The Eagles came into Thursday night's game against the Seahawks knowing that they were playing a must-win game. That term was used (albeit prematurely) as early as, when the team was 1-1, but its sentiment was all too timely this time around.
Trailing the Dallas Cowboys by three games with five games left to play, the Eagles needed to win in Seattle to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Eagles lost 31-14, in what was a poor showing offensively and defensively.
Following the game, head coach Andy Reid took responsibility for the loss.
"We've got to do a better job as a football team," said the 13-year head coach. "I'm in charge of getting that done. It's my responsibility to make sure we play better than how we did tonight."
Quarterback Vince Young, who made his third-straight start in place of the injured Michael Vick, threw four interceptions, including one on the team's first offensive play of the game. The offense was inconsistent and, at times, downright ugly, with an unhealthy dose of dropped passes, poor clock-management, and costly penalties.
Defensively, the Eagles allowed running back Marshawn Lynch to rush for 148 yards with two touchdowns, including one in which he carried half of the Eagles defense on his back to get into the end zone.
"Our guys were all around him on that play. We were in good position and tried to bring him down, but just couldn't." said Reid.
Despite a disappointing performance Thursday night, the defense, at times, played with ferocity and swarmed to the ball. On offense, running back LeSean McCoy gained 133 total yards and scored two touchdowns, even though he was playing through a toe injury.
"I thought the guys played hard. I can't complain a bit about the effort of the guys on this team," said Reid. "I need to do a better job of putting guys in position to make plays."
With the Eagles' playoff hopes all but finished, the team will look to finish out the season strongly and build towards 2012. We will get a better idea in these final four weeks which players have heart and are willing to fight to the end for this team.
