It’s Official: Eagles Eliminated From Playoffs

What seemed extremely likely Saturday night became official Sunday evening: The Eagles will not be returning to the playoffs.

The Cowboys made quick work of the Colts with a 42-7 victory. It seemed clear early on that Indianapolis wasn’t going to make much of a game out of it. The Colts ran Trent Richardson on 3rd-and-14 on their first possession and then attempted a fake punt from their own 19.

Andrew Luck went 15-for-22 for 109 yards and two interceptions before being pulled in the second half. The Colts clinched the division last week and would have needed a minor miracle (two Broncos losses) for a chance at a first-round bye.

Dallas, meanwhile, took care of business in every phase. Tony Romo went 18-for-20 for 218 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.

Since losing to the Eagles on Thanksgiving, the Cowboys have won three in a row – on the road against Chicago and Philadelphia, plus today’s home victory. Dallas clinches the NFC East and returns to the postseason for the first time since 2009.

The Eagles, meanwhile, will be left to pick up the pieces from a disappointing finish. They have lost three in a row, and a season that looked so promising 15 days ago will end next Sunday at MetLife Stadium against the Giants.

This will be the third time in four years that the Eagles will miss out on the postseason.

Chip Kelly will address the media Monday afternoon, but don’t expect him to worry about developing younger guys in the finale. The guess here is it’ll be business as usual, and he’ll go with the usual starters and try to win the game.

We’ll have all the fallout covered this week.