Mercifully, it's over

With the click of another "L" attaching itself to the wrong side of the 2005 Eagles record, the season has finally ended. Mercifully, it closed at home so hopefully the backup brigade that was the second half Philadelphia Eagles didn't have to travel too far to start their vacation. Gone are the trips to Hawaii, the playoff atmosphere, and most of the wind that was in the sails of the Philly faithful.

The final whistle heralded more than just an end to the loss at the hands of the playoff-bound Washington Redskins. It trumpeted the promise of a better tomorrow. A new day filled with healthy starters, experienced backup, and depth at many positions.

The end of the season also brings with it speculation. Andy Reid and his coaching staff did all they could do with the pieces they had. Injuries (and a bruised ego) ripped this team apart, and one of next year's biggest tasks will be to unify a fractured team psyche. There's also the question as to who the team will sign. Maybe Reggie Wayne. Possibly Eric Moulds. Would they look for a primo running back?

Ah, while the Birds rest up, the fans will spend this offseason talking about the future and what might have been if the lineup implosion hadn't happened.