As for Seattle, they could be on the brink of elimination with a loss to the Eagles in tonight's Prime-time Thursday matchup. To be exact, all it would take is a loss and a San Francisco victory (against the cellar-dwelling St. Louis Rams) on Sunday for the Niners to capture the NFC West division.
For Philadelphia, one of the top disappointments in 2011, this game probably doesn't mean much. It's guys like DeSean Jackson who worry me. It has appeared as though they have lost the will to win games and given up on this season, especially after watching Jackson drop pass after pass in last week's 18-point loss to New England.
Losers of three of the last four games, Philadelphia has had trouble keeping their heads up. And why shouldn't they? They have been without starter Michael Vick since November 13 and can't even win a game in their own stadium (1-5 on the year).
Though the Seahawks are on the brink of elimination from playoff contention, I think they have more to play for in this game. Two reasons for my thinking: 1) Seattle did not have high expectations heading in to the season, unlike the Eagles 2) Seattle is playing in front of its home crowd and still may be a little hungry after last week's six-point defeat to the Skins.
Philadelphia, on the other hand, has been distracted for weeks now and just haven't been able to find their rhythm. Whether you blame it on Vince Young's lack of experience with this offense, or an under-performing defense, I think it's safe to say Andy Reid's reign as Eagles' head-man is winding down to a close. At least it should be, anyways.
The glory days of three consecutive NFC Championship game appearances with Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook leading the way are in the rearview mirror and long gone. I think it's time for owner Jeffrey Lurie to say goodbye to the Reid era as well. If he does so, it would be the move of the year. If he doesn't, I think it's safe to say there will be plenty of upset Eagle fans by season's end.
Game note: Vick is out, and Vince Young will make his third start of the season for Philly. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is also out for tonight, and RB LeSean McCoy was listed as questionable although he is expected to start.
Game Prediction: Seattle pulls away with this one, 21-10, sending the Eagles' season spiraling down even further than it was before.
Photo credit
VY: Rich Schultz/Getty Images
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