Among Rich Kotite's more famous coach while the Eagles' coach was, "we're baaaaaackkk."  That he said that after a loss was a bit odd at the time, but his point was that the Eagles had shown signs of recovery.

Andy Reid didn't go that far Sunday.

But it is true. The Eagles are baaaacccccckkk.

One reason is because Juan Castillo showed in a 20-13 victory over the Washington Redskins how to best use Nnandi Asomugha, Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, as the three splendid cornerbacks smothered the Redskins' receivers.

From that, the rest of the defense clicked and the Eagles won, and won relatively calmly, on a day when they didn't score in the second half.

They are 2-4 and will probably have to pay at some point for that recent four-game losing streak --- either by missing a home-game opportunity in the postseason, or perhaps by missing the playoffs altogether.

But while Reid didn't channel Kotite Sunday, he didn't have to channel Jim Mora either and screech, "Plaafffffffffffsssss. Playyaffffffffffsssss ...."

The playoffs are indeed still a possibility for the Birds. Because --- uh-huh --- they're back.

Check out my column on Castillo's improved defense in the Daily Times Monday and, as always, on delcotimes.com.  Also look for a story on LeSean McCoy, the Eagles' late-game go-to option.