There was a moment in Sunday's Eagles game that symbolized everything that went wrong in this lousy season.
It occurred in the 1st quarter. DeMarco Murray, who has spent most of this season chafing in a system that does not fit his talents, trotted out onto the field after watching as Ryan Mathews once again started. But there was something different this time around.
Quarterback Sam Bradford was under center. Murray was in the Power I formation behind Bradford, not standing beside the QB in the formation Kelly favored.
The result? Aided by a road-clearing block by Jason Peters, Murray made one cut as he went north and south - not side to side - and burst through the hole and into the Giants' secondary. He went 54 yards for the touchdown.
Unfortunately, that was the highlight of the day for Murray, who later suffered a costly fumble.
But it demonstrated that those - including this frustrated sports writer - who had been begging Kelly to use Murray in the I formation may have been right.
Most Eagles fans spent yesterday trying to find a reason why they should cheer for a win, when a loss would have gotten them a better draft pick.
Me? Save the draft pick. I wanted the win. I wanted to see Murray lined up in the I and slam into the Giants 25 times. It didn't happen, but that one glorious TD burst showed me what can happen when it does.
I saw the continued development of Bradford, who teamed with tight end Zach Ertz for a banner day. Bradford wound up 30 of 38 for 320 yards. He also had one interception on a deflected ball. Ertz had a huge day, snagging 9 catches for 152 yards. He finally looked like the guy most people thought was going to be terrorizing secondaries.
Now we get to watch the NFL Playoffs and wonder what could have been.
Here's a suggestion (totally unsolicited of course) for Eagles owner Jeff Lurie.
It was pretty clear listening to Bradford after the game that he has a very good rapport with interim head coach Pat Shurmur. He sounded like a guy who did not necessarily want to go back to the drawing board with a new coach and new offensive system. I don't think Shurmur is going to be named head coach. But as the offensive coordinator for a defensive guy like Sean McDermott, I think it would work.
Now, a restless Eagles nation awaits word on what Lurie will do after sending Chip Kelly packing and getting a glimpse of what could have been on Sunday.
And not just the fans. Seems like there is more than a few guys in that locker room who are wondering the same thing.
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