Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The NFC East Playoff Chase

I've just been in a football mood today.  The NFC East is facing some crazy scenarios in the next 2 weeks and the Eagles aren't out of it either.  I know, between the Cowboy, Giants and Eagles, Philly has the smallest chance but its a chance none the less.  Especially after the way the Eagles have been playing the last couple of weeks.

It's simple for the Cowboys, win and you're in.  Easier said then done considering they get the Eagles at home then have to go to New York and play the Giants.  Talk about having to earn your way in.  However, the Cowboys aren't known for playing big when it matters.  For Dallas, the playoffs have started.

The Giants have squandered every opportunity they have been given.  The Giants have been an inconsistent playoff contender.  Coming off a near win against the then unbeaten Packers, the Giants went to Dallas and beat the Cowboys and take control of their playoff destiny.  The task at hand was to beat the Redskins at home and keep pace with the Cowboys.  Washington won 23-10.  So now, the Giants have to been the Jets and hope the Cowboys lose to the eagles.  Then, find a way to beat the Cowboys in week 17.  It can happen but that depends on which Giants team shows up.

After a supreme let down for most of the regular season, the Eagles find themselves in a position to still make the playoffs.  They need to win out and then get a lot of help.  Best case for Philly is to beat the Cowboys and hope the Jets beat the Giants.  Then, the Eagles must beat the Redskins and have the Giants beat the Cowboys.  In this case, the Eagles would have the tiebreakers over both the Giants and the Cowboys.

After the way this season has gone, is the scenario for the Eagles too far fetched?  Not at all.  Of the 3 teams, the Eagles are the team that is playing like they want to win.  Michael Vick is healthy and LaShon McCoy is playing lights out at the RB position.  McCoy is 2nd in the league in rushing and trailing Jones-Drew by roughly 60 yards.

While the Cowboys have an advantage in this division, all 3 of these teams have much to prove.  None of them have played consistently up to expectations.  Injuries have much to do with it but lack of consistent play is the main reason.  Eli Manning has made mistakes even with him being on pace to to break Marino's yards passing record for a time this season.  I'll talk about that record next time.  Tony Romo has the skills to get the job done but he doesn't show the will to get it done.  When will Romo decide that he is the man and then play like it?  No one but Romo knows.  Michael Vick has shown how well his skills at QB have improved.  If he can stay healthy, then lookout NFL.  Vick has all the help he needs to take the next step in his game.  Having a quality running game has proved great for QBs.  Look what happened for Elway when he got one: finally a super bowl champion, twice.  With McCoy and an O-line that seems to want to block now, the Eagles seem to be the team to beat.  These next 2 weeks should be very interesting.  Can't wait....

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