In yesterday's presser I couldn't help but notice Eagles' owner Jeff Lurie's body language was a tad ambiguous... He even let go a Freudian slip as he endorsed Andy Reid for 2012, to wit, and to paraphrase, "Andy is our best hope...for now..."

Nine playoff appearances in 13 seasons, 136 wins, including 10 in the playoffs, and a personality that enables the Eagles to attract top free-agent talent have earned coach Reid a mulligan, team owner Jeffrey Lurie announced Tuesday.

However, the overall picture Lurie painted suggests Reid has just one more year to deliver. Lurie, who tempered his praise of Reid with strong revelations of disappointment and anger about how the non-playoff 2011 season unfolded, said the bottom line was that he still believes Reid is the best option to lead the team in 2012.

Furthermore, Lurie plans to stand behind any decisions Reid makes on his coaching staff, particularly regarding defensive coordinator Juan Castillo, who struggled in his first year on the job after spending the previous 12 seasons as the team's offensive line coach.

"If I have to get involved with telling Andy what to do with assistant coaches," Lurie said, "then I have the wrong coach. ... I have full confidence he'll make the right decisions there."

Without stating it outright, Lurie strongly hinted that next year will be Reid's last if he doesn't win big. "If I didn't think next year would be substantially better, I'd be standing up here announcing a coaching change," said Lurie, who doesn't anticipate a contract extension now for his coach, who is signed only through 2013.

No interest in extending Reid is the best evidence that the owner's patience is coming to an end. "This season was without question the most disappointing season since I've owned the team," Lurie said. "You're only human and you go through all the range of emotions during the season, but the primary emotions I think are anger and frustration.

"... Anyone who in my mind both doesn't feel the disappointment and anger is just not getting what we're all about. We're a team, and Andy is a coach who has been in the playoffs nine out of the last 12 years, and it's just completely unacceptable to be 8-8 and watching these other teams play starting next week. Incredibly, incredibly disappointing."

Nevertheless, Lurie was compelling in his praise of Reid as a coach capable of bouncing back stronger than ever from what was perhaps his worst coaching job ever. He cited Reid's intangibles "as the overriding factor for me."

"Attracting talent, having the energy to succeed and motivation in a huge way, having the anger to move forward — do our players and coaches have that anger? You have to have the anger, motivation, dedication, the focus and the talent," Lurie said. "My answer to all those questions is yes. That's why I want to see our team coached by Andy Reid next year, and I can't wait to see that team play."

Reid had never gone more than one season without winning at least one playoff game before beginning the current streak of three in a row without winning one. What's more, his decision to make Castillo the defensive coordinator turned out to be a huge factor in missing the playoffs, as Castillo struggled to learn on the job and the Eagles blew five fourth-quarter leads on their way to a 3-6 start. Although the defense turned it around by the end of the season and keyed four straight victories, the wins were mostly hollow, even in Lurie's optimistic vision.

"We proved we could dominate against teams the last half of the year who weren't that competitive," he said. "There's a lot to be said for the players coming together and the coaching staff holding this group together in a way that was impressive. To hold onto that as the reason to be completely optimistic is, I think, fool's gold."

Yet Reid will stay, and Castillo as well, if that's what Reid wants. "He has all of the ingredients to take the team to the playoffs and take them far," Lurie said. "And the players love this guy. They're absolutely ready to roll with him.

"And another aspect I'll just say about Andy is he's not afraid to make changes, and you know sometimes the changes work and sometimes they don't. But very few coaches will change quarterbacks and succeed, change schemes and succeed, change GMs and succeed. So this is a man who's open to change."

Reid has not been available since his postgame press conference following Sunday's 34-10 win over Washington. He is expected to hold a press conference this week, but no date has been announced.

Reid met the media the day after last season ended and said Sean McDermott would be back as defensive coordinator before turning around and firing him less than a week later. His delayed appearance this year could be an attempt to avoid an embarrassing repeat of the same situation. Lurie prudently declined to say Reid's job would be on the line next season, but the message was perfectly clear.

"Every year, every year the goal is to win the Super Bowl," Lurie said. "I think we'll let the process play out. There's no ultimatums. That's our goal, and every year that's the plan. And only one team can do it. There will be 31 disappointed teams this year. But I have to tell you that nobody will lead this team or owner in anger and frustration, because that's where it's coming from."

Hmmmmm....

Personally, I think the whole Lurie rant was a performance worthy of an Emmy for one of his made-for-TV docudramas. Who is Lurie trying to kid? Andy Reid is the soul of this nice little 14-year run Lurie has going in Philly. Andy Reid does not run, block, tackle, catch, throw or kick the football--- his players do... and they simply have to do a better job of it. Lurie knows this.

Lurie is a master of delegation. To whom better to delegate the day-to-day hassles of running an NFL football team than Reid? Think about it--- it's a hard, road-tested, day-to-day grind that's really not that much fun even when you're winning. Do you really think Jeff Lurie wants to cast his own movies or build his own sets? I think not... and that's why Andy Reid's job as the "Director" of the Philadelphia Eagles is safe. Say what you will about Andy, but he holds the production crew together... and his employees for the most part love him... and the Eagles sell out stadiums and turn a profit every year.

Lurie would be a fool to dump Andy now. Heck, the Eagles get more attention when they lose than when they win. That's a ratings hit in show biz. And there's always a bunch of back-stories with the Eagles that keep the spotlight on Lurie's toy. If it's not McNabb, it's Vick, and then it's DeSean, and so on...

Lurie has no interest in dumping Reid or changing the course of Eagles management. It's in his best interest to keep things status quo. You don't pull the mask off the Lone Ranger, and you don't mess with a formula for fan interest in a team that for the most part wins but always delivers media coverage and ratings.

Props to Jeff Lurie for playing his scene well and knowing his role... You keep this Chicago Cubs/Buffalo Bills/Susan Lucci "All My Children" drama going for as long as it takes for Reid to break through... and I believe he eventually will come up aces if given enough chances and quality players to do so... because when it happens (and it will), Lurie will have a mega-hit script to turn into a movie... call it "Eagles' Landing"... it will be bigger than "The Blind Side"... with twice as many Oscars to hand out.

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This is an all-numbers report card on the Eagles for the (8-8) 2011 season...  No editorial comment is necessary...

TEAM LEADERS

PASSING YARDS

• Michael Vick
• ATT 423.0
• COMP 253
• TD 18
• 3303

RUSHING YARDS

• LeSean McCoy
• ATT 273
• AVG 4.8
• TD 17
• 1309

RECEIVING YARDS

• D. Jackson
• REC 58
• AVG 16.6
• TD 4
• 961

TACKLES

• Jamar Chaney
• SOLO 67
• AST 25
• SACK 1.0
• 92

INTERCEPTIONS

• Kurt Coleman
• YDS 60
• TD 0
• PD 5
• 4

PASSING
NAME	ATT	COMP	PCT	YDS	AVG	YDS/G	LONG	TD	TD%	INT	INT%	SACK	YDSL	RATE
Michael Vick	423	253	59.8	3303	7.8	244.4	73	18	4.3	14	3.3	23	126	84.9
Vince Young	114	66	57.9	866	7.6	138.7	58	4	3.5	9	7.9	8	34	60.8
Mike Kafka	16	11	68.8	107	6.7	25.3	43	0	0.0	2	12.5	1	6	47.7
Chas Henry	1	0	0.0	0	0.0	0.0	0	0	0.0	0	0.0	0	0	39.6
Totals	554	330	59.6	4276	7.7	256.9	73	22	4.0	25	4.5	32	166	78.3
Opponents	518	301	58.1	3713	7.2	212.3	74	27	5.2	15	2.9	50	316	85.7

RUSHING
NAME	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	20+	TD	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	1DN
LeSean McCoy	273	1309	4.8	60	14	17	87.3	1	1	84
Michael Vick	76	589	7.8	53	5	1	45.3	7	2	28
Ronnie Brown	42	136	3.2	15	0	1	8.5	1	1	11
Dion Lewis	23	102	4.4	20	1	1	6.8	0	0	5
Vince Young	18	79	4.4	13	0	0	13.2	0	0	4
DeSean Jackson	7	41	5.9	18	0	0	2.7	0	0	2
Chad Hall	3	13	4.3	7	0	0	1.9	0	0	0
Owen Schmitt	4	6	1.5	4	0	0	0.4	0	0	0
Jeremy Maclin	1	1	1.0	1	0	0	0.1	0	0	0
Mike Kafka	3	0	0.0	2	0	0	0.0	0	0	0
Totals	450	2276	5.1	60	20	20	142.3	9	4	134
Opponents	414	1801	4.4	61	11	11	112.6	5	3	84

RECEIVING
NAME	REC	TAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	20+	YDS/G	FUM	FUML	YAC	1DN
DeSean Jackson	58	104	961	16.6	4	62	15	64.1	0	0	211	39
Jeremy Maclin	63	97	859	13.6	5	59	15	66.1	1	1	241	43
Brent Celek	62	96	811	13.1	5	73	14	50.7	0	0	434	35
Jason Avant	52	81	679	13.1	1	35	10	42.4	2	2	179	33
LeSean McCoy	48	69	315	6.6	3	26	2	21.0	0	0	409	18
Riley Cooper	16	34	315	19.7	1	58	5	19.7	0	0	57	13
Clay Harbor	13	19	163	12.5	1	27	2	10.2	0	0	45	8
Steve Smith	11	20	124	11.3	1	20	1	13.8	0	0	31	5
Owen Schmitt	3	7	32	10.7	0	13	0	2.0	0	0	28	2
Chad Hall	3	9	20	6.7	1	16	0	2.9	0	0	9	1
Dion Lewis	1	1	-3	-3.0	0	-3	0	-0.2	0	0	4	0
Totals	330	554	4276	13.0	22	73	64	267.3	3	3	1648	197
Opponents	301	518	3713	12.3	27	74	53	232.1	3	3	1857	173

DEFENSE
	TACKLES			SACKS			INTERCEPTIONS					FUMBLES
NAME	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	YDSL	TLOSS	PD	INT	YDS	LONG	TD	FF	REC	TD	BK
Jamar Chaney	67	25	92	1.0	9	4	8	3	25	14	0	0	0	0	0
Kurt Coleman	56	22	78	0.0	0	1	5	4	60	35	0	1	0	0	0
Nate Allen	46	13	59	0.0	0	3	7	2	44	31	0	0	0	0	0
Brian Rolle	40	13	53	1.0	6	5	4	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	0
Trent Cole	42	3	45	11.0	81	4	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0
Nnamdi Asomugha	35	5	40	0.0	0	4	5	3	10	6	0	0	0	0	0
Cullen Jenkins	32	8	40	5.5	27	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
Jason Babin	35	5	40	18.0	107	2	2	0	0	0	0	3	0	0	0
Akeem Jordan	32	8	40	0.0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jarrad Page	28	9	37	0.0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Casey Matthews	29	8	37	1.0	7	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Mike Patterson	26	9	35	2.5	20	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	0	0
Asante Samuel	30	4	34	0.0	0	0	10	3	53	20	1	1	1	0	0
Keenan Clayton	24	7	31	0.0	0	1	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Joselio Hanson	26	4	30	0.0	0	0	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie	26	2	28	1.0	7	1	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Darryl Tapp	19	8	27	2.5	13	6	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0
Moise Fokou	14	8	22	0.0	0	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Derek Landri	17	4	21	2.0	14	6	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1
Trevor Laws	15	5	20	1.0	2	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jaiquawn Jarrett	15	2	17	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Brandon Hughes	13	3	16	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Colt Anderson	10	1	11	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Juqua Parker	8	2	10	1.5	11	0	5	0	0	0	0	0	2	2	0
Phillip Hunt	7	1	8	2.0	14	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Riley Cooper	6	1	7	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0
DeSean Jackson	6	0	6	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jason Avant	4	1	5	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jon Dorenbos	4	0	4	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Owen Schmitt	3	1	4	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Antonio Dixon	3	1	4	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Brandon Graham	4	0	4	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Ronnie Brown	2	0	2	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Evan Mathis	2	0	2	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Steve Smith	2	0	2	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Brent Celek	2	0	2	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Kyle DeVan	2	0	2	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
LeSean McCoy	2	0	2	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jeremy Maclin	2	0	2	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Tom Nelson	2	0	2	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Curtis Marsh	2	0	2	0.0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Alex Henery	2	0	2	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chas Henry	2	0	2	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Michael Vick	1	0	1	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jason Peters	1	0	1	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Todd Herremans	1	0	1	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
King Dunlap	1	0	1	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
Chad Hall	1	0	1	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Clay Harbor	1	0	1	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Jason Kelce	1	0	1	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Dion Lewis	1	0	1	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Totals	780	183	963	50.0	316	61	66	15	192	35	1	11	9	3	2
Opponents	813	158	971	32.0	166	61	75	25	368	77	2	15	12	0	1

SCORING
	TOUCHDOWNS				SCORING
NAME	RUSH	REC	RET	TD	FG	XP	2PT	PTS	PTS/G
LeSean McCoy	17	3	0	20	0	0	0	120	8.0
Alex Henery	0	0	0	0	24	46	0	118	7.4
Brent Celek	0	5	0	5	0	0	0	30	1.9
Jeremy Maclin	0	5	0	5	0	0	0	30	2.3
DeSean Jackson	0	4	0	4	0	0	0	24	1.6
Juqua Parker	0	0	2	2	0	0	0	12	1.0
Michael Vick	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	6	0.5
Asante Samuel	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	6	0.4
Ronnie Brown	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	6	0.4
Jason Avant	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	6	0.4
Steve Smith	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	6	0.7
Chad Hall	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	6	0.9
Riley Cooper	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	6	0.4
Clay Harbor	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	6	0.4
Brian Rolle	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	6	0.4
Dion Lewis	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	6	0.4
Phillip Hunt	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0.2
Totals	20	22	4	46	24	46	0	396	24.8

RETURNING
	KICKOFFS					PUNTS
NAME	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	TD	RET	RETY	AVG	LONG	TD	FC
Dion Lewis	31	669	21.6	33	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie	2	52	26.0	29	0	0	-2	0.0	-2	0	0
Chad Hall	2	43	21.5	24	0	7	76	10.9	30	0	12
Ronnie Brown	2	28	14.0	25	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0
Riley Cooper	1	16	16.0	16	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0
DeSean Jackson	1	7	7.0	7	0	17	114	6.7	51	0	12
Steve Smith	0	0	0.0	0	0	1	0	0.0	0	0	1
Jeremy Maclin	0	0	0.0	0	0	4	29	7.3	11	0	3
Curtis Marsh	0	0	0.0	0	0	1	-5	-5.0	0	0	0
Totals	39	815	20.9	33	0	30	212	7.1	51	0	28
Opponents	51	1178	23.1	51	0	31	176	5.7	25	0	16

KICKING
	FIELD GOALS									EXTRA POINTS
NAME	FGM	FGA	PCT	LONG	1-19	20-29	30-39	40-49	50+	XPM	XPA	PCT
Alex Henery	24	27	88.9	51	0-0	10-10	9-11	4-4	1-2	46	46	100.0
Totals	24	27	88.9	51	0-0	10-10	9-11	4-4	1-2	46	46	100.0
Opponents	16	24	66.7	51	0-0	7-7	3-6	4-8	2-3	38	38	100.0

PUNTING
NAME	PUNTS	YDS	LONG	AVG	NET	BP	IN20	TB	FC	RET	RETY	AVG
Chas Henry	66	2830	60	42.9	37.5	1	19	9	16	31	176	5.7
Totals	66	2830	60	42.9	40.2	1	19	9	16	31	176	5.7
Opponents	85	3673	68	43.2	40.7	0	29	6	28	30	212	7.1

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Brizer's final thought on the Eagles' 2011 season's finale victory over the Redskins: "Now the quest for the title in 2012 begins..." Meanwhile, Bruzer 9.5's prediction from last September rings in my ears: "8-8...book it..."

These are two separate guys, Brizer and Bruzer, yet somehow their thoughts are related in the sense that someday we may see the 2011 season as a developmental prelude to something special in 2012.

Maybe the best way to view 2011 for the Eagles is to see it as a shakedown cruise... the boat is built, and after a few rough outings, repairs have been made... and she's ready to take to the open seas in 2012.


The Eagles won their final four games of the season to finish at 8-8 and avoid what could have been Andy Reid's third losing season in 13 years as their head coach. The Redskins lost their final two and finish at 5-11, one game worse than they were last year in Mike Shanahan's first season as their coach.

But in a game the Eagles won going away, they were extremely fortunate to even have a lead entering the fourth quarter.

"I'm proud of the guys and the effort that they put into the game," Reid said. "... Right now, it feels like it's over. But it's a good way to start off the New Year."

By sitting out the last game of the season with an ankle injury, Eagles running back LeSean McCoy might have made an even stronger case for a contract extension than his brilliant first 15 games of the season made. The Eagles just didn't have anything much in the run game without him. Ronnie Brown offered one final bit of proof for why he didn't get any better offers, and Dion Lewis looks like he has work to do to learn the playbook... although Dion eventually got going nicely in the final minutes of the game.

DeSean Jackson's up-and-down season might have eliminated his chance to get the extension he wanted, and you wonder if the Eagles will look to lock up McCoy long-term instead. But DJax had a very nice game in this season-ending finale, including a game-turning TD reception from Vick.

Washington quarterback Rex Grossman threw his 20th interception of the season in just his 13th game, stretching his streak to 12 games in a row with at least one. He won't lead the league, though, because Buffalo's Ryan Fitzpatrick threw four of them  on Sunday to get to 23 for the season. Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick also threw an interception -- giving him 14 in his 13 games -- and lost a fumble. Vick also threw three touchdown passes, including that 62-yarder to DeSean Jackson -- but the sack-fumble turnover and INT Vick gave up were a reminder of the problems that really sank the Eagles early in the season when they were outplaying teams but finding ways to lose.

The Eagles defense had some trouble containing Redskins' rookie running back Evan Royster, who surpassed 100 yards rushing for the second week in a row, getting the bulk of the carries ahead of Roy Helu, who was suffering from foot and leg cramps. But Helu did catch a 47-yard touchdown pass, and it seems clear that, especially if Tim Hightower can come back from his ACL injury, the Redskins will be extremely strong at running back in 2012.

But the Eagles' pass rush destroyed Rex Grossman all day long, and the Eagles will end the season as statistically one of the best defenses in the league. Between the defense and Jeremy Maclin's excellent routes and pass-catching on Sunday, and Jackson's clutch catches,  the promise of McCoy and the way Vick finished the season, I imagine many Eagles fans might be feeling very optimistic about next season...

Michael Vick threw for 335 yards and three touchdown passes. Vick's 7-yard TD pass to Chad Hall in the second quarter gave Philadelphia a 10-0 lead after Derek Landri blocked Graham Gano's 36-yard field-goal attempt.

Vick connected with Jackson to make it 20-10 in the fourth quarter. It could've been Jackson's last game with the Eagles. The two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver played the final year of his rookie contract and never got the extension he wanted after holding out in training camp.

A 4-yard TD toss from Vick to Brent Celek made it 27-10.

Roy Helu turned a screen pass into a 47-yard TD to get Washington within 10-7 on the opening drive of the second half.

The Redskins turned the ball over on downs at the Eagles 35 in the final minute of the second quarter. They got the ball back when Brian Orakpo sacked Vick and forced a fumble. Perry Riley recovered at the 17, but the Redskins wasted the field position.

An unsportsmanlike penalty on Santana Moss for taking off his helmet and arguing a non-call for pass interference pushed the ball back, and the clock expired before Gano could attempt a field goal after Jabar Gaffney was tackled at the Eagles 7. Long snapper Nick Sundberg wasn't on the field as players scurried to the line of scrimmage.

"A little mix-up there relative to communication, coupled with not getting the play," Shanahan said, explaining that the headsets weren't working at the time.

But the Eagles are going home despite the strong finish after failing to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2007 and just the fourth time in coach Andy Reid's 13 seasons. They can't be satisfied after entering the year with Super Bowl aspirations

"That's the unfortunate part," Vick said. "Everybody's jelling together, our team is getting closer as a unit, everybody's understanding their coaches and what they're trying to do and their philosophy. We know what needs to be done. We'll fly under the radar and try to shock people next year. Next year will be totally different. I promise you."

Reid refused to discuss anything about the future, including whether he wants to return or if defensive coordinator Juan Castillo will be back. Reid took plenty of criticism this season, and heard "Fire Andy!" chants during a loss to New England in November. Castillo was intensely scrutinized in his first season after serving as an offensive line coach for 13 years.

"We've got to get better all the way around, starting with me," Reid said. "This wasn't good enough."

"You have to analyze everything that happened and figure out how not to let it happen again," Vick said. "We've got a lot of soul-searching to do, a lot of thinking to do. I think our opportunities will arise."

"Yeah, you just think about the games that we could have won, the games we had a chance to win and the positions we were in," Vick said, "but you can't cry over spilled milk. What's done is done and we can't change the past. We just have to look forward to the future.

"Like I said, every guy has to look in the mirror and figure out what he didn't do so well and what he did do that was beneficial for the team. I have to do it as well. We all do. We just have to make sure we do the right things and take the right steps to put this organization in the position to compete for a championship. I think we all know what we need to do."

Notes: The Eagles set a franchise record for total yards with 6,386. ... Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin had eight catches for 105 yards. ... Eagles rookie K Alex Henery finished the season 24 of 27 on field goals for the best percentage (88.9) in team history. ... Jackson became the fifth player in NFL history to have 900 yards receiving in each of his first four seasons. 

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This is it...the final game of the Eagles 2011 season... Hard to believe we are here after surviving the ball of confusion known as The Lockout... but here we be. Certainly we are at a time of combined sorrow and joy for our team...sorry we couldn't have stolen two more victories from underrated teams like Arizona and Seattle...and joyous that nobody on our roster has suffered a career-threatening injury prior to today.



There are a lot of big playoff-determination games today, but sadly this is not one of them. However, it still matters to me--- I've decided I'd rather have an 8-8 record after this one to save face rather than finish 7-9 with an improved draft choice position in 2012.  Call it fan ego or false pride, but I need an 8-8 to get through the winter and help me deflect the criticisms and boasts of friends and relatives and co-workers who are just waiting in the shadows to mock me for my support of the Iggles.

WASHINGTON (5-10) At PHILADELPHIA (7-8)

Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox

OPENING LINE -- Eagles by 9

RECORD VS. SPREAD -- Washington 7-8; Philadelphia 7-8

SERIES RECORD -- Redskins lead 80-68-5

LAST MEETING -- Eagles beat Redskins 20-13, Oct. 16

LAST WEEK -- Redskins lost to Vikings 33-26; Eagles beat Cowboys 20-7

REDSKINS OFFENSE -- OVERALL (16) RUSH (26), PASS (14)

REDSKINS DEFENSE -- OVERALL (13), RUSH (19) PASS (11)

EAGLES OFFENSE -- OVERALL (3), RUSH (5), PASS (10)

EAGLES DEFENSE -- OVERALL (8), RUSH (14), PASS (8)

 In last three games, Eagles have held opponents to 36 points, 683 total net yards, 12 for 45 (26.7 percent) on third downs and 1 for 6 on fourth downs. Their 16 sacks are their highest three-game total since also posting 16 in first three games of 2006 season. ... Rookie K Alex Henery has connected on 14 consecutive field-goal attempts, which is fifth-longest streak in team history. Henery is 22 for 25 this season (88 percent), which is second-highest percentage in team history behind David Akers' 88.2 percent (30 for 34) in 2002. ... QB Michael Vick needs 32 yards passing to reach 3,000. It would be his second consecutive season with 3,000 yards passing and 500 yards rushing. Only Randall Cunningham had more -- three times from 1988-90. ... Redskins 2-9 since 3-1 start. A 20-13 loss to Eagles started six-game losing streak. ... WR Jabar Gaffney needs 81 yards receiving for his first career 1,000-yard season. ... QB Rex Grossman (2,895 yards) needs 299 yards passing to set a single-season career high. ... LB London Fletcher leads NFL with 163 tackles, but wasn't named to Pro Bowl. ... Grossman has thrown at least one interception in 11 straight starts. ... Washington has committed at least one turnover in 29 straight games, longest active NFL streak.

I like our chances in this one. It would be nice to go out with a W... but the Redskins organization is thinking the same way. Jobs are on the line... Thus I turn it over one last time in 2011 to our Smart Phans for the game commentary... Livefyre brings us the honest views of this game (without censorship) from the Phans who can give us a "bigger picture" look at the finale of this crazy 2011 season...

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Don't tell "Double J" this is a meaningless game with the Redskins on Sunday...

Rookie Jaiquawn Jarrett, the Eagles' second-round draft pick out of Temple University, will start in Kurt Coleman's spot at strong safety alongside free safety Nate Allen. (Coleman is on IR with a biceps injury...)

Jarrett will be making his second start. He also replaced an injured Allen against Arizona. He made seven tackles, but also was beaten on several plays (see photo above) during a 21-17 loss to the Cardinals.

"He's had a couple of opportunities in there when other guys were banged up and he did a nice job," Reid said. "I would just expect him to continue to build on that. This will be a great experience for him, so I think it's a positive."

Jaiquawn Jarrett's first and only NFL start ended with the rookie safety unsuccessfully chasing perhaps the best wide receiver in the NFL as the Eagles dropped a 21-17 decision to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 13.

Though it certainly wasn't all Jarrett's fault that Larry Fitzgerald broke behind him to catch a 37-yard bomb and set up the game-winning touchdown, the play symbolized all that was wrong with the Eagles' defense for most of this season, with their young as well as their new players often confused to the point of easy exploitation.

"He's had a couple of opportunities in there when other guys were banged up and he did a nice job," coach Andy Reid said, "so I would just expect him to continue to build on it. Great experience for him, so I think it's a positive."

According to Reid, the main reason Jarrett hasn't been able to get on the field with the defense more is simply because of the more advanced developmental stages of second-year players Coleman and Nate Allen.

"It's really only due to that," Reid said. "It's not by effort or knowledge or anything from Jaiquawn's spot. It's just the other guys have continued to improve and really, the last month-and-a half or so, have done a real nice job."

Now it's Jarrett's turn to join the party and possibly get a head start on winning a starting spot next season. "I think any opportunity on the field is a great opportunity to show what you can do," Jarrett said. "There's always pressure. You have high expectations on yourself. So when I get out there I'm going to make sure I'm executing to the best of my ability."

Jarrett was taken with the 54^th overall pick this year out of Temple. He's mostly played special teams this season.

In his start against the Cardinals, he was credited with seven tackles and a hurry.

I know I'll be focusing on Jarrett in his start against the Redskins. It's just one reason why I don't believe this game is meaningless.  I have high hopes for this guy. He's got the pedigree, the physique, the speed, the technique and the swagger. All Jarrett needs is the game experience and the confidence. The game at this level still appears very fast to Jarrett, and it's a challenge just to know exactly where to line up.  That's the way it is for a rookie. This Sunday's game experience will go a long way to getting Jarrett to that next level where the game "slows down" just enough to where he can anticipate and relocate in response to an offensive play formation or an audible play change at the line of scrimmage.

This game is a big deal for Jarrett. And it's a big deal for the Eagles who picked Jarrett in the 2nd round last year. You want and expect your 2nd-rounder to pay off sooner than later. And on Sunday against the Redskins it is "go" time for Jarrett at strong safety.

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Twelve of the sixteen games being played this weekend in the NFL have playoff implications... but Redskins at Eagles is not one of them...

Recently I commented to Dave Spadaro that my ideal wish for this game in Philly would be for the Eagles and the Redskins to start their #1's... after all, people who are attending this game have paid top-dollar to see the best football product, even if it is Game 16 and both teams are out of the race.

But my caveat was: If the Eagles can get up early and big on the Redskins by the start of the 3rd quarter, then by all means put in the second and third team guys... and most importantly, allow us to observe Mike Kafka in action at QB.



Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but I'd love to see what Kafka could do given an entire half of clock to work with...

But Spadaro said "No, this game is still meaningful to the organization, and the regulars need to finish it out..."

I actually understand and see Dave's point. To be fair, most of the regulars don't want to sit this one out...and, in fact, we already have Jarrett at strong safety filling in for the injured Kurt Coleman, DRC taking the hamstring-stressed Asante Samuel's place at CB, and most probably Dion Lewis being brought in early to spell the sore ankle of Shady McCoy at RB...

So I will defer to the Gold Standard and accept the seriousness of the approach taken to this game by the Eagles...

"We're in this thing to play the best football we possibly can," Andy Reid said. The Eagles, who recently handed Dallas a 20-7 loss on Christmas Eve, are out of the playoff picture for the first time since 2007, when they last finished with an 8-8 record. They have the momentum on their side in this matchup after beating the Redskins by a 20-13 score on the road back on Oct. 16.

Reid is 16-9 versus the Redskins since taking over in 1999. Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan is 3-3 lifetime against Philadelphia, with the first two wins and the initial loss coming during his 14-year reign with the Denver Broncos from 1995-2008. Shanahan is 2-2 against Reid head-to-head, having also bested the Eagles by a 49-21 count in Denver back in 2005, but has lost two of three bouts against Philly since being placed in charge of the Redskins prior to last season.

Here's how the "official" Sports Network NFL Preview sees it:

WHEN THE REDSKINS HAVE THE BALL

Grossman (2,895 passing yards, 15 TD, 19 INT) was intercepted four times and passed for 143 yards in the first meeting with the Eagles before giving way to backup John Beck (858 passing yards, 2 TD, 4 INT), who made a few starts this season and completed 8-of-15 passes for 117 in relief of Grossman against Philadelphia. Washington had 287 total yards in that game, including just 42 rushing. Rookie running back Roy Helu (635 yards, 2 TD) was held to six yards on two carries by the Eagles, but wasn't a starter back then with Tim Hightower the main back before an injury cut his season short. Veteran Ryan Torain was ineffective as Hightower's first replacement and was just released after losing time to Helu, who did not play against the Vikings because of toe/knee ailments and could miss the season finale. Fellow rookie running back Evan Royster (215 yards) made his first start in Helu's place and lifted some eyebrows with 132 yards on 19 carries against Minnesota. Royster, who patiently waited his turn while on the practice squad earlier in the year, averaged 6.9 yards per carry and had a 28-yard run in the third quarter that led to a 25-yard Graham Gano field goal. Royster and Helu are the only two rookie backs in team history to run for 100 yards or more in a game in the same season. Wide receiver Jabar Gaffney (64 receptions, 919 yards, 5 TD) is enjoying a career year and is nearing his first-ever 1,000-yard campaign.

Eagles defensive end Jason Babin (38 tackles, 18 sacks) is having a career year for a team that will not make the playoffs. The offseason acquisition has thrived under defensive line coach Jim Washburn's wide-nine philosophy and also benefits from having Trent Cole (43 tackles, 10 sacks) playing on the other side. Babin's 18 quarterback takedowns is the third-most in a season by an Eagle, trailing only Reggie White (21 in 1987) and Clyde Simmons (19 in 1992). The Eagles are 14th against the rush this season, 12th in points allowed and eighth in both pass defense and total yards given up. Cornerback Asante Samuel (34 tackles, 3 INT) did not play against the Cowboys with a hamstring strain and was replaced by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (25 tackles, 1 sack), a former starter in Arizona who came to the Eagles in the Kevin Kolb deal over the summer, and the ex-Cardinal will get the nod again this week with Samuel still bothered by the injury. Fellow cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (37 tackles, 3 INT) struggled at first under Castillo's defensive scheme, but has picked it up over the latter part of the season and gives the team a proven cover man. Philadelphia's linebackers were another sore spot until also stepping up their play recent weeks. Safety Kurt Coleman (78 tackles, 4 INT) suffered a biceps injury in Dallas and was placed on injured reserve, while linebacker Brian Rolle (51 tackles, 1 INT) is hampered by an ankle strain and also may not play on Sunday.

WHEN THE EAGLES HAVE THE BALL

Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (1,309 rushing yards, 17 TD) is Pro-Bowl bound and diced Washington's defense for 126 yards and a score on 28 carries back in October. He only had 35 yards on 13 carries in last week's win over Dallas, however, and suffered what appeared to be an ankle injury. Reid said the starters will play this weekend and McCoy could cut into Wilbert Montgomery's single-season team rushing mark of 1,512 yards set back in 1979, as he's considered probable to go. McCoy is first in the NFC, second in the league and fourth in team annals for a single season with 1,309 rushing yards, and will be looking to close out a career year with another outstanding performance. Philadelphia needs 235 total yards to set a single-season team record in that category and is third in the NFL with an average of 399.7 yards per game. The Eagles are on pace to become just the third team in NFL history to have five players catch 50 or more passes in a single season. Wide receiver Jason Avant (48 receptions, 1 TD) and McCoy (48 receptions, 3 TD) each need two receptions to join tight end Brent Celek (56 receptions, 4 TD) and wide receivers Jeremy Maclin (55 receptions, 5 TD) and DeSean Jackson (54 receptions, 3 TD) in reaching that mark. Jackson had a down year while battling with the organization over contract issues and could be playing his last game for the Eagles, though the team could slap the franchise tag to retain his services.

The Redskins had trouble stopping McCoy in the first meeting and are 19th against the run this season, allowing 120.6 yards per game on the ground. Eagles quarterback Michael Vick also hurt the Redskins with both his scrambling ability as well as through the air, and Washington will need rookie Ryan Kerrigan (62 tackles, 8 sacks) and fellow outside linebacker Brian Orakpo (57 tackles, 7 sacks) to step it up in the season finale and apply pressure from either end. Getting in the quarterback's face and moving Vick around the pocket will be key in setting up turnover chances and incompletions. The Redskins are 11th against the pass (215.9 ypg) and will have their hands full once again with the Eagles. Crossing patterns by Celek, Maclin or Jackson will be difficult to defend, while McCoy coming out of the backfield is never a settling sight. London Fletcher (163 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 INT) is having another monster season at inside linebacker for Washington and posted a game- high 12 stops in the first encounter with Philly. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall (87 tackles, 3 INT) and safety Oshiomogho Atogwe (57 tackles, 2 INT) each had an interception against the Eagles in the first matchup, one thrown by Vick and other by backup Vince Young. Washington was tagged for 241 rushing yards and 389 total yards against the Vikings last Saturday, one week after intercepting three passes and holding New York in check.

KEYS TO THE GAME

Grossman could be playing for his job next season for the Redskins, who may address the position in the draft or via free agency. The franchise hasn't enjoyed comfort at the quarterback spot for quite some time, as neither Grossman and Beck failed to solidify the position, but will need effective play under center to come out on top this week.

Will this be the final game for DeSean Jackson in an Eagles uniform? That remains do be seen, but if the speedster can stretch the field and loosen up the Washington defense, that should enhance Philadelphia's chances of continuing its winning streak...and maybe persuade Eagles management to ante up a decent payday contract for Jackson.

No team wants to finish with a losing record, and Philadelphia will likely try hard to break even at 8-8 with a win over the rival Redskins. Washington is also playing for pride and would like nothing more to ring in the new year with a positive result.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Eagles 30, Redskins 20 (assuming the #1 starters play the whole game)...

But here's the flip side of the argument about going all out in Game 16 to salvage an 8-8 record, and this is from our good buddy in Delaware, Dave Stoessel, who deserves to be heard on his point:

"Why risk the 2012 season just to get a completely meaningless win? Is watching Michael Vick take brain-rattling hits worth it? Do we want to see McCoy get carted off again but have it be more serious this time?

Again, it's not worth it. If the Redskins had anything riding on this game then, yes, you play the starters and compete to the best of your ability. But they don't, and neither do the Eagles.

And don't give me any hogwash about "finishing strong" or "not having a losing season" or anything about carrying momentum into next season. Because that's what all that is—hogwash.

That is why Andy Reid should be playing the backups this week. This season is over—it's time to think about 2012.

If anyone can give me one good reason why the starters should play, I'm all ears. I'll even stand up and give you a little golf clap. But remember, it has to be a good reason.

There is absolutely no value in playing the starters this week. Sure, the players are competitors and they want to compete, that I can understand. However, they're supposed to be like that.

The coaches are the ones who should be thinking about the future, not the players.

There is no value in playing Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Nnamdi Asomugha, Trent Cole, Jason Babin, Jason Peters and Brent Celek.

We all know what those guys can do. Plus, there is the inherent risk of injury to a star player in a meaningless game that, at this point, would impact their 2012 season.

If you want to be realistic here, the only thing that is riding on this game is draft positioning. Therefore, losing this game actually has more value than winning it.

As things stand right now, the Eagles have the 13th overall pick in next April's NFL draft, according to Mike Sando of ESPN.com. If they lose against Washington, they won't end up with a lower pick. In fact, if the Eagles lose and the Cardinals, Chiefs and possibly the Bills all win, they could jump as high as the 10th overall pick.

However, if the Eagles win and finish 8-8, they could drop from pick No. 13, all the way down to the 17th or 18th slot. That might not sound like much, but four slots in the first round of the NFL draft is significant. It could mean the difference between getting the impact player you covet or deciding to trade down, or even out of the first round altogether.

Furthermore, if the Eagles decide that they want to use their extra second-round pick in a trade package to move up, it would be better value and easier to do from slot No. 13 (or higher) than it would be from slot No. 17 (or 18).

My last, but not least, reason for playing the backups this week is simply for roster evaluation. Let's see what these guys have. Let's get some tape on them so that the coaches can make better judgements about them.

How far has Mike Kafka come? Is he ready and/or capable of being the No. 2 quarterback next year?

Can Dion Lewis contribute more in the running game? It would be good to see him for a full game in the backfield because his kick-return skills are horrible. Seriously, it almost seemed as if he would average more yards on a return just by downing it in the end zone.

Is Jaiquawn Jarrett the strong safety of the future? He needs more playing time because he might be heavily counted on for next year.

How far has Curtis Marsh come this season? He was a third-round pick, so he needs to start seeing the field to see what kind of potential he has. Asante Samuel will likely be gone, so Marsh could be counted on to play a more significant role next season.

Other players like Winston Justice, King Dunlap, Phillip Hunt, Riley Cooper, Clay Harbor, Cedric Thornton and any of the young linebackers would also benefit from playing time.

All of these guys would certainly "compete," and if they play well enough, they could still win the game anyway.

Reid has already stated that the starters will play this week. He keeps saying the same old things about getting better as a team and only focusing on this week.

The only reason to play the starters and go all-out for the win is to "save face," as if they actually can. I guess 8-8 sounds worlds better than 7-9.

A win or loss this week will not have any bearing on Reid's job security. For the record, I believe he'll be back next season regardless.

If it's acceptable for teams to rest their starters before the playoffs start, it should be acceptable for a team to play their backups in a game that has no impact on anything related to the 2011 season.

For the Eagles and Reid to jeopardize the 2012 season by way of injury to a prominent player or acquiring a stud player in the draft, it's extremely short-sighted and egotistical.

Play the young guys and let them get some much-needed experience. There are no negatives in doing so, only positives. Likewise, there are no positives in playing the starters, only negatives.

Maybe Reid will only play the starters for a little while before putting in some backups. It would actually be the only thing that would make this last game interesting."

And we come full-circle....That's what I said all along... start your #1's... then turn the second half over to your backups... Maybe even strike a gentleman's agreement with the Redskins HC Mike Shanahan to do the same?... Now everyone's happy!

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The Redskins had their opportunity to take over the Eastern Division this season as the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants all took turns putting up disastrous losing streaks and leaving the door wide open... But too bad for Mike Shanahan and the 'Skins, after an early burst of promise, their season hit the skids. RB Ryan Torain has been released from the team. And to add insult to injury, ILB veteran great London Fletcher was snubbed in the Pro Bowl voting.

And the guy who promised a Division title --- QB Rex Grossman --- has struggled to put up a lousy 73.3 passer rating this season.

Rex Grossman may play his final game with the Washington Redskins on Sunday at Philadelphia. The quarterback is not signed for next season and the team looks likely to draft his replacement come April. Yet, Grossman was undeterred on Wednesday over the future. He expects to return to Washington and start next season.

"My confidence level is at an all-time high," he said. "I just need to eliminate the couple bad plays here and there that deter great performance. ... We've done a lot of great things this year. Just the consistency level, the percentage of bad plays just needs to go down. I've put a lot of good tape out there. I had some turnovers, whether some I could control, some I couldn't. There is a lot of good tape out there also, so we'll see."

Grossman was clearly better than John Beck, who led the Redskins to three losses and 31 points in his three starts. But that's practically the only person Grossman outplayed. Grossman's best category is 17th among NFL quarterbacks in touchdowns. He is 18th in average gain, 22nd in completion percentage and 30th in interceptions. Overall, Grossman ranks 28th of 33 quarterbacks in passer rating.

Turnovers have been the dagger for Grossman. Nineteen interceptions and five lost fumbles, at least one a game, is just unacceptable. Grossman smiles when talking of good things, but they're all undone by turnovers. That has been the problem his entire nine-year career. It's not changing in the 10th.

The Redskins may soon spend their fourth first-round pick since winning their last Super Bowl in 1991 on a passer. Grossman will eventually be recalled as just another of 18 quarterbacks passing through during two decades of mediocrity. Still, Grossman remains undeterred. "When I look at my situation I try to make the best of every possible scenario," he said. "I'm not fully naive to the situation. ... Some things are out of my control. But what I can control, I want to make a case for myself."

What all this means to the Eagles is that they will be facing a QB on Sunday who is hell-bent to prove he still deserves to own the starting job for the Redskins next year. That can be a significant motivation factor to deal with, and should put to rest any sneaking suspicion by the Eagles that the Redskins offense may just be going through the motions on Sunday.

The Eagles defense needs to come ready to play and get after Grossman. He knows the offense. The Redskins have scored at least 23 points in five of their last six games, although they only won two of those games. "I think you've seen as far as production over the last six weeks or so, we've been putting up a decent amount of points and moving the ball at a consistent pace," Grossman said. "The negative plays eliminate that."

Projected Starting Lineups:       Redskins                        Eagles
OFFENSE   
WR                               Santana Moss                 Jeremy Maclin
LT                                Willie Smith                    Jason Peters
LG                                Maurice Hurt                   Evan Mathis
C                                 Will Montgomery              Jason Kelce
RG                               Chris Chester                   Danny Watkins
RT                               Jammal Brown                 Todd Herremans
TE                               Logan Paulson                  Brent Celek
WR                              Jabar Gaffney                   DeSean Jackson
QB                               Rex Grossman                  Michael Vick
FB                                Darrel Young                   Owen Schmitt
RB                                Roy Helu                         LeSean McCoy     

DEFENSE
DE                               Adam Carriker                  Jason Babin   
NT/DT                          Barry Cofield                    Cullen Jenkins
DE/DT                          Stephen Bowen               Mike Patterson
LB/DE                           Ryan Kerrigan                  Trent Cole
LB                                London Fletcher               Brian Rolle
LB                                Perry Riley                       Jamar Chaney
LB                                Brian Orapko                    Akeem Jordan
CB                                DeAngelo Hall                  Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
CB                                Josh Brown                     Nnamdi Asomugha
SS                                Reed Doughty                 Jaiquawn Jarrett
FS                                Dejon Gomes                   Nate Allen

-- Gaffney's Coming On

Through 15 games this season, wide receiver Jabar Gaffney has posted a team-leading 64 catches for 919 yards and five touchdowns. He is also the only receiver, and one of just three players on offense, who has started every game this season. Gaffney has been particularly productive the last two weeks. In the Redskins' 23-10 win over the New York Giants in Week 15, he posted six catches for 86 yards, including several clutch third- and fourth-down grabs. Last Saturday vs. Minnesota, he had six catches for 77 yards, including a remarkable one-handed touchdown catch.

“Jabar has been healthy and he has been a consistent route runner, consistent catching the ball,” quarterback Rex Grossman said. “That’s all you can ask for. He has a lot of talent. He’s a big receiver who knows exactly where to sit in zones. We’re on the same page.”

Gaffney has set career highs in receiving yards and touchdowns this season. With another 81 yards, he can register the first 1,000-yard campaign of his career. “That would be great -- my first 1,000-yard season comes back with Rex,” Gaffney mused. “We’re on the same page, he looks for me, and that was one of my personal goals when I came here this season. It would be nice if I can finally do it.”

-- Redskins' Youth Movement Is Underway

Last April, the Redskins set a franchise record for picks in a seven-round draft with 12. As of Week 12 of the season, 10 of the 12 picks had received playing time, the highest total in the NFL.

First-round linebacker Ryan Kerrigan has started every game this season, compiling 66 tackles, 7.5 sacks, one interception and four forced fumbles.

Second-round defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins' season ended on injured reserve in preseason. Third-round wide receiver Leonard Hankerson was also placed on injured reserve after he caught 13 passes for 163 yards in four games.

Fourth-round running back Roy Helu is the Redskins' breakout player of the second half of the seaso. He rushed for 100+ yards in Weeks 11-13, becoming the first Redskins rookie ever to do so in three consecutive weeks. He also caught a franchise record 14 passes for 105 yards in Week 9.

Fifth-rounders safety DeJon Gomes and wide receiver Niles Paul have seen action in reserve roles this season.

Sixth-round running back Evan Royster saw his first significant NFL action last week vs. Minnesota. He started the game and rushed for 132 yards on 19 carres. He also caught two passes for 15 yards,

Seventh-round guard Maurice Hurt has emerged as the starting left guard since Week 8. Fellow seventh rounders cornerback Brandyn Thompson, linebacker Markus White and defensive tackle Chris Neild have seen action as backups.

Along with Jenkins, only sixth-round wide receiver Aldrick Robinson has not seen playing time this season. Robinson joined the Redskins' roster this week after serving on the practice squad all season.
 

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Before we go deep into Redskins-at-Eagles final game preview mode, we will relax one more day and celebrate the Eagles who are selected for the 2011-12 Pro Bowl...

LeSean McCoy was voted into his first Pro Bowl, chosen as the starting running back on the NFC squad, and the first person he called was . . . Joe Banner? "I said, 'I need a new contract,' " McCoy said.



He was joking, of course, but it won't be long before the Eagles president reaches out to McCoy and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to start negotiations on a contract extension that will keep the third-year tailback in Philadelphia for years to come. McCoy, 23, headlined the Eagles' list of Pro Bowl invitees for 2011, announced Tuesday night. That list, selected by players, coaches, and fans, included left tackle Jason Peters and defensive end Jason Babin. The three were among the best at their respective positions, and even a disappointing Eagles season couldn't keep them out of the all-star game.

All three were voted in as starters. Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins is a first alternate, and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was selected as a second alternate.

McCoy will start ahead of reserves Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears and Frank Gore of the San Francisco 49ers. He earned a spot over franchise running backs Adrian Peterson of Minnesota and Michael Turner of Atlanta. "It means a lot, man, because I work hard for this stuff," McCoy said. "I worked hard to be one of the best backs in this conference."

Some day he will be paid as one. McCoy has one year remaining on his rookie contract, but the Eagles may want to lock him up long-term during the offseason. McCoy, a native of Harrisburg, said that he wants to remain an Eagle.

Jason Peters, the 29-year-old left tackle, making his fifth consecutive appearance in the Pro Bowl, had perhaps his best season. Peters flourished under new offensive line coach Howard Mudd, who has his athletic linemen initiate contact at the snap.

The 31-year-old Jason Babin's career revival continued with his second straight Pro Bowl invite. The defensive end, who bounced around the league through the first six years of his career, has become a sack machine under the guidance of defensive line coach Jim Washburn.

All well and good... and nice to see DT Cullen Jenkins and CB Nnamdi Asomugha get honorary mention...even if in Nnamdi's case it might be more about lifetime achievement than what he actually produced on the field for the Eagles this season.

But to lighten the mood for the last time this 2011 season, I'd like to bring in Will Horton, a tremendously talented writer for the St. Louis Rams, who concocted this humorous "Year In Review" piece for us....



Will's piece is entitled:

"Which Annoying Relative is Your NFL Team?"....

One of the unspoken traditions of Christmas, or Hannukah, or Festivus, or your holiday of choice, is that you wind up spending a lot of time around family members that you rarely ever see, and even more want to see. Drawn out by the lure of presents, or food, or just because they've stored up a year's worth of uncomfortably close hugs and they've got to get them out now, these annoying relatives help make the holiday something you endure, rather than something you enjoy.

Being an unabashed Rams fan, it struck me that I myself am in danger of becoming an Uncle Rico, who can't stop talking about how awesome things were back in 1999. (Man that was awesome! I mean, really! Makes me want to build a time machine!)

But this week I'm visiting my family in Bucs country, where they're suffering through a similar, but different, kind of misery than I am. And I just picture the NFL as this huge family gathering, full of people who you've come to realize are equally - but uniquely - annoying.

Arizona Cardinals: Quiet, humble guy finally home from the military. You get the feeling that he's seen some crazy stuff over the past few years, but feel kinda weird asking him about it. No one really knows what to say to him, and he's kinda okay with that.  

Atlanta Falcons: One of your younger aunts that you think is really pretty and was your favorite when you were little. She still seems happy but for whatever reason, she didn't bring anyone home with her, and family members avoid talking about "Russ" around her. No one will tell you who he is or what's going on, but you get this feeling there's something weirdly wrong.  

Baltimore Ravens: Big. Loud. Drinks all the time but never seems drunk. A hand-crusher and a back-slapper and a stomach puncher. Will give you a shiny half dollar out of his pocket, though.   

Buffalo Bills: The Dean Moriarty of the family, a young guy with a strangely luxuriant beard that has stays eerily silent in any large gathering, but if he gets you one on one will talk your ear off about road trips to Canada that sound vaguely illegal. Constantly forgets to tell the punchlines to his jokes, and you're not sure that they are jokes, but he's laughing all the same. 

Carolina Panthers: The Talent. Whatever you can do, he can do better, and you kind of hate him but you also kind of admire him for it. Because he's kind of charming and carefree about it. But everyone expects great things from him, and you know there's a 30% chance he'll turn into a total burnout. 

Chicago Bears: That potato-faced uncle who apparently spends all of his time down at the veterans' hall each week. Very much needs a drink, but your familiy wants to keep him sober at all costs. He can and will tell you war stories until your ears fall off. 

Cincinnati Bengals: The family's bad girl. Offered you a cigarette when you were fourteen. She was twelve. She only shows up every few years and you're pretty sure she's been in rehab more times than you've been in detention, but everyone's playing nice because she seems kind of cleaned up this year.

Cleveland Browns: A hugger and a cheapskate and a re-gifter. Has worn the same sweater in the last fifteen years of family photos. Reminds you of Rodney Dangerfield. 

Dallas Cowboys: Bottle-blonde aunt who is constantly changing clothes between planned activities. Has formal denim wear and like a million pairs of sunglasses. She drives a cherry red fox-body Mustang that smells like two decades of cigarette smoke, and whispers when she curses. 

Denver Broncos: Oh god. THAT guy. Just run away, get the hell out of there or you'll get sucked in to an hour-long conversation about What It Takes To Succeed, which has something to do with your personal relationship with Jesus (and how it's not nearly as close or as awesome as his relationship with Jesus, but it could be). You'll hear him having the same conversation at least five times with different people. Including the waiter at the Golden Corral. 

Detroit Lions: The ugly girl that you grew up with that came home this year and is suddenly, shockingly, stunningly beautiful. You wonder if she holds it against you that you never used to talk to her. (She does.) 

Green Bay Packers: Drove here on a motorcycle, and will take you for a ride. You have no idea how you're related. Smiles a lot, knows how to fix things, loves his grandmother, and he legitimately, honestly wants to know how you're doing. You so totally want to be this guy when you grow up, but you know you never will. 

Houston Texans: The gawky kid who's about to finish his senior year in high school and go off to college. You can't believe he's actually grown up. You vividly remember him wetting his pants at his much-older sister's wedding, years ago. He does too, but tries to pretend that he doesn't.

Indianapolis Colts: A really, really smart guy who went off and became a dot-com millionaire, then came back home and lorded it over everyone. No one knows what his company was supposed to be doing. Now utterly bankrupt, and his skin looks clammy. 

Jacksonville Jaguars: She just got out of a series of bad relationships but is so totally in love with this new guy and swears that this time it's different. Her new boyfriend has lady hair, won't look anyone in the eye, and if you ask him what he does for a living, he smirks and says "I get by." You're pretty sure you hate him, and that he's going to break her heart again. 

Kansas City Chiefs: The family trainwreck. Seems kinda nice, but his house just got foreclosed on. He's sizing up your folks' place and you know he's going to ask you to ask them if he can crash with you guys for a while until he gets sorted out. You have no idea how to tell him no. 

Miami Dolphins: Gaudy, over-perfumed aunt with wine-tinted sunglasses that match her hair. Quite obviously has not had a man in her life for a very, very long time. Her laugh sounds like an air raid siren.  

Minnesota Vikings: Showed up this year with one fewer leg than last year. Out of politeness, you stifle your immediate reaction, which is to say "Oh my god what happened to you?" and give him a big hug. Now you're waiting for someone else to ask him, so you can find out. 

New England Patriots: Disgustingly rich, and notoriously cheap. Gives the worst presents every year. Your Mom tells you that he has a job opening at his factory, which would kind of suck but you need the work. So you try to act responsible and adult-like around him, and you wonder how people do this all day. 

New Orleans Saints: Was always kind of a screw up when you were young, but really cleaned himself up a few years ago. Now is so deadly earnest about everything that it kind of freaks you out. Seems to blink less than other people. 

New York Giants: That older uncle who will take you aside, ask about your job prospects, and lecture you about responsibility. Has been known to quote Ayn Rand at the dinner table. You later come to find out that he owes a ton of money to most everyone in the family, and refuses to pay anyone back. 

New York Jets: He used to be your favorite uncle, never took anything too seriously, always ready with a funny story. That was before he promised to let you stay with him up in New York for a week, and then came up with some lame excuse to back out of it. Just like he promised to take you water skiing last year, and flaked on that too. 

Oakland Raiders: Has been partying for years and years, but might have finally sobered up. Still 100% batshit Charlie Sheen crazy, though, and you love him for it. Until he parks his blaze orange Datsun 280Z on top of your dog, that is. 

Philadephia Eagles: You have no idea what happened. Last year, this guy seemed like he had everything totally figured out. But his girlfriend apparently ditched him at the altar, and you hear things haven't been going so well this year. Is drinking morosely in the corner.  

Pittsburgh Steelers: Not really a part of the family at all, but has been friends with your Dad for so long that he might as well be. Has this awesome property on the lake with a rope swing on it. He is routinely getting into minor scrapes with the law, which makes your Mom worry about whether you should be talking to him.

San Diego Chargers: At first she seems really normal, like she finally got herself together. Then, as you're opening presents, she just starts sobbing. When your aunt tries to comfort her she lashes out and spills wine on herself and your Mom's white couch. It's 9:30 in the morning, and you know it's just going to get worse from here. 

Seattle Seahawks: It's kinda funny to see this kid all dressed up in a nice sweater, talking politely with all the adults, because back in his room he has the biggest stash of porn DVDs of anyone you know. What's weird is that his Mom seems to know, and she doesn't seem to care. 

San Francisco 49ers: Every hello turns into a hug. Every hug turns into a hammerlock and a furious noogie. You have been known to hide behind furniture when you hear him coming. 

St Louis Rams: Uncle Rico. (See above). 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The family embarrassment. Seemed to have some promise, but pretty much gave up on everything a couple of months ago. The family has all decided to close their doors on him. "Tough love," they call it. He calls them all hypocrites and peels out in his custom van that he's been living out of. But not before asking you if you have any bud.

Tennessee Titans: This kid just lost his dad and came into a whole bunch of money, and you can tell he's trying to handle it the right way and everything, but he just isn't ready for the responsibility. A part of you wants to trade places with him, and a part of you really doesn't. 

Washington Redskins: That one aunt who shows up with her two kids and immediately starts slapping them both around, telling them both to shut up even though they haven't said anything yet. Both kids seem to be used to it. Later, the older one shows you a lighter that he stole from her purse, and bets he can hold his finger in the flame longer than you can, while the younger one takes a pen and draws penises on the pages of your comic books. You wonder how many bad decisions can possibly live under one roof.  

Thanks for the laughs, Will...We Eagles fans need 'em right now... Now onward to the season finale against the Redskins!!

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I hate to see the Eagles' 2011 season end abruptly... no winning record this year... so I will savor the final game this year against the Redskins at the Linc.



The Linc will be empty and the U-Haul's will be on the highway soon enough... so one last hurrah in the attempt to finish at 8-8. Andy Reid says he is approaching Sunday's finale against Washington as an opportunity to avoid the Eagles' first losing season since 2005 and to close the season with a four-game winning streak that he hopes will build some confidence going into the offseason.

"We're obviously disappointed about the outcome as far as the playoffs go," Reid said Monday during his news conference at the NovaCare Complex. "But I'm looking at this as a 'glass half full' type of deal. I think you've seen the camaraderie, the football team jelling over the last few weeks. I think you can carry that part over through the offseason and let that drive you into the workouts and also give you a slight picture of what you can possibly be with good, hard work the following year."

It makes sense for Reid to spin things this way. As JB pointed out in a comment yesterday, it's very much how the Detroit Lions spun it at the end of 2010... and looks like things "carried over" pretty well for the Lions this year.     

The Eagles (7-8) can actually finish in second place in the NFC East by beating the Redskins - the loser of Sunday's Dallas-New York Giants game would drop to third - but will not be in the playoffs for the fourth time since Reid took over as coach in 1999.

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Reid likely will be back for a 14th season. He is the winningest coach in franchise history with a 135-90-1 record and is 23rd on the NFL's all-time career victories list.

He also has demonstrated a knack for bouncing back. The last three seasons in which the Eagles failed to reach the postseason -
1999 (5-11), 2005 (6-10), 2007 (8-8) - the team rallied to win at least nine games the following year and got to the playoffs each time.

"I'll never sit out here and make excuses," said Reid."That's not how I operate, so I'm not going to start now. I'll take full responsibility for all that. I think we all expected - players and coaches - to have a better record (this season) than we have today."

At least three Eagles had a chance to earn spots on the NFC Pro Bowl roster when the teams are announced today. Defensive end Jason Babin is tied for the league lead with 18 sacks, running back LeSean McCoy tops the NFC in rushing with 1,307 yards and has a league-best 20 touchdowns, and left tackle Jason Peters is considered the league's top offensive lineman. 

McCoy has a slight ankle sprain but will play against the Redskins, Reid said. Safety Kurt Coleman (strained biceps) will have an MRI today. Linebacker Brian Rolle (sprained ankle) also is expected to play Sunday.

We'll follow up on those Pro Bowl announcements later tonight...

     

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The buzzword in Philly right now is "carryover"... as in carryover effect from the Eagles' shot at a 4-game win streak to end the 2011 season at 8-8 may indicate they will only start stronger and faster in 2012.

This "carryover" theory has so many variables and algorithms inherent in it that I just don't know what to make of it. Sure, there have been teams in NFL history that "got it right" at the end of a bad season and went on to have a very nice new year. Then there are teams like the 1971 Eagles who, at 6-7-1, won 4 of their last 5 games that year... then went 2-11-1 in 1972.

Trend anlysis in the NFL to identify mediocrity blossoming into greatness based on a season-ending win streak is a tricky business.

Local writers with great credentials like Eagles.com's Bo Wulf are believers in the "carryover" effect for the Eagles, especially if the Birds can close out 2011 with a win over the Redskins at home. He has a nice piece with supporting quotes for the theory from players like DeSean Jackson, Nnamdi Asomugha and others of note.

Meanwhile, Phil Sheridan of Philly.com does not believe in the carryover theory:

"As for carryover to 2012, forget about it. There's no such thing in the NFL....Reid will try to sell this as a rebuilding season. That's what he did last year after the team unraveled. Will his bosses, Jeff Lurie and Joe Banner, buy that? If they do, they will be kidding themselves."

"The Eagles have won three in a row, including Saturday's 20-7 victory in Dallas. The self-kidders will point to that, along with next week's likely win against Washington, as proof that Reid got this team fixed. They will suggest that this strong finish will carry over to next year. They will be wrong."

"This streak started with a win over Matt Moore and a fried Miami team. There was a quality win against the Jets mixed in, but we're not talking about beating New England or Green Bay or New Orleans here."

Sheridan makes a point to counter Bo Wulf's argument that all the Eagles need for a great 2012 season is a few tweaks, several new players to replace departing ones and a sense of renewed belief and support in the current coaching staff.

Sheridan put it to a vote on his CBS Philly.com poll page. Here's how the results turned out:

After missing the playoffs, what kind of changes do the Eagles need to make in the offseason?
A. Big Changes...a roster overhaul is needed.         ---  620 votes =  9.6 %
B. Moderate Changes... some key new players       --- 2494 votes = 38.7 %
C. Minimal Changes...go with "carryover" effect      --- 1469 votes = 22.8 %
D. Change coaching staff, keep players                 --- 1882 votes = 29.2 %

Total votes as of 12/25/11:  6465

It's interesting to look at that poll and actually see an overlap variable or metric that's missing... in other words, a "some of each" or "all of the above" type of response is not included in the poll choices.

But Sheridan's poll is still the best illustration I've found so far of the diversity of outlook on the Eagles' current winning streak. 

I'm still weighing the implications. And I'm looking forward to our Smart Phan's thoughts on "carryover" theory... I probably won't make my judgement on which way the Eagles should go (or whether "carryover" is something I can buy into) until I review all your Smart Phan comments...and until the King of All Metrics weighs in after his prolonged holiday meditation (which is an annual retreat for Brizer):


Deep in reflection in his man cave in the Brizer mansion, our former GK enjoys spiritual rejuvenation...and will soon emerge with a metric response to the "carryover" theory... when the mood strikes him. Carry on...

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