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3 Distinct Moments That Cost the Eagles the NFC Wild Card Game vs Seahawks

By Steven Kubitza

The Eagles were down to Josh McCown at quarterback.
The Eagles were down to Josh McCown at quarterback. / Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

The Philadelphia Eagles remained in striking distance against the Seattle Seahawks for the entirety of Sunday's Wild Card matchup. Unfortunately, a devastating early injury and a few distinct moments turned the tide away from a potential Eagles comeback, bit by bit. Three things in particular will be remembered by Eagles fans throughout the offseason.

3. Wasting Time Before the Two-Minute Warning

Doug Pederson mismanaged the clock in the fourth quarter.
Doug Pederson mismanaged the clock in the fourth quarter. / Al Pereira/Getty Images

The Eagles faced a 4th and 7, with just under 2:30 on a running clock with three timeouts remaining. Doug Pederson decided to let the clock run to the two-minute warning. The result was a Josh McCown sack and a turnover. The Seahawks got a first down after the Eagles used two timeouts, and that was the game. Extra time and another timeout could have given the Eagles another shot.

2. Miles Sanders' Dropped Pass

Miles Sanders had a key drop late.
Miles Sanders had a key drop late. / Steven Ryan/Getty Images

The Eagles faced a 4th and 4 with over six minutes left, and were driving toward the end zone. McCown threw a short pass just a bit behind Miles Sanders, and that was enough for the back to drop the ball. He had room to run, and a catch would have had the offense deep into the red zone, at the very least. The result was a turnover instead, and a missed opportunity at much-needed points.

1. Carson Wentz Ruled Out

Carson Wentz was knocked out of the game.
Carson Wentz was knocked out of the game. / Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Carson Wentz was knocked out of the game in the first quarter after taking a shot to the head. That left Josh McCown in at quarterback and the Eagles struggled to move the ball, settling for three fields goals while waiting on a Wentz status update. After all, he was their only stable force all year, and helped lead the Eagles to the playoffs. His loss took both his talent and leadership out of the game, and the offense never recovered.