Post-Giants

3 final thoughts before the Eagles - and I - move on to the Bengals game.

1) Why was NFL officiating chief Mike Pereira conferring with NBC producers on Sunday night about the placement of the "red" superimposed line of scrimmage graphic. I thought that line was "unofficial." So why are official NFL officials involving themselves with it? And can anyone give a straight answer as to whether that line is visible to the referee during instant replay challenges?

2) The Eagles final play last week was awful, and it started with the formation. Double tight with only Hank Baskett flanked out wide to the left. This formation and personnel allowed the Giants to pack 10 defenders into the box to stop the run. Why wasn't DeSean Jackson in the game to give even the appearance of a deep threat and maybe make the safety play a little more honest?

3) For all of the talk about all of the teams in front of the Eagles for playoff spots, the fact remains they are on pace for 10 wins, which usually is enough to get you in. Pay no attention to the number of teams in front of them. History shows that losses - and strange losses - befall teams throughout the season (see, Eagles, Bears and Giants).

The Eagles should beat the Bengals today, the Ravens on the road against a rookie QB next week and the Browns in two weeks coming off a 10 day rest. Which means they only have to find 2 wins among games against the Cardinals, Redskins, Giants, and Cowboys. Really, if they are to have any playoff shot, they have to win at least one against an NFC East team. they should also be favored against a Cardinals team traveling to Philly on a very short week. Mark my words, they should still get to 10 wins, with 11 not being completely out of the question.

11-5? it is still possible. 10-6. Very likely.