When Does Reality Set In (Or Does It Not Matter?)?

At some point in the second quarter, it became apparent to me that my pre-game prediction (A Seattle 20-10 win over the Eagles) would come true, and that this was not the day the Eagles showed up and arrived as a Super Bowl contender. The defending champions were shutting down the Eagles running attack and passing attack, and generally beating our offensive line. The Eagles just couldn't move the ball, and that was clear throughout the 24-14 loss. At that same point I realized that, I realized two other things:

1. No matter how coldly realistic I am about this franchise, dammit, I want them to win games like this, and win a title.
2. This isn't going to be the year.

The Eagles did not lose to Seattle because of Mark Sanchez, or because of a particular defensive back, or a specific injury, or even one player choking. They lost because Seattle is better. They did a good job containing Marshawn Lynch, and even did enough to keep the score respectable and even attainable throughout. They just weren't as good, and that was shown throughout the game. It's not that they're bad, not at all, it's that Seattle remains a monster of a team to beat in games that matter (as all of them do at this time of year).

The Eagles are a 9-4 team, and with three games to go, could finish 12-4 and win the NFC East. That's very good. Arizona won their tenth game though today, and Green Bay could do the same tomorrow. The Eagles are likely to start week 15 behind Green Bay and Arizona, and tied with the same record as Detroit, Dallas, and Seattle. They will need no less than two of the final three to win the NFC East, and probably the same to win a Wild Card. Even if they reach the playoffs, Green Bay and Seattle, both of whom handled them, are likely in good position to finish one and two if they win out, and Arizona, who also beat them, could also finish in those spots. The Eagles are very, very unlikely to win the NFC, unlikely to reach the NFC title game, will struggle to win a playoff game, could face a tough first round match-up again, and could possibly not even get in if they lose to Dallas. Sure, they should win at least 11 games, but that might not get them a whole lot of good luck.

Let's be clear though, they won ten games a year ago, and four games two years ago, so they've come a long way. They need to improve to compete with the Seattles and Green Bays of the world, but they are on the right track. That's a great place to be two years after picking in the top five.