Eagles Throw in the Towel

1 If By Land, 2 If By Sea, 3 If By Tank. Eagles throw in the towel in 20-17 defeat. The 4-11-1 Philadelphia Eagles welcomed the 7-9 Washington No Names. This debacle took place at Lincoln Financial Field for the season finale on Sunday evening.

In a normal season, this may have a “fan appreciation” give away promotional night. Not this season, not this night. Instead, the cardboard fans witnessed the home town team gift wrap a Division Title to the nameless team from Washington.

A competitive albeit, badly played game in which Philly had a chance to kick a chip shot field goal that would have knotted things up at 17-17. This is where it became obvious the Eagle Head Coach brought out the tank. After 5 tries from the 10-yard line, a chip shot would further seize the momentum Philadelphia was building after two staunch defensive stops. Passing on tying the kick, the Birds opted to go for it on 4th down thereby signaling the competitive nature of this contest.

11 players on the Philadelphia roster were inactive for various reasons. Oops, make it 12 as beleaguered former Pro Bowl Quarterback, Carson Wentz was scratched.

Jalen Hurts seems to be getting figured out and rarely threw the ball to any impact by going 7 of 20 for only 72 yards and an interception. Hurts registered the only two Philly scores with his legs and was 8 for 34 with the two rushing TDs.

Despite the fact that it was a three point game and 16:54 to play, Coach Pederson dimmed the lights and proclaimed…”last call.” Enter backup to the backup, Nate Sudfeld (5 of 12 for 32 yards). Sudfeld wowed the cardboard fans by throwing an interception and fumbling before his sixth snap.

Philadelphia did have a few nice plays before the Theater of the Absurd unfolded. On a trick play, Greg Ward hit Travis Fulghum for a pretty 15 yard hook up to end the first quarter. The play seemed to slow the Washington flow who built a 10-0 edge off an Alex Smith Touchdown toss (22 of 32 for 162 yards and two TDs) and a Dustin Harris field goal. With 10:18 left in the half, Hurts scampered in from 4 yards to get the home team within three at 10-7.

Jason Kelce, playing what may be his final game, threw a nice block for Hurts. The rookie broke free for a 9-yard score and Philadelphia went in front, 14–10. Smith closed the half with a hook up with Logan Thomas to give the No Names a 17-14 halftime lead. The drama would unfold after the turnover on downs.

Dis and Dat

Jalen Reagor left with a head injury further depleting the depth chart. Zach Ertz, Kelce and Carson Wentz we’re spotted on the field an hour after the game seemingly taking there last look at the Linc.

In what shapes up as an interesting off season, the powers that be have many decisions to make. It has been all but announced that Doug Pederson and Howie Roseman will return. By virtue of the “defeat”, Philadelphia now holds the sixth pick in the draft.

The quarterback situation remains a hot ticket item. Has Carson Wentz played his final game as an Eagle? The albatross which is his contract. The other question is his trade value. Off an historically bad season, beat up oft injured QB maybe hard to get true value for Wentz.

Is it possible that Jalen Hurts will be the one on the move? Several teams will be eyeing a signal-caller. Buckle up because the offseason will be bumpy. After the Eagles throw in the towel there will be plenty of news. Click here to stay up to date.

Kevin Neibauer

Kevin has followed and promoted the game of lacrosse since May 19, 1974.
The same day the Philadelphia Flyers won the Cup, the Philadelphia Wings were introduced to Neibauer and Philadelphia.

Kevin has covered many sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and.. lacrosse. A former licensed football referee and baseball umpire, Kevin brings a unique insight to his game coverage.

A published writer in JustHockey Magazine, Kevin covered the American Hockey League as well as a monthly story on a pugilist where Kevin used the pen name, The Rink Rat. Neibauer turned his attentions to lacrosse for a few years and does his part, whether podcasting or writing to grow the game. Kevin branched out to his roots and currently provides insight for all Philadelphia teams for Edge of Philly as well as his full-time duties with LaxPhilly.