The Eagles knew Monday nights game was a must-win. They know that just about every game they will play from here on out will be a must-win too.
When you look at the film and things like that, its not a lack of effort or anything like that, wide receiver Jason Avant said. Its just that were not making the plays at the right time. I think from this point on, and even last week, we have to have a playoff mentality. And when it comes to going out to every game like were going to get knocked out, is a given.
OK, thats easy to say. But the Eagles havent looked like theyre playing with that increased sense of urgency. Against the Bears on Monday, they had another chance to win a close game in the fourth. And they failedagain.
I dont know, Michael Vick said. I just know we have opportunities to win games and when youre in that position, you have to take full advantage of it.
Its a lack of just focus, LeSean McCoy said. Having a team where you want them at and not being able to finish the right way. Having the attitude to finish games, finish runs, make blocks, make the plays, make the catches, just having that determination factor.
On Tuesday, head coach Andy Reid said that the Eagles arent getting beaten by the teams theyre facing. Instead, Reid insisted that the Eagles were beating themselves with penalties and turnovers.
Its true. We beat ourselves, Vick said. When certain things happen in the game, its like we go into a panic and we cant do that. We have to stay confident, keep that attitude and when we do that were one of the best teams in this league, when we dont, we dont win football games.
E-mail Dave Zangaro at dzangaro@comcastsportsnet.com