Exactly when did the Philadelphia Eagles' season come crashing down?  Was it when Brian Westbrook received news that his injured foot would cost him the rest of the season?  Did it happen when Donovan McNabb elected for season ending surgery?  Or perhaps when the Eagles decided to send T.O. home for an early vacation?  Or better yet, when Andy Reid sent T.O. home in training camp for behaving like a spoiled child?

It may be difficult to say exactly when all hopes of the Eagles' season were crushed.  But it's not too difficult to say that those hopes of reaching the playoffs are over now, even before the turkey leftovers are gone.  For Eagles fans, watching their team get mauled by the Seahawks 42-0 must have been about as painful as Donovan McNabb's sports hernia. 

So was this whole season just a complete waste of time (and money)?

Call me crazy, but I wouldn't call it a waste.  And here's why:

1)  T.O. goes from a daily headache (and headline) to being someone else's problem.  No athlete in the history of sports has done more to destroy the concept of "team" than T.O.  Yep, he's good.  Darn good.  But the Eagles have done it without him before, and they can do it again.  And for all the mention of him leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl last year, keep in mind that the Eagles had to get through the playoffs without him.

2)  Heart and leadership in this organization cannot be questioned.  McNabb plays through injury and criticism.  Andy Reid sticks to his guns.  Even Hugh Douglas stood his ground to defend his former teammates.  This team undoubtedly knows what they are made of.

3)  In a bad season, the superstars will start the next year rested and healthy.  McNabb will get to start next season at 100%.  Westbrook is out for the year, but will extend his career by not enduring the punishment he would be taking over the final weeks of this season.  And with a new contract, he's gonna be the guy in Philly for a while. 

So maybe my thinking is a bit optimistic.  But in the increasingly selfish world of sports, it's good to see an organization built with character and heart.  So I'll end with a phrase that Eagles fans repeat year after year, albeit this time a bit early.  "Maybe next year..."