Stick a fork in the Phillies.
They're done.
Literally.
The Phils dropped the first game of a day-night doubleheader vs. the Nationals yesterday, effectively eliminating them from the playoff race.
They celebrated by also dropping the nightcap, another losing effort from Aaron Nola.
Bryce Harper no doubt enjoyed watching his old teammates celebrate as they actually clinched a playoff spot by sticking a dagger in the Phillies' balloon.
There is an analogy here between the Phillies season and what we already are seeing from the Eagles.
They both involve faulty construction.
Phillies brass, including owner John Middleton, team President Andy MacPhail and GM Matt Klentak spent heavily on offense, signing Harper, shortstop Jean Segura and catcher J.T. Realmuto.
Unfortunately, they rolled the dice on a pitching staff that came up snake eyes. Aside from Aaron Nola, they had little or nothing, to go with a bullpen that took turns visiting the injured list.
They were doomed from the start.
A lot of people say football teams are built from the line out.
And the Eagles are failing because their defensive line is a shambles. They let Michael Bennett walk. Couldn't agree on a deal with Chris Long, who decided to retire. Fletcher Cox looks like he has yet to recover his All-Pro form while rehabbing from an injury. He had zero tackles Sunday vs. the Lions, two less than quarterback Carson Wentz. Derek Barnett and Vinny Curry have had no impact.
The result? The Eagles get no pressure on the opposing quarterback. None. Unless Jim Schwartz dials up a blitz, which he does not like to do. I don't blame him with that secondary.
The Eagles now are on a short week and facing the undefeated Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers Thursday night on the road in Lambeau Field.
If the Birds do not get pressure on Rodgers, it figures to be a long evening.
The Phillies know all about long evenings.
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