5 Reasons the Philadelpha Eagles Season Is Over—And It's Not Michael Vick

As a long-time fan, it pains me to say this, but the Philadelphia Eagles' season is over. Finito! That is indeed the fat lady singing. With five losses in eight games, there is now no way they can make the playoffs.

Their only shot was to win the NFC East. Before this past week's games, an analysis of the remaining schedule gave them a shot at that. But that analysis was based on the Eagles beating the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants losing to the New England Patriots. If one of those things failed to happen, the Eagles had a slim chance. But since neither happened, they have no chance.

The script for the loss to the Bears sounds similar to others this year.

1. Losing a Fourth-Quarter Lead

In the five losses, the Eagles have given up 56 points in the fourth quarter, without scoring any of their own. Is it because the opponents can make in-game adjustments, but the Eagles cannot? Is it because the Eagles are not rotating the defensive lineman enough, so they are tiring out late in the game? Or is it that quick, but light Eagles on both offensive and defensive lines get worn down by larger opponents? 

Whatever the reason, this is the true mark of a bad team—not being able to play 60 minutes and finish strong.

2. Giving a Mediocre QB So Much Time to Throw That He Looks Like a Star QB

You hear this every week on the NFL broadcasts. "Give any quarterback enough time to check out his options, and he will complete the pass." Other than the one time his own offensive lineman pushed Jason Babin into Jay Cutler, the Eagles rarely applied any pressure at all.

Couldn't Juan Castillo come up with something to generate some occasional pressure? It's not like the Bears offensive line features three Pro Bowlers.

3. Bone-Headed Mistakes

The bone-headed play this week, of course, goes to punter Chas Henry for trying to short-arm the pass to the open receiver on the failed fake punt. Second place goes to DeSean Jackson for trying to play hero with the deep punt just after the Eagles had tied the score shortly before the half.

4. DeSean Jackson's Non-Production in the Red Zone

I don't think the Eagles should even put Jackson in the game in the red zone. His speed can't be used effectively in the restricted space and he is too small to out-jump or out-muscle a defender.

5. Three Supposedly Very Good DBs Leaving Receivers Open All Over the Field

How does Earl Bennett get 95 pass-reception yards? This is triple his career average per game. He is only six feet tall, so there is no size mismatch. The answer is simple. The defenders are not in the right position to make plays. This falls on Juan Castillo, the defensive coordinator. If you have an offensive line coach run your defense, you take your lumps. And that is what the Eagles are taking.

You'll note that Michael Vick is not on this list. He got hit on a large percentage of times he went back to pass, and did the best that can be expected under such pressure.

Rather than close with the Chicago Cubs' fans refrain of "Wait 'til next year,"  I will close on a more positive note: Let's Go Flyers !

 Follow Professor Bush on Twitter at Prof_Bush.