This should have been Nick foles playing for three quarters and Nate sudfeld getting some mop-up touches to close out a meaningless game while Carson wentz holds a clipboard with a ski cap on. And off the Delaware Valley would go into 2018 with visions of a Super Bowl title dancing in their heads. But life doesn't work that way and neither does sports. performance on Christmas night was downright frightening. He was that bad. Bad enough that it erased a solid game the week before vs. the Giants, fair or not. Back was the inaccuracy, the kind that could get a pass catcher killed and nearly did. The holding the ball too long, the seeing ghosts in the pocket, the back-pedaling, the gift interceptions.
If you're looking for solace, the defense played better than it did against the Giants. But is better good enough? jalen Mills is a mess right now and opposing coaches smell blood. He wasn't alone, by the way, on that uncovered amari Cooper touchdown. Rodney McLeod also took the cheese. Also alarming was the Birds' run defense that has been so good all season.
They've done this despite significant injuries. It's been a thrilling season when most optimists thought 10 wins was the ceiling. The front office, the coaches and the players deserve every accolade thrown their way. But that's in the rearview. It's not about what could have been had wentz still been working his magic under center with Jason Peters protecting his blindside.
Is there an injury risk? No question. But if this team performs in the playoffs the way it did the last two games against inferior opponents, it will be one-and-done. The eagles' wideouts totaled five catches for 40 yards against the 23rd-ranked Raiders pass defense.
