Forget about who they were playing. Forget about whether or not the Parramatta Eels will qualify for the top eight, or even the top four, when it comes the time for September football. 

If the Eels continue to play with the same intent, physicality, patience and control they displayed in easily accounting for the Bulldogs on Thursday night, they might not lose another game this season. This year could end with them belting out their team song on the victory podium on grand final day. 

I did not rate Parramatta as a genuine premiership contender at the start of the season. I didn't rate them a serious title threat a month ago. 

However, we have witnessed many times over the years how momentum through the months of July and August can produce amazing results in September. 

The Eels have gone to another level with their football, especially over the past fortnight. The big wins over the Broncos and Bulldogs have displayed a finals-football quality and mentality. 

In atrocious conditions against Canterbury, the Eels produced a wonderfully-controlled exhibition of pressure football. I have often said that playing wet weather football, is very similar to playing big match football. Simplicity, power and control are the key ingredients. Parramatta were awesome in these areas. 

They were so much better than their opponents in all facets of the game. They dominated field position and possession. They rolled through their sets with a minimum of fuss. Their kicking game was simply outstanding. Halves Corey Norman and Mitchell Moses had the ball on a string, forcing line-dropout restarts on the Bulldogs time and time again. I lost count. Maybe a dozen in the end.

Even on the few occasions they had to work the ball out of their own end of the field, the long-kicking game of these two playmakers was also superb. 

Consistently winning big games though, starts in the engine room. Forwards win matches. Even the best playmakers in history will agree to that fact. This rough and tumble lot at Parramatta are doing a wonderful job at the moment. 

The thing about the Parramatta forwards is that they are all happy to be forwards. They don't try to be something they are not. They roll their sleeves up and inspire each other with their strong charges and brutal defensive efforts. 

Their running game is almost foolproof. Every run has power and purpose. Last night seven of their forwards ran for over 100 meters. 

Siosaia Vave 152, Tim Mannah 115, Kenny Edwards 151, Manu Ma'u 120, Nathan Brown 187, Daniel Alvaro 125, Suaia Matagi 149. All outstanding. 

Mind you, they don't just stick the ball up the jumper and run as hard as they can. They can all find a pass or an offload if it's on. 

Remember too, that Tepai Moeroa didn't play last night. Big Frank Pritchard is also making his way back from a long-term injury and once he has a few more miles in his legs, his experience will be very handy in the big games ahead.

The Parramatta forwards are obviously well supported by brilliant halves and slick outside backs. But to be honest, any backline worth its salt would be having plenty of joy playing off the back of these big boys. 

The Bulldogs?

Look, it wasn't good. I'd say pride and embarrassment probably motivated them to show some resilience in the second half. Unfortunately, it appears they couldn't find anything to inspire themselves in the first half. 

Parramatta's first try pretty much summed up the Bulldog's 2017 season. From a tap kick, ten metres out from the Bulldog's line, on tackle one, young Eels forward Daniel Alvaro pushed his way through the middle of the Bulldog's forwards to plant the ball down under the posts. The game was as good as over from that point. That never happens to the Bulldogs. Why is it happening now?

It has nothing to do with talent. Something is missing in the kennel at the moment. I'm sure the coach is looking for it. I'm not so sure the players are contributing to the search. 

Their football is slow, hesitant and unconvincing. They don't look like they believe they can score a try, let alone win a game. 

It's a lonely and frustrating place for the coach. We've all been there at one time or another. If you are around this game long enough, you will undoubtedly go through periods like these. You honestly can't see where your next win will come. 

My only advice to coaches who are experiencing such a poor run, is to stop worrying about trying to win a game. Start working on trying to find positives and improvement in all individuals on a daily basis.

Start winning every day from Monday to Friday. If you can get back into the grind of self-improvement, no matter how small, the results on the weekends will eventually look after themselves. But you need every individual in the building to buy into this mentality. 

Sadly, these days, clubs try to look for quicker solutions. 

Anyway, the big story here is the Parramatta Eels. They now have everyone's attention. 

Their fans have good cause to be excited about the next couple of months.