Today, the NFL announced that three games would be postponed. One such game is the NFC East showdown between the Washington Football Team and Philadelphia Eagles, which will now be played at 7pm on 12/21. This is due to the surge of COVID-19 among Washington’s players. The overwhelming reaction from Eagles fans has been negative, and for good reason. Now the Eagles (who are battling for the postseason) must play 3 divisional games in 13 days because of another team’s mistakes.
It’s like if your younger brother breaks your mother’s favorite vase, but she makes you help him clean it up. However, there is some silver lining that comes from this news that should not be overlooked. Is there a bright side to this postponement?
More Rest
Reports this past week have suggested that the ankle injury Jalen Hurts sustained in week 12 could have sidelined him again against WFT on Sunday. While backup Gardner Minshew was able to step up to the plate nicely in relief of the 2nd year QB, in the crunch time of the season the Eagles need all their players healthy. Minshew would probably play well against the unhealthy Washington defense, but this young team needs as many reps with their starter as possible. If Hurts were to go on Sunday, his running ability would most likely be hampered. This put Philly between a rock and a hard place, but thanks to the postponement, Hurts will have more time to reach 100%.
But beyond Jalen Hurts, studs like Jason Kelce, Miles Sanders, Jordan Howard, Steve Nelson, and Brandon Brooks were all also coming off of seemingly serious injuries. We potentially could’ve suited them up on Sunday, but the threat of reinjury was all too real. Just a few days can be the difference-maker for some of these dudes to become fully healthy in time for the playoff run. The NFL in effect is giving us an extended bye week right before the most crucial stretch of our season.
Washington is Reeeaaaally Sick
Washington’s outbreak started with one unvaccinated Montez Sweat, and at least 3 of the other 22 players put on the COVID-reserve list were also unvaxxed. While it is feasible that this little setback gives a few players enough time to test negative, it’s hard to believe that a significant amount of players will be back in time. Either they still have to forfeit, giving Philly a free NFC east win, or the birds play a football team that is missing the majority of its defense with 16 days’ rest.
Washington also has star WR Terry Mclaurin in the concussion protocol, with his top two QBs on the reserve/COVID-19 list: Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen. If they can not clear by Tuesday, the Eagles will have to deal with Jordan Ta’amu, Garrett Gilbert or Kyle Shurmur under center (who have a combined 1 career NFL start). Forgive me for not quaking in my boots over an XFL pro bowl QB room.
It’s Annoying, But it Could Be Much Worse
I’m not saying that it isn’t annoying, but it’s always good to look at the bright side of things. The Eagles typically reserve one or two rest days in their weekly preparation anyway, so we aren’t losing a day per se. It’s gonna be frustrating no doubt, but we play the Giants the following Sunday who are currently limping into week 15 as is. Maybe a well-rested team is what it takes to give us that last boost into the playoffs.
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Jish Sokolsky is a featured writer at The Birds Blitz. For more from Jish, check out his archive and read through our Eagles articles for the latest news about the Birds.
