, but here we are 20+ years later and I’m still letting this team dictate my mental health during the peak of my seasonal depression. The ups and downs are sometimes way too much, but bleeding green is just what I do. I genuinely hate this ride…but I just refuse to get off.
Sitting (10-1) as week 13 approached, many naysayers were quick to count the Eagles out as the Birds suited up to take on the San Francisco FraudyNiners. I knew deep down that we were about to be exposed, but I was totally disillusioned by our record going into a game for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
The writing was on the wall.
The Eagles were on a five-game winning streak heading into the match-up…those five consecutive wins came after trailing 10+ points in each of those games. This team (Jalen Hurts) clearly plays best when against the ropes.
During the first 12 weeks of the regular season, Hurts’ had put together an incredible stat line when playing from behind:
- 71% completion rate
- 22 TDs
- 1 interception
- 114.1 passer rating
- 1,977 total yards
In that same 12-week timeframe, when leading the game, Hurts’ has had his fair share of struggles:
- 62% completion rate
- 7 TDs
- 9 interceptions
- 65.9 passer rating
- 1,130 total yards
It Hurts to acknowledge these stats. Now, where were we? Oh yeah, Brock Purdy coming into the Linc and embarrassing us in front of 69,879 fans. Mr. Irrelevant marched into Philly and got his revenge from last years NFC Championship game. His elbow looked pretty dang good throwing 314-yards and four touchdowns in a 42-19 blowout on the road in Philly.
Did my Eagles get exposed? Absolutely. The Philadelphia defense struggled. The offense certainly struggled to put points up and that trend would continue for the following two weeks.
In a heartbreaking 13-33 blowout loss to Dallas, the Eagles’ only touchdown would come at the hands of Jalen Carter on a fumble return. The Eagles lost control of the NFC East with this loss.
The following week seemed favorable for the now (10-3) Eagles as they headed out west to take on the (6-7) Seattle Seahawks and Drew Lock. Unfortunately, the two-rushing touchdowns by Hurts’ wouldn’t be enough to prevent Lock from putting that shit on and marching down the field and connecting with WR Jaxson Smith Njigba on a 29-yard touchdown with less than 30-seconds remaining in the game to give the Seahawks a 20-17 lead. An interception by Hurts would seal the deal and cost Philly their third-straight loss.
During this three-game slide, the team struggled to advance the ball and score with the defense facing minimal rest between drives due to an unproductive offense. The Eagles would be outscored in those three-games 49-95.
Hurts’ himself had his share of struggles during this stretch:
- 59% completion rate
- 1 TDs
- 2 interceptions
- 72.4 passer rating
- 638 passing yards
Thankfully, the Eagles were able to get back on track this past weekend against NFC East rival, the New York Giants. The Birds were able to stop the slide and earn their first win this December. Although you’d expect a more dominating win against a (5-9) team without a QB, I will gladly take a 33-25 victory over a blowout in the opposite direction. Hurts’ seemed to have found some of his rhythm and the offense looked better than it had in months. Hurts threw for 301-yards, one touchdown, and a pick. We only saw him carry the ball eight-times, which is probably for the best due to some ball security concerns.
The (11-4) Eagles now control their own destiny in the East with a one-game lead over Dallas and only two games left to go.
It’s beginning to feel a lot like 2018…amirite?
As the season comes to a close the battle for the No. 1 seed in the NFC is heating up with a three-way tie between the Eagles, 49ers, and Lions (yes, if you’re not keeping up, the Lions are 11-4).
Realistically, any of these teams have a shot at earning home-field advantage in the playoffs, and as much as it pains me to say…even Dallas has a shot at No. 1 and can spice it up this weekend when they take on the (11-4) Lions at home at Jerry World:
- Eagles (11-4): Arizona Cardinals (12/31) and the New York Giants (1/7)
- 49ers (11-4): Washington Commanders (12/31) and Los Angeles Rams (1/7)
- Lions (11-4): Dallas Cowboys (12/30) and Minnesota Vikings (1/7)
- Cowboys (10-5): Detroit Lions (12/30) and Washington Commanders (1/7)
I look forward to spending the next 4 weeks sweating profusely, screaming and cursing at my TV, pondering my existence, and questioning my loyalty to a team that just absolutely LOVES to rip my heart out each and every January. Regardless if we lose out or win-out we ARE going to the playoffs and will be underdogs…that should scare everyone (including the #BirdGang)
