Porter: Eagles' Season Already A Success, Despite Ending
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- One bad bounce. One bad call. One missed field goal or unfortunate turnover, and the Eagles could miss the playoffs. That's what is at stake on Sunday night at Lincoln Financial Field when the 9-4 Eagles host the 9-4 Cowboys.
And, for that reason, I'm nervous. Really nervous.
Not because I don't think the Eagles are the superior team, or Tony Romo isn't capable of collapsing like his usual December self, or the Dallas defense will come up with any sort of answer for Chip Kelly's offense, but simply because of the luck factor involved in closely matched NFL games.
These two teams are relatively evenly matched. You can even make the case the Cowboys are more talented, especially offensively with Romo, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, and Jason Witten at their skill positions. In addition, the Birds have beat the 'Boys two straight times, going back to their division clinching Week 17 win in 2013. Law of averages says, the Cowboys get one soon.
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Many fans and media members have deemed this season a failure if the Eagles do not win at least one playoff game, let alone make the playoffs.
So what if the scariest, but certainly plausible, scenario occurs? What if the Birds lose, finish 11-5, and miss the playoffs?
Well, most will say the Eagles have regressed in year two under Chip Kelly, after hosting the New Orleans Saints in an NFC Wild-Card game last season. Kelly will get crucified for his inability to beat elite teams and the critics will be smiling.
However, barring an unforeseen 0-3 meltdown, I deem this season a success.
Kelly is 9-4 through 13 games, despite dealing with injuries across the offensive line and a second mid-season quarterback switch in as many seasons. His offense ranks top five in yards per game, points per game, and total yards for the second straight season, through 13 games. The only other team to accomplish that, to date, is the Peyton Manning-led Denver Broncos.
The Eagles' defensive front has established itself as arguably the top unit in football. The special teams unit, likewise.
I believe in the process, regardless of the outcome. Remember, the Eagles are less than two years removed for their 4-12 finish. The likelihood of this season ending with a Super Bowl Championship is incredibly rare, while the reality of heartbreaking loss seems inevitable---whether it be Sunday night against the Cowboys, or the NFC Championship Game against the Packers.
If the Eagles lose and miss the playoffs---make no mistake---the city, the fans, the media, and especially Twitter, will go bananas. Some of the criticism will be warranted and some won't, but I will fully continue to believe in Kelly and the direction of the franchise. He's already earned my trust.
Of course, that one bounce, or one call, or one bad turnover could go the other way---you know, our way. And the Eagles are just a fortuitous bounce or two from a parade down Broad Street.
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