Vick_AP

Vick and the Eagles starting their run toward the playoffs (Source: Getty Images)

I may be getting ahead of myself talking playoffs (Playoffs? Playoffs? Yes, playoffs), but since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, the Eagles have been 5-3 or better after eight games a total of 15 times prior to this season – 1979, 1980, 1981, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009. And in those 15 seasons, they qualified for the playoffs 14 times. The lone exception?: 1994 when they started 7-2 under Rich Kotite and then lost out.

At this point, I'd only rank the Packers and Giants ahead of the Eagles in the NFC. It's been a weird season and the Eagles are right in the mix.  Looking at their second half schedule, and considering how Andy Reid teams usually close strong (and that teams like the Cowboys and Vikings are struggling), things are setting up nicely for the Birds.

I didn't think a deep playoff run was possible this year, especially after how things went in the season opener, with Kolb not playing well and then Leonard Weaver and Jamaal Jackson suffering season-ending injuries. But if they can take care of business against very beatable teams like Washington and Chicago in the upcoming weeks, they are on track to finish with at least 10 or 11 wins. And then… who knows.