The Philadelphia Eagles wrapped up their regular season with a demoralizing 27-10 loss to the New York Giants, raising concerns about the team’s late-season collapse.

The defeat, paired with injuries to key players and analyzing poor coaching decisions, has left the Eagles at a crossroad as they prepare for the postseason playoffs.

The Eagles entered the matchup against the Giants without several starters. The absence of star players such as DeVonta Smith, Darius Slay, D’Andre Swift, and Fletcher Cox alone presented an unavoidable hurdle. However, the situation became increasingly alarming as game injuries increased.

A.J. Brown’s right knee injury during the game added to the team’s worries, leaving the Eagles without their top receiving threats. Brown’s injury, combined with DeVonta Smith’s absence, significantly impacted the team’s offense.

The Eagles starting quarterback, Jalen Hurts, suffered a hard hit to his throwing hand’s middle finger. Despite the setback, Hurts returned to the game after receiving medical attention. However, his performance was mediocre, completing only 7 of 16 passes for 55 yards with one interception.

The post-game commentary stated, “Hurts didn’t seem too harmed when last season’s NFL MVP runner-up took a hard hit to the right middle finger on his throwing hand. He was rattled on an incomplete pass attempt on fourth-and-3 from the Eagles’ 48-yard line.”

Head coach Nick Sirianni faced criticism for his decision to play injured starters, especially considering the team had secured the fifth seed in the NFC playoffs. The missed opportunity for the No. 2 seed, unrealistic within reach due to the Cowboys’ victory, raised questions about Sirianni’s coaching strategy and abilities.

Critics pointed out, “With the No. 2 seed never really in reach — the Cowboys were 13½-point favorites — Sirianni could have rested his starters and played it safe for the fifth seed.” The decision to expose important players to further potential injuries in a game with limited playoff expectations brought dissatisfaction among fans and analysts.

The Eagles’ late-season collapse has been nothing short of astonishing. After starting the season with an impressive 10-1 record, the team stumbled, losing five of their last six games. This tumble has shed doubt on their overall performance and raises questions about their ability to compete in the postseason.

Critics have not only highlighted defensive vulnerabilities but also the team’s inability to handle opposing blitzes. One analysis stated, “The Eagles’ inability to beat the blitz is a massive issue because A.) the offense isn’t 100 percent healthy and B.) the defense has become a glaring liability over the second half of the season.”

The frustration and disappointment felt by fans were expressed by NBC Sports Philadelphia host Michael Barkann. His commentary summed up the feelings of many Eagles supporters: “You watched your Philadelphia Eagles today, losers 27-10, to the New York Giants, the pathetic New York Giants … They stunk like they have for five of the last six weeks. Befuddled, without passion, without intensity, without extra effort, without want-to.”

The feeling among fans is one of rude awakening, leaving many fans questioning Sirianni’s leadership and the team’s overall spirit.

Despite securing a playoff spot, the Eagles face an uphill battle with countless injury concerns and a lack of confidence. The upcoming wild-card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, January 15 at 8 p.m. is a test, as the team is struggling to regain their footing.

A media analysis captured the skepticism, stating, “A loss in Tampa Bay next weekend would no longer be a stunner, and the Eagles have serious work to do in the offseason.” 

Will the Eagles find a solution to navigate through the playoffs successfully, or is this the end?