Philadelphia Eagles lost more than the game in New Orleans
By Erik Lambert
It started so well. The Philadelphia Eagles rocketed out to a 14-0 lead. They had the crowd quiet. Everything was going their way.
Then it all started to go wrong. New Orleans battled their way back, chipping away at the Eagles lead. The offense with that supposed Nick Foles magic began to misfire. They weren’t executing. Drew Brees and Michael Thomas repeatedly began to suck the wind out of the Eagles defense. By the 4th quarter, the tide has thoroughly shifted with the Saints on top 20-14. Yet even then it seemed like Philadelphia could win in spite of themselves.
A missed kick by Wil Lutz gave them the ball close to midfield. They began driving into Saints territory, even aided by another lackluster roughing the passer penalty. This was it. Destiny was calling for them yet again. Then in one fell swoop, it was torn away. A Foles pass went right through the hands of Alshon Jeffery, something that hasn’t happened in ages and into the waiting arms of Marcus Lattimore for the game-sealing interception.
It was such a gut-wrenching way to lose a football game, but it seems the misery doesn’t end there.
Wanted to take a minute to thank everyone for the well wishes. Yeah it sucks I tore my Achilles but you know what I look forward to attacking rehab like it’s a game. I look forward to this long journey. God got me and this did nothing but light a fire I needed
— Brandon Brooks (@bbrooks_79) January 14, 2019
Alshon Jeffery: 'I think I have the best hands in the league' pic.twitter.com/96OWQOzcGs
— Bears Talk (@NBCSBears) January 14, 2019
The Eagles may not be at full strength when the 2019 season begins
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It’s possible this game may end up being viewed as the end of an era for the Eagles. It starts with a devastating injury to Pro Bowl guard Brandon Brooks. He confirmed on Twitter that he suffered a torn Achilles during the game. While it’s likely he’ll be back eventually, the odds on him be ready for opening day next September are very much in doubt. It gets worse.
Word is that Pro Bowl center Jason Kelce has been mulling retirement. He turns 32-years old this year and really doesn’t have much left to accomplish in the league. He’s made lots of money, got his ring last year and doesn’t have a shot at the Hall of Fame. He hasn’t committed to any decision yet but just the possibility alone is another potential blow to that offensive line.
Last but not least is the fate of Foles himself. The prized backup quarterback may have played his last game in Philadelphia. Even if the Eagles exercise the option in his contract to keep him, it would cost $20 million. Given their shaky salary cap situation, that doesn’t seem feasible. So either they let him walk in free agency, use the option to retain his rights and trade him, or keep him and likely move on from Carson Wentz.
That last option doesn’t seem likely. Despite his health issues, Wentz is still younger and cheaper than Foles and has played really well when on the field. This increases the odds that Foles will not be back in 2019, putting a major dent in that vaunted Eagles depth. All in all this could be a difficult offseason for Philly.