The Philadelphia Eagles Have Officially Jumped the Shark

The Philadelphia Eagles have officially jumped the shark. It's an odd expression that has become popular in recent years, mostly relating to television shows that have passed their peak and have hit a point where everything thereafter will go downhill.

The phrase actually derives from the popular show of the 1970's Happy Days and the episode where the Fonz jumped a shark on water-skis. It is widely considered the low point of the show.

The Philadelphia Eagles reached that point last night with their 38-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. There was, quite frankly, nothing positive to take from the game and only a series of striking negatives from which this team is likely not to recover under the current coaching staff and quarterback.

Let's take a look at some of those low points:

• With this loss the Eagles have lost games to each of their division opponents and are firmly established in last place in the NFC East.
• The Eagles are now 1-3 at home, an unexplainable and embarrassing record in front of their loyal home fans.
• Quarterback Donovan McNabb appeared totally lost for most of the game. His two interceptions and one fumble proved fatal for the Eagles. In fact, his fumble on the first play from scrimmage in the game was a good indicator of how the night would go. McNabb's record since the Eagles' Super Bowl appearance is 12-15.
• The Eagles offensive line which was widely praised as one of the best in the NFL just last year, was completely dominated by the Dallas defense. This follows upon their dismal performance just weeks ago against the New York Giants.
• The performance of the Eagles receiving corps has shown a steady decline over the past three years with the losses of Terrell Owens and then Donte Stallworth.
• Aside from Trent Cole, the Eagles defensive line has little to brag about in 2007. High priced free agent acquisitions Darren Howard and Jevone Kearse continue to show almost nothing when they're on the field. Neither will be with the Eagles in 2008.
• Safety Brian Dawkins valiantly tried to come back from a neck injury which has plagued him for the entire 2007 season. He will likely retire at the end of the season, if not before.
• The Eagles kick and punt returners have learned to catch the ball which is a positive. They have also mastered the art of running straight ahead after the catch right into a throng of opposition players.
• Coach Andy Reid has once again taken the blame and told us that it is his job to get things fixed and get the players to play better. The line is way too old. Reid has no ability to deal with the issues that plague the 2007 Philadelphia Eagles. He has shown a complete lack of imagination in his play calling. His game plans are boring.
• I, along with thousands of other Eagles fans turned off the television somewhere during the third quarter and went to bed. When an Eagles fan would rather go to bed than watch the game, the team has definitely jumped the shark.