Eagles expect to compete, finish season out strong

Regrets?

These Eagles have had a few. But that won’t stop them from giving their all during these final five games. The first step is to get a win tonight. And they’ll have to do it without QB Mike Vick and WR Jeremy Maclin (Vince Young and Riley Cooper will start).

“Everybody’s going to go out there and play hard,” said linebacker Jamar Chaney.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re 1-15 or 15-0, you’re going to go out there and play your hardest if you’re a true competitor,” added center Jason Kelce.

Despite all the gloom and doom circling them, the Eagles aren’t mathematically eliminated from the postseason party. If they can figure things out, and the Giants and the Cowboys both slip, then there is a chance.

“I think there are still some things that can happen where we can go to the playoffs if we win out,” Kelce said.

3 Things to watch

1. Packing it in?

The players talk a good game, saying that they’re going to keep playing hard and that anything can happen.

But what happens if they get down big early? Will they continue to fight or look at the scoreboard — and standings — and pack it in. Several Eagles, including star back LeSean McCoy (toe), are nursing injuries anyway. This might be the biggest test of this team’s heart.

2. Running men.

Statistically, the Eagles rank right in the middle of the pack (18th, at 110.3 yards per game) against the run this season.

Of course, anyone who has been following the Eagles knows the linebackers have been suspect, and Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch has 900 yards and seven TDs. And teams will run. Remember, the Patriots ran the ball 36 times last week despite only gaining 2.9 yards per carry.

3. Andy’s mood.

As the season goes on — and the losses pile up — Andy Reid’s attitude becomes less and less agreeable with the media.

With talk radio lines heating up and fans calling for his dismissal, Reid is firmly on the hot seat and will have to answer a slew of questions about his future, if the Birds lose. Expect short answers and grim stares. And a new sign in front of the NovaCare Complex.