As bad as the Eagles have been this year, they're aren't as bad as you think. They're missing big play people on offense who can get them into the endzone, on defense who create turnovers and on special teams who run back kicks.
The Eagles are the 8th ranked offense in the league. As Andy Reid said, they've been a successful offense who moves the ball up and down the field inside the 20's. They don't get the ball into the endzone, enough.
The Eagles offense has scored 281 points in 13 games which ranks 18th in the league. They really have been poorer than that because over 1/6 of those points, 56, were scored in their game against the Detroit Lions. It makes their performance in the other games standout because that means they haven't been able to get into the endzone.
L.J. Smith who should be a key weapon in the red zone but he's been banged up for most of the season. Matt Schobel and Brent Celek have been big disappointments. Celek is young and Schobel just isn't that good.
The Eagles defense has been much improved against the run and they've been stingy in allowing big plays, but it's in the turnover area where they have flopped. The Birds are at the bottom of the league in forcing turnovers. They've come down with only 7 interceptions in 13 games. That is awful. They've recovered only 6 fumbles in 13 games. The defense has defended 800 plays and been able to force only 13 turnovers. This is one of the key reasons the Eagles won't make the playoffs.
They no longer have a young talented Brian Dawkins or a physical head hunting middle linebacker in Jeremiah Trotter. Lito Sheppard's body has been breaking down year after year. The Eagles defensive line hasn't done a bad job.
The Eagles special teams has been a minus. They haven't returned one kick for a touchdown all season long. David Akers has had a poor year. Punter Sav Rocca has been very inconsistent.
If you were to add a true number one wide receiver, along with an impact safety and linebacker, you would have yourself a playoff team. If you could bring a couple of impact kick returner and a top notch tight end, you'd probably be battling the Cowboys for a Super Bowl appearance.
