So, what do we cheer for?
As fans, do we expect to compete in the playoffs with a roster that continues to get healthier? The rest of the NFC East has collapsed and the Birds have a straight shot to a playoff birth. However, each of their NFC East opponents may have a top 5 pick in the upcoming draft. The Giants’ young roster has shown signs that they can compete given a few more pieces. The Washington defense is smothering and the offense could get rolling with consistent QB play. Dallas’s defense is in shambles, but their offense may be the most star-studded in the league when Dak returns next season — if they can re-stabilize their offensive line. So yes, the Eagles may make the playoffs this year, as they also watch every other team in the division secure a top-five player in the 2021 draft.
All of that matters little if the Eagles can actually make a deep run in the playoffs. It seems as if the coaching staff and front office believe that to be in the cards. In which case, it would have been nice to see Howie Roseman make some moves at the deadline. Even if they were minor, it would have sparked some hope in the fanbase, that yes, we can compete.
Or do we hope that the young players get their time to shine and we start to look to next season? They may make the playoffs, they may watch one of their opponents sneak into the last spot (unlikely). One thing we will know for sure is whether or not this offense, this defense, can actually function going forward. No team in the division is a legitimate contender for the 2020 Super Bowl, so why not look towards 2021 and beyond?
Let’s see what the young secondary and linebackers look like as a unit. Give up on Alshon Jeffery, even if he still is a true #1. Let Jason Peters play the Josh McCown role — a mentor on the sidelines. Let the fan base get a glimpse of the future and get excited about what’s to come.
Frankly, until the Eagles pick one of the directions — I’m leaning towards the latter — they will be a confusing and difficult team to root for.
But let’s be honest — that won’t stop any of us.
Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
