Eagles Face Tough Decisions, Major Shakeups After MNF Loss

First things first: Can we all agree now, finally, that the Eagles aren't making the playoffs? Great, thanks.

Frankly, the playoffs were a pipe dream once the team hit 1-4 after the Buffalo loss. 1-4 teams don't make the NFL playoffs—particularly 1-4 teams that struggle mightily with execution.

Now, at 3-5 and three full games behind the division-leading Giants, it's safe to contemplate next year.

The first move is a no-brainer. Juan Castillo needs to go. The defensive roster may not be flawless, but it's certainly more talented than it's shown this year. Castillo has shown a total inability to mesh that talent into a cohesive, effective scheme, which is what many expected from a man who hasn't coached a defense in more than 20 years.

More interesting will be the repercussion that Castillo's complete failure has on other elements in the front office, including Andy Reid. The sheer hubris necessary to promote an offensive line coach to defensive coordinator, working with all new personnel in a condensed offseason, is astounding.

Whether or not that arrogance will translate to Andy Reid's exit is debatable. We've seen questionable decisions before—cutting Jeremy Bloom in training camp, or trading Sheldon Brown last year—that have blown up in the organization's face, and Reid is still here.

At what point can Jeffrey Lurie no longer overlook to galling tendency to ignore major holes in the roster? To overestimate the effectiveness of the scheme, or misidentify the talent needed to execute it? To rely on the blatant cronyism that led to Castillo being hired in the first place?

At this point, regardless of the Eagles' end-of-season record, it would be a major shock to see anyone on the sidelines but Reid next year. But that doesn't mean there shouldn't be major changes on the horizon.

Castillo deserves to be the first domino to fall. Those that follow him will offer a gauge into how seriously introspective the front office actually is.