PHILADELPHIA -- Head coach Doug Pederson delivered a message to his team following a 27-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers that pushed the Philadelphia Eagles further from playoff contention and closer towards the reality that this group isn't yet ready for prime time.

"We'll see over the next five weeks who really wants to be here," said safety Malcolm Jenkins, relaying Pederson's words. "Who has really invested everything they have into this team -- and that's coaches and players."

The tone of the locker room was different from previous weeks as Monday night gave way to early Tuesday morning in South Philly. Other defeats did not seem to sit quite so heavy, thanks to the optimism that comes when there is still plenty of time and wiggle room at a team's disposal. The Eagles are running out of both. Sitting at 5-6, perfection is likely needed the rest of the way if they want to hang onto their playoff hopes. And anyone watching Monday night's game knows that this team and perfection are worlds apart at the moment.

Doug Pederson wants to know which Eagles will fight to the end of this season. James Lang/USA TODAY Sports

The offense is breaking down despite Carson Wentz's best efforts. Whatever flicker of light he offers in a given game seems to be promptly smothered by the unit's deficiencies. Down running back Ryan Mathews, receivers Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor and two-fifths of his original starting offensive line Monday night, the rookie quarterback was not properly equipped to play opposite on the of the best quarterbacks in the game in Aaron Rodgers.

The real hope lay on the defensive side of the ball, but a unit that surrendered just 9.5 points per game at home coming in allowed the Packers to convert 71 percent of their third-down opportunities -- the highest rate by any team this season per ESPN Stats & Information -- en route to a 27-point night.

The players seemed to realize afterwards that the coming weeks will be a test of the group's strength.

"We just have to keep plugging along. We can't throw in the towel," Wentz said. "I know the guys in that locker room and that's not going to happen. I think our effort is always there. We just have to keep fighting, keep believing, and we can't change our preparation."

"It's far from over, but we understand that for the next five weeks, we're going to need every ounce of what everybody has," added Jenkins. "And we'll see what guys are made of."

The Eagles have lost six of eight and took steps backwards on both sides of the ball Monday. Even so, Pederson told reporters that he thinks this team is headed in the right direction. He was asked how he could say that given the circumstances.

"Look at the effort," he responded. "I think you might look at wins and losses. I've got to look at the potential of the football team and the guys that we have. Are we there yet? No. Are we heading in the right direction? Yes. Again, it may not show up right now in wins and losses, but I see that potential. I see that there is no quit in this team. Everybody's fighting to the end. That's a sign that things are heading in the right direction."