PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles' inability to hold onto the football has been a major factor in their lousy peformance this season.
The committed five turnovers in Thursday's 34-13 loss to Cincinnati and now lead the NFL with 34 giveaways.
"Turnovers destroy you," Eagles coach Andy Reid said Friday at his weekly press conference. "If we didn't know that before this season, we know it now. You have to make sure you take care of business with the football in your hand."
Taking care of the ball is a prequisite for success. The Eagles (4-10) are on pace to finish with 39 turnovers. That would be the most since they had 39 in Reid's first season in 1999, when they went 5-11.
Last season, they had 37 while missing the playoffs at 8-8. In 2004, when they reached the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1980 season, they had 22.
In other news, Reid said running back LeSean McCoy has not yet seen an independent neurologist, but is scheduled to do so Monday or Tuesday. When he does come back, he will be sharing carries with rookie Bryce Brown, despite Brown's four fumbles in the last four games.
Quarterback Michael Vick has been cleared to play again, but rookie Nick Foles will remain the starter. Vick may be his backup when the Eagles take on Washington on Sunday, Dec. 23.
EXTRA POINTS: Reid indicated that safety Colt Anderson has played so well the last two games that he will remain the starting free safety ahead of Kurt Coleman. ... Reid also praised cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for their efforts against the Bengals. ... Cornerback Brandon Hughes was hospitalized after the game with a lung contusion, but has since been released. ... Tight end Brent Celek, who sat out the game with a concussion, should be ready to play again against the Redskins.
