Power Rankings: Eagles' December push to playoffs begins

Updated Dec. 8

It's December. That means it's time for the Philadelphia Eagles to make their usual late-season push.

That's the Andy Reid-Donovan McNabb way.

"It's something that has been happening to us for years now," McNabb said. "This is the time that people remember. You never remember September and October. You remember November, December and January. You want to hit the playoffs rolling if you have the opportunity."

The Eagles have been one of the better late-season teams the under Reid. And one gets the feeling that it's happening again.

Philadelphia has won three consecutive games to get to 8-4, tying the Dallas Cowboys atop the NFC East. The Eagles must travel to New Jersey on Sunday to play a huge rivalry game with the New York Giants.

Based on what we saw this past Sunday against Atlanta, the Eagles are getting right. They dominated the Falcons, even though their two biggest offensive threats -- Brian Westbrook and DeSean Jackson -- were out. Jackson is expected back this week after missing time with a concussion.

When Jackson is on the field, the Eagles have a game-breaker, but the Falcons game allowed McNabb a chance to work more with rookie Jeremy Maclin and spread the ball around.

"Jeremy Maclin continues to improve," McNabb said.

The Eagles have been criticized because they haven't won the Super Bowl with Reid and McNabb. But what team wouldn't take their success of the past decade, with Reid winning his 100th game of the decade Sunday? They've been to five conference championship games, including last season's, and they played in one Super Bowl, losing to the Patriots.

It's no wonder the Eagles are close to giving Reid a long-term contract extension. He sure seemed chipper Sunday after the Eagles beat the Falcons. Maybe the deal is done.

The Eagles released a statement after the game about Reid's pending contract extension. It read: "We're aware of the reports regarding Andy Reid's contract. The organization has acknowledged earlier that it expects to extend his contract at some point in the near future. Beyond that, the organization has no further comment."

The bubbly Reid was asked about it.

"I think there was a statement put out," he said. "I'm not going to add to it. I've told you before, I love it here in Philadelphia, the fans. There's not any better organization. The statement was put out and that's what it is."

Lock him up. Reid is a heck of a coach, even though maniacal Eagles fans rip him endlessly because he won't run the ball enough. This is a passing league. Reid has it right.

And the Eagles appear ready for another late-season surge. They are No. 6 in the CBSSports.com Power Rankings. There's no reason to think they won't keep ascending. Watch out for the Eagles in the playoffs.

That means you, Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints.

Coming on late is the Eagles way. It's the Reid-McNabb way.

The Power Rankings through Week 13: