The path to an NFC East title for the Philadelphia Eagles is simple

and they don't have to rely on outside help if they take care of their own business.Winning is the hard part.Following consecutive losses to New England (10-1) and Seattle (9-2) White Stephen Gostkowski Jerseys , the Eagles (5-6) are still only one game behind Dallas (6-5) in the division. Four of their last five games are against teams currently with a 2-9 record. The other is a home game against the Cowboys in Week 16.If they win all five, they will secure the division. So despite a dismal offensive performance for the second straight game, the Eagles have a chance now that the toughest part of their schedule is out of the way."We're still in this thing, the season isn't over," coach Doug Pederson said Monday. "Gosh, we have five games, a great opportunity in Miami this week. That gives you hope as you move forward."Carson Wentz struggled against the Seahawks, turning the ball over four times in a 17-9 loss. But the offense was missing its top three wide receivers, leading rusher and two Pro Bowl offensive linemen.Wentz completed 33 of 45 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and two fumbles, including one on a handoff exchange. But he got little help from his receivers."It's not always about the quarterback," Pederson said. "We can coach that up Stephen Gostkowski Jerseys 2019 , obviously, and we will, but we also have to get the other guys in the right spots as well."WHAT NEEDS HELPThe passing game is struggling. Wentz has no deep threat with DeSean Jackson out for the season. Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor didn't play against Seattle, though both have been plagued by costly drops. Greg Ward came off the practice squad and made six catches, one more than second-round pick J.J. Arcega-Whiteside has the entire season. Jordan Matthews played two games and was released Monday.STOCK UPThe entire defense has stepped it up, allowing just 17 points to Tom Brady and the Patriots and 17 to Russell Wilson and the Seahawks. The return of cornerbacks Jalen Mills, Ronald Darby and Avonte Maddox has been a significant boost for the secondary. The pass defense has allowed fewer than 225 passing yards in five straight games and opponents have scored 17 or fewer points in four straight.STOCK DOWNWentz hasn't looked like the guy who finished third in NFL MVP voting in his sophomore season. Lack of talent around him is the biggest reason but it also appears he's having issues with some of his mechanics and he could be pressing, trying to live up to the pressure of the $128 million contract he signed before the season.INJUREDRight tackle Lane Johnson is in concussion protocol but expected to return to practice Wednesday. Right guard Brandon Brooks is dealing with anxiety issues. Running back Jordan Howard has missed two games with a stinger and remains day to day. Jeffery (ankle) and Agholor (knee) could be ready to return this week.KEY NUMBER12 — Tight end Zach Ertz led the Eagles with a season-high 12 receptions for 91 yards and one TD vs. Seattle. Ertz has a franchise-record 11 games with 10-plus receptions. Tony Gonzalez (15) is the only tight end in NFL history with more. Jason Witten also has 11.NEXT STEPSThe Eagles visit Miami (2-9) on Sunday and already are a nine-point favorite despite losing two straight home games. Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 402 yards, four TDs, including a pair of 75-yard TDs for Tampa Bay in a 27-21 win over the Eagles in Week 2 last season. Ever since he officially stepped away from pro football in late March, comeback rumors have followed Rob Gronkowski wherever he went. Likewise, the interest and speculation sparked every time he announced a new upcoming announcement about his career. This was the case earlier this week as well, when he unveiled plans to host a Super Bowl party in Miami and thus effectively put to rest any rumors of a return this season.In the video about the event White Matthew Slater Jerseys , Gronkowski is seen debating with himself about whether to return to the game or not. He ultimately decides to stay retired, even though he jokes about a potential comeback next year at the end of the clip — a teaser that should not be taken too seriously, though. The 30-year-old, who won three Super Bowls in his nine seasons in the NFL, added more context during an interview with ESPN on Tuesday.“I wouldn’t say ‘never coming back,’” said the former New England Patriots tight end. “I’m 30 years old. I’m young. I still stay fit, still watch the game whenever I can, still enjoy it. I’m feeling good, but you know, one year off could possibly be the case. Or maybe two years off, man. It’s always an option in the back of my head. It’s not like I’m not staying in shape and not doing anything. I’m never stressed over it.”Gronkowski, of course, still could theoretically return this season: he has until November 30 to make a decision in case he wants to re-join the Patriots for the home stretch of their season. The announcement of his Super Bowl party in combination with all the public statements he has made ever since retiring earlier this year Matthew Slater Jerseys 2019 , however, make it highly unlikely that he will file the necessary paperwork and be back on the gridiron in 2019.This development does not come as a surprise for a majority of Patriots fans: SB Nation’s latest FanPulse survey also included a question whether or not they would see a Gronkowski return before the deadline, and only 12% of participants answered with yes. The remaining 88%,meanwhile, thought that a comeback would not be in the cards this season — a prediction that appears to have turned out accurate given his latest remarks.Gronkowski, of course, still has a special place in the hearts of Patriots fans everywhere due to his upbeat persona and dominant play between 2010 and 2018 — something he experiences on a regular basis, as he pointed out: “Many of them say they want to see me back on the field, but I take it more deeply to the heart when they tell me they appreciate the nine years with the team and they just want to see me happy and healthy.”If you too are interested in participating in our FanPulse survey, please click here!