Four straight playoff berths. That’s what the Eagles have delivered, and I’ll admit, it feels good to say that out loud. After dispatching the Panthers 22-16 and getting some outside help (Tampa, who knew we’d owe you one?), the Birds are officially in. This isn’t just a run-of-the-mill achievement. Clinching with three games left is a big deal and speaks to just how good this team can be. But let’s not act like everything is sunshine and Super Bowls after yesterday (don’t worry, I’m still ready for this team to break my heart).
The Good: Eagles Clinch Playoff Run
First off, let’s give props where they’re due. Jalen Hurts—man, what a performance. He went 14-for-21 with two touchdowns and added another one on the ground because, of course, he did. His run game is back, which was missing earlier this season. And let’s not forget Saquon Barkley. What else can you say about the guy? He broke and is setting a franchise record for rushing yards in a season and he’s putting together one of the best seasons by any running back in recent memory. If he’s not in the MVP conversation by now, then what are we even doing?
The defense? Nasty as always. Quinyonomo Bay is looking like a Defensive Rookie of the Year lock, and Hasan Reddick continues to be an absolute game-wrecker. There were moments yesterday when the defense reminded me of the Jim Johnson days—relentless pressure and textbook tackling.
The Not-So-Good
And then there’s the flip side. Yes, we won, but can we talk about how the offense took its foot off the gas in the second half? The Panthers were never really in this game, but when you’ve got a team as bad as Carolina, you should bury them. Instead, we let them hang around far longer than necessary. It was sloppy, and sloppiness isn’t going to cut it against teams like the Lions come playoff time.
Speaking of sloppiness, what’s going on with Jake Elliott? He missed another field goal yesterday, and while it didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things, it’s starting to feel like we’re living in a weird timeline where Jake “Mr. Automatic” Elliott is suddenly mortal. Someone get this man a pep talk—or whatever Nick Sirianni does to hype up his guys.
The Ugly
Now, let’s talk penalties. Ten for 85 yards. Ten! That’s not championship football, folks. Whether it’s pre-snap mistakes or undisciplined personal fouls, this stuff adds up. It’s been a recurring theme all season, and if we don’t clean it up, it’s going to bite us when it matters most.
And while we’re being honest, can we talk about the pass game? Don’t get me wrong, I love that we can run the ball, but when we have two of the best wide receivers in the game, possibly the best 1-2 wide receiver pair in the league, it’s concerning that we’re only throwing the ball 20 times. Is this Jalen not being able to find his guys, or are defenses prepared?
Looking Ahead
All that said, the Birds are in. We’ve locked up a playoff spot, and that’s nothing to scoff at. But if this team is going to make another run at a Super Bowl, they’ve got to clean up the messes we saw yesterday. The NFC isn’t going to hand us anything. The Lions look dangerous and while there are other teams that could take our number, it’s looking very likely that the Lions and the Birds could meet up for the NFC championship.
The talent is there. The coaching is there. But the discipline and consistency? Those are the missing pieces. Nick Sirianni and his staff have three weeks to get this team firing on all cylinders.
Fly Eagles Fly. Let’s tighten up, clean up, and get ready to make some noise in January. This team has the potential to be special, but potential means nothing if you don’t execute. Let’s get it done.
How do you feel after this game? The Eagles are going to the playoffs, have won 9 straight, and have a favorable schedule going forward. Should we be worried about the post-season Birds? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok!
