(Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
The dust has settled, and the smoke has cleared. The Eagles season has come to an end – a lot later than most of us thought it would just a month ago. Maybe it was last year’s championship still fresh in the mind, but this year’s playoff loss to the Saints was without bitterness. Sure, it stung Sunday night and Monday morning. You couldn’t help but think the Eagles were going to score a touchdown and win had Alshon not dropped that pass. I’m very confident the Eagles would have scored on that drive and ultimately won the game. However, he did drop that pass, and it’s okay.
The Saints were the better team, and they were the healthier team. They were in their home stadium where they hardly ever lose. The Eagles had no business winning that game. Yet, there they were, knocking on the door. Most likely, an Alshon-Jeffery-drop away from winning the game. The Eagles winning that game just wasn’t meant to be. You run that play for Alshon because 99 times out of 100, he makes that catch. Sunday was the one time he drops it. Without Alshon, there would have been no Super Bowl and no playoffs this year. The man plays hurt, and he’ll be back next year to prove his worth. Unfortunately, a lot of guys may not be.
As we head into the off-season, a lot of familiar faces may no longer be with the team. Retirement and father time are knocking on the door of Jason Peters. Kelce is also contemplating retirement. Jay Ajayi is coming off a torn ACL and is a free agent. On the defensive side, both Jordan Hicks and Brandon Graham may have played their last game as Eagles. There is going to be a lot of changes to the Eagles in the off-season. However, the foundational pieces will still be there: Wentz, Ertz, Alshon, Lane, Cox, Jenkins and Bradham. With that group of pro bowlers and all pros, the Eagles will once again be in the mix next season.
