CHIRPING BIRDS-Week 15

Reflections on the Eagles 27-26 loss to the Baltimore Ravens...

I didn't have a problem with coach Pederson going for two points at the end of the Eagles-Ravens game. I did have a problem with the lay-call and the reason Pederson gave for not kicking the extra point to tie the game and send it into overtime.

The Birds were running the ball successfully all game, yet they choose to throw the ball on a slant to Jordan Matthews at the goal line to win or lose the game. Even if the ball wasn't tipped, do we know Matthews would not have dropped the pass? Why wasn't Ryan Mathews in the game for that play, after running for a career high 128 yards? Pederson said the Baltimore defense dictated that the Eagles use five receivers on that last play. But that doesn't explain why Ryan Mathews was out of the game for six minutes before.

Pederson has tried to be too cute earlier in the seasonHis play-calling is questionable at best.

Pederson said he went for the two-point conversion because the Ravens have a great field goal kicker. That's true- but it also says that Pederson doesn't believe in his own defense or kicker. What if the Eagles win the coin toss in overtime and accept the ball, and score a touchdown? The Baltimore kicker would not have nattered, nor would the Philadelphia defense.

Carson Wentz finally took the team down the field at the end of the game- something he failed to do in several earlier games this season. Give Wentz some weapons next year and see what he does.

The Eagles' schedule next season projects to an easier schedule, with games against losers like  Jacksonville, San Francisco and Chicago. Seattle and Kansas City are always tough places to play on the road, but two other good teams- Oakland and Denver- come to the Linc.

As Dallas turned their season around with a great draft and easier schedule, the Eagles can do the same thing. This off-season will be crucial for GM Howie Rossman, Coach Doug Pederson and the entire Eagles franchise. Speaking of the Cowboys, it is the Eagles' worst nightmare that Dallas will be only two wins away from a Super Bowl. Cowboys- Patriots ?

WR Paul Turner was inactive yesterday. Nelson Aglohor was a ctive and did nothing. I can't wait for the end of the season when the team can mercifully pull the plug on Aglohor and start revamp their wide receiver corps. Another Chip Kelly bust.

At least they played hard...has been the excuse for not winning. Shouldn't it be a given that the team plays hard? The Eagles are falling into a trap of making excuses for not winning, of accepting mediocre play.So much for the "gold standard" [philosophy to a winning franchise...

Finally, Baltimore may sneak into the playoffs if they beat Pittsburgh next Sunday, but they look like a one and done squad, especially since they will be on the road through out the playoffs.