Nnamdi Asomugha

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Nnamdi Asomugha was benched in the fourth quarter of the Eagles' 42-7 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday, ending his disappointing season. Asomugha said he hopes to return to the Eagles in 2013 and did not interpret the benching as a sign that the Eagles do not want him back.  "I think that was just a matter of [defensive coordinator Todd Bowles] saying, 'You come out for this series and get it together,' as opposed to, 'We're done,' " Asomugha said.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - They made it easy. With their atrocious farewell performance here Sunday, the Eagles removed any doubt about what needs to be done. It starts with the dismissal of Andy Reid, obviously, but it should not end there. If Howie Roseman is going to remain in charge, as it appears, then he should start general managing immediately. Before the close of business Monday, Roseman should cut ties with a handful of the players most closely identified with this horrendous season.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - If it had happened at Lincoln Financial Field, there would have been cheers. But most of the MetLife Stadium fans didn't notice when cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha was pulled off the field in favor of Curtis Marsh about a minute and a half into the fourth quarter, after Asomugha was called for his second pass-interference penalty of the game. Asomugha, 31, a four-time All-Pro selection with the Oakland Raiders, has looked dazed and confused for much of his two seasons with the Eagles, since signing a 5-year, $60 million free-agent contract in August 2011.

Here are some observations and ruminations about the Eagles-Giants game: EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Well, at least Andy Reid had the onside kick. For the fifth time since he became head coach, Reid called for an onside kick to open a game. It worked. It was pretty much the only thing that worked Sunday for the Eagles. Alex Henery drilled the ball into the ground, and 10 yards later Brandon Hughes recovered it. But the Eagles had momentum for all of five plays before Michael Vick tossed an interception.

This is how things are for the Eagles this year. On the rare instances something positive happens, it's a reminder how bad the team has become. Case in point: Colt Anderson's interception in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 27-20 loss to Washington. It wasn't a particularly memorable play. Washington's dynamic rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III fired a pass a little too high and a little too hard for teammate Joshua Morgan. Eagles safety Kurt Coleman had him covered. Morgan reached up and the ball ticked off his hand.

Don't be surprised if both Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie were to return next season. Many fans would celebrate the Eagles' dumping both cornerbacks, and it's hard to argue with that sentiment considering how poorly both have played at various points this season. But with starting-caliber corners a rare commodity in the NFL, the Eagles may find themselves with no better alternatives than the warts-and-all pair they currently retain the rights to. Money, of course, will factor significantly into whether Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie are part of the post-Andy Reid Eagles.

THE BIGGEST decision facing the Eagles after the season - besides the obvious one of determining the identity of their next head coach - is figuring out who will be their starting quarterback in 2013. I think we can safely rule out Michael Vick, who is expected to be handed a $3 million check (the remaining guaranteed money on his contract) and sent on his merry way. That leaves rookie Nick Foles or somebody who doesn't currently reside at One NovaCare Way. The second-biggest decision is what to do about their two underachieving Pro Bowl cornerbacks, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha.

Jeremy Maclin played the complete game Sunday in Tampa, Fla., without injury and caught the game-winning touchdown on the final play against the Buccaneers. So when the Eagles wide receiver was listed on Monday with a groin injury there were more than a few arched eyebrows. On Tuesday, Maclin was asked if he was injured on the last-second touchdown pass from Nick Foles. "That is kind of what did it," he answered. Was it sliding for the catch or running back out to midfield to celebrate?

TAMPA - They don't care if you tell them they stink. They accept accurate descriptions of their misplays, their mistakes, their misevaluated talent. But don't call them quitters. The Eagles, undermanned as ever, blew a 10-point first-half lead over the Bucs . . . then, behind charismatic rookie quarterback Nick Foles, overcame an 11-point, fourth-quarter deficit against a host in playoff contention. The collective heart will be questioned when any team loses eight in a row after a 3-1 start; especially when that team underachieved the previous season.

Up-Down Drill   Nick Foles The kid can play. Can he be next year's starter? The fact that Foles has gotten better with each of his four starts suggests that he could be. It should be noted that the Buccaneers entered the game with the worst passing defense in the league. But Foles should enjoy his first NFL victory.   Damaris Johnson For all his skill, Johnson is starting to make the coaches wonder if he can be placed in a big spot. The rookie muffed his second punt of the season, and this one rejuvenated the dormant Bucs when they followed the turnover with seven points.