CHIRPING BIRDS- EAGLES-DALLAS WRAP-UP

Wrapping up the final regular season game of the season, the Dallas 6-0 win over the Eagles...

* In one of the coldest games in Eagles' history, the Birds lost to the cowboys at the Linc. They end up 13-3, 7-1 at home and 5-1 in the NFC East. The team rested many starters. QB Nick Foles played a little over one quarter and went 4-11 with 39 yards. Foles again looked sub par. He looks too indecisive. Granted, disappointing Torrey Smith dropped a potential touchdown pass from Foles, but Foles looked shaky. \

If Foles had played longer, would he have looked better? Foles blamed the icy cold weather and the wind for some of his problems. That's bogus. The bad weather is supposed to be a positive for the Birds. Dome teams and warm-weather teams are supposed to come into Philly and succumb to the bitter cold. Instead, Foles and the coach used the weather as an excuse for Foles' poor play.

Back-up QB Nate Sudfeld came in and did a decent job running the team. I'm sure in the next two weeks fans and media will call for Sudfeld to start in the first game of the playoffs on Saturday, January 13 at 4:35 p.m.  Sudfeld may be more mobile and has a better arm, but he's inexperienced. Still, if Foles starts against the Panthers, Falcons or Saints and sucks in the first half, I'm not opposed to bringing Sudfeld in after halftime. It's one-and-done in the playoffs, and hopefully Pederson pulls the trigger before it's too late.

* I thought  it wise not to change the offense too much for Foles.  But if Foles can't push the ball down the field he can't do it. Maybe he's not confident, maybe he doesn't have the arm strength. Maybe he's not on the same page as his receivers. Whatever the reason, it may be wise to rely on the running game more. Use the three-headed monster of Ajayi, Blount and Clement. Throw when you must. Use more slants and screens, passes Foles can make. Don't turn the ball over and allow Foles to manage the game.

Nick Foles isn't Carson Wentz. So why do you expect any different? Foles isn't going to scramble out of trouble. Foles isn't going to throw a 60-yard bomb. In the next two weeks, after analyzing what Foles and can't do, the coaches needs to come up with a game-plan that will stress Foles' positives and give the Eagles a chance.

* The defense played well. In the playoffs, especially in cold weather, teams should rely on their defense and running game. With home field advantage on their side, the Birds can play a defensive game, control the clock and almost slow the game down.

New Orleans lost at Tampa Bay yesterday. Both Atlanta and Carolina ( especially the Panthers) looked shaky in their game. The Rams didn't play their starters and lost to the 49'ers. None of those potential playoff opponents scares me that much. If the pass rush gets to the quarterback, the Eagles' defense can dominate in a home playoff game.

*  LaGarrette Blount got his 21 yards and a $3000,000 bonus kicked in. He deserves it. Blount has been in the playoffs and won a Super Bowl. Ajayi may be the fresher runner, but I would reply no Blount in two weeks,e specially to get the tough yards near the goal line.

A real concern is Foles' performance on third down. One of the reasons why Wentz succeed was his magic on third down. Failing to convert on third down stalls drives. No wonder the offense has been so stagnant the last two games. The offense needs to execute better on first and second down in order to avoid third- and- long situations.

* So, what does it all mean? The Eagles have a bye next weekend. Two weeks to practice and formulate a solid game strategy. Two weeks for the media to write their stories and speculate about the future. Two weeks for the fans to debate and argue about the quarterback situation.

I will make my picks for the wild card weekend games later in the week.