You can feel it when it starts, the winding down. I’ve seen it with Eagles coaches starting with Jerry Williams in the ‘70s through Dick Vermeil, Buddy Ryan, Ray Rhodes and the rest.

You know when time is running out.

The details may differ slightly, but the mood surrounding the situation is much the same. The organizational footing, once firm and sure becomes unsteady. Things that were never questioned before suddenly are questioned. Confidence gives way to doubt. Locker room voices drop and words ring hollow.