‘Spoiler’ Birds have plenty left to play for down stretch

Five games left for the Eagles in this lost season. A campaign that started with talk of Super Bowls and dynasties has been whittled down to just five meaningless games.

Meaningless to the average fan. But some in the organization see it a different way. The Eagles have a chance to crush dreams down the stretch, playing against opponents (Cowboys, Buccaneers, Bengals, Redskins, Giants) jockeying for postseason positions.

“Now, we certainly are in a spoiler type role here and that can be very rewarding,” offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said. “So, we have discussed that and it’s very rewarding that way.”

There are other things at play here, too. Veterans insist they are playing for pride. After all, it’s no fun being the league’s laughingstock.

“I play every day for my pride,” said DeMeco Ryans. “It’s one thing, you play for pride — that’s big for me.”

Some guys, whether they want to admit it or not, are playing for their jobs. A new coaching staff is inevitable in 2013, meaning every name on the roster — and every play — is being evaluated from here on out. In other words, jobs are on the line.

“I’m not worried about that,” safety Kurt Coleman said. “Regardless if Andy is still here, if he’s not here, I get traded, I got to put out good film. I got to be able to play to the best of my ability, and I’m trying to get this team in a position to end on a good note.”

Even so, that doesn’t mean Coleman is going to change his approach or preparation. He doesn’t need to.

“Continue to play hard, continue to study my ass off every week and try and get these guys in the best position to succeed,” he said.