What was looking like a guaranteed postseason berth has unraveled for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Not only has Philadelphia lost their firm grip on first place in the NFC East, but they've also likely played themselves out of the playoffs with three straight losses. Mark Sanchez has thrown ten interceptions since replacing Nick Foles at midseason. The organization had reportedly soured on Foles even before he went down with a broken collarbone.
The problem with their recent downturn is that it lands them in NFL purgatory for this offseason. At nine wins, the team is clearly talented and capable of winning. But they'll also be picking in the late teens or early twenties when the NFL draft rolls around. That's not where they need to be for a shot at Oregon's Marcus Mariota, who Eagles head coach Chip Kelly coached just a few years ago. They're not good enough to make the playoffs but also not bad enough to put them in a position for a top QB prospect.
"Trading up is a long shot four a couple of reasons," ESPN's Mike Sando wrote. "1) QB-needy teams drafting ahead of the Eagles could resist trading down; 2) it's no sure thing the Eagles would want to trade up when they know first-round picks succeed about 60 percent of the time."
The free agent market doesn't offer many viable options either. Sanchez and Cleveland's Brian Hoyer are set to be the top names available after the season. Even with Sanchez's struggles, it seems counterproductive to replace him with Hoyer considering the former's familiarity with the system.
Chicago's Jay Cutler and Washington's Robert Griffin III might potentially be available via trade. But it is expected that the Redskins will ultimately bring RGIII back for one more year due to his modest salary and potential.
It seems that the Eagles need an upgrade at the quarterback position to be a perennial playoff contender. However, the right player may not be out there just yet. Philly fans should expect at least one more season with Foles and Sanchez taking the snaps.
Things could be worse, though. You could have Ryan Lindley as your starter.
