To say the least, the 2011 season has not gone according to plan for the Philadelphia Eagles. Rather than offering a potential Super Bowl glimpse, Sunday's match-up with the New York Jets simply offers the disappointing 5-8 Eagles another opportunity to try to finish the season with some semblance of dignity.
The Eagles may still mathematically be in the NFC East race, but the reality is this season will fall far short of the expectations created when Nnamdi Asomugha, Jason Babin and others decided to join Philly this season. The Jets (8-5) are still fighting to secure a playoff berth, which has become more likely as they have won three straight games.
Let's take a quick look at the Eagles as Sunday's 4:15 p.m. ET kickoff approaches.
OFFENSE
Philadelphia is quarterbacked by Michael Vick, who has started 10 of Philly's 13 games this season, missing the other three with injuries. Vick's combination of arm strength and running ability mean "you're never going to be comfortable," said Jets coach Rex Ryan.
Running back LeSean McCoy already has 1,172 yards rushing and another 310 receiving for the Eagles. Jremey Maclin, DeSean Jackson, Jason Avant and Brent Celek -- along with McCoy -- gives Vick a talented group to throw to.
DEFENSE
The Eagles have struggled most of the season with first-year coordinator Juan Castillo. Asomugha has not had the expected impact after coming to Philadelphia as a much-ballyhooed free agent. The Eagles do, however, have a pair of tremendous pass rushers in Babin (15 sacks) and Trent Cole (nine).
SPECIAL TEAMS
Jackson is averaging only 6.8 yards per punt return this season, but ask the Giants how dangerous he is. Rookie field-goal kicker Chas Henery has made 19-of-22.