The Eagles have a thing for statement statement games.
They weren't in the same universe as the Packers.
Then they rallied and blew out the Cowboys in Dallas.
Yesterday they had an opportunity to measure themselves against the best defense in the NFL. Things did not go well.
Chip Kelly's offense managed all of 139 yards against the vaunted Seattle defense as the Birds fell with a thud at the Linc, 24-14.
You got a hint at where this game was going when Kelly decided to throw the ball on the Eagles first three offensive plays. Mark Sanchez double-clutched on the first play and then threw the ball right to Richard Sherman, taking most of the air out of the stadium in the process. Three and out - along with an inability to convert on third down - would be an ominous portending of what was to come on this day.
Mark Sanchez was mediocre, going a measly 10 of 20 for 96 yards. And of course he had to toss the obligatory overthrow interception in the second half.
LeSean McCoy broke the Eagles all-time rushing record held by Wilbert Montgomery. He needed 48 yards. He got 50, and was a non-factor most of the day, unless you don't count the brutal fumble on the first play of the second half that stuck a pin in the Birds' balloon and hopes for a rally. Get used to it. It's now clear that McCoy simply is not going to secure the ball. He will continue to carry it recklessly, and cough it up on occasion.
The Eagles certainly did not get any favors from the refs - including a blatant missed call on a key third down play when a Seahawks offensive lineman was about 20 yards down field.
The Eagles defense held up their end of the bargain. Aside from one early burst, they did an excellent job containing Marshawn Lynch. Trent Cole had a tough day, jumping offsides on one critical third down, and failing to contain Russell Wilson on a bootleg that saw the Seahawks QB go around Cole's end untouched for a TD.
But this game was decided by the Eagles offense vs. the Seahawks defense. And it wasn't really close.
It was another statement game, and the statement the Eagles made once again is that they just aren't that good. Chip Kelly showed very little of the offensive genius he is always purported to be. He had no answer for the Seattle defense.
All of which means what? Another statement game, of course.
The Eagles have the Cowboys coming to town for next week's nationally telecast Sunday night game. They thoroughly dominated the 'Boys on Thanksgiving in Dallas.
Up for grabs will be first place in the NFC East. The winner stands a very good chance of making the playoffs. The loser will suddenly be staring at the possibility of being on the outside looking in.
The Eagles need to change to make another statement. And they don't have long to do it.
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Here's a look at how our writers saw the game:
Bob Grotz talks about how the Seawhawks slowed down the Chip Kelly Express.
Jack McCaffery says the game sets up another showdown with the Cowboys.
Rob Parent says the Sehawks defense lived up to its reputation.
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