They just keep getting chances.
The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for the Eagles. They are ailing. They are struggling. And for the fans, they needed a break from the lack of consistency from the offense – the Sam Bradford interceptions, the wide receiver drops.
They got that and more.
With Washington on a bye as well, the Giants scored 49 points and still found a way to lose to the Saints and the Cowboys offense sputtered against the Seahawks in a 13-12 loss.
The Giants still lead the division with a 4-4 record, but the Eagles sit right on the doorstep with a 3-4 record.
3-4 through eight weeks, and we’re still talking contention.
There was a realization about the NFC East that goes far beyond just how poorly every team in the division has played. The Eagles task at hand is very present if they want to return to the playoffs.
It is simple: win the final three divisional games.
The Eagles could lose every remaining game in between. But if they can win three more games – Week 9 against the Cowboys, Week 16 against the Redskins and Week 17 against the Giants – there is a very good chance the Eagles will have a playoff spot.
Even at 6-10.
There would be nothing to admire about a 6-10 season that still got you a playoff spot. But what the bye week provided was much-needed rest and an opportunity. The Eagles are not out of it yet and the likely won’t be all season, given the division.
But it makes all of the other games that much more important. No team wants to coast into the playoffs as the laughing stock of the league for winning the worst division. And regardless of what happens to end the season, the Eagles will face the weak division label all the way into next season.
It doesn't take away from the mistakes that cost the Eagles their last game in Carolina. That's why they face such a label.
But the rest of the NFC East keeps handing the Eagles chances to be there despite the pitiful play.
At this point in the season, all the Eagles can ask for is a chance. They have that and then some with the help of a bye week.
The first eight weeks, and a 3-4 record, apparently couldn't break the Eagles. It is what they do with yet another chance that will make or break this team for good.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
