If you thought the Eagles would have the best record in the
NFL after nine games, you’re lying. But after
a 51-23 demolition of the Denver Broncos, here we are with the Eagles sitting at 8-1 heading into their bye week. So far, nothing has
fazed this team in the second season of the Doug Pederson era. Despite
questionable officiating in a road win against the Carolina Panthers and long-term
injuries to Jordan Hicks and Jason Peters, there’s yet to be a road block that
has slowed down the well-oiled machine the Eagles have turned into.
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| Matt Rourke/Associated Press Wentz continues to lead the NFL in passing touchdowns with 23 after tossing four more yesterday. |
Quarterback Carson Wentz is at the forefront of the team’s
success. In his second season, the North Dakota State product is looking every
bit the part of the franchise quarterback the Eagles moved up to draft second
overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. Wentz is the MVP favorite through nine weeks and has
proved the Eagles have a chance in any game they play with him under center. Pederson
has answered a lot of the questions surrounding his competence as an NFL head
coach as the Eagles have already surpassed last season’s win total. Several of
the moves made by Executive Vice President of Football Operations Howie Roseman
have worked out. Smart decisions made in the front office, good coaching and
stability at quarterback often result in lots of wins and the Eagles have all
three working in their favor right now.
Aaron Rodgers is unlikely to play for the Green Bay Packers
for the remainder of 2017. Expected contenders Atlanta and Seattle looked
largely pedestrian at times in the first half of the season. Therefore, media
members, odds makers and fans have all recalibrated expectations for the Eagles
and Philadelphia is now the favorite to win the NFC and play in the Super Bowl.
Granted, there have been other surprises like New Orleans and Los Angeles both
at 6-2 and Minnesota and Dallas are very much in the mix as well, but no one
has looked more impressive in the NFC than the Eagles.
With all of that said, there are still plenty of challenges
to come for the Eagles before the end of the regular season. They still have
two games against Dallas, the only team that even has a chance of catching them
in the NFC East. A road game in Seattle awaits on December 3. After that,
another game out west against the Rams. A Christmas showdown with the Oakland
Raiders may prove to be difficult as the Raiders could enter fighting for their
playoff lives. But, the Eagles have passed every test so far. Early on, there
were questions about how consistently they could run the football. They’ve
since found balance offensively and added running back Jay Ajayi in a trade
with Miami last week to strengthen the backfield. There were questions about
the secondary after Ronald Darby went down in the season opener against the
Redskins. But, Patrick Robinson’s steady play has been one of the better
stories of the first nine games and Darby should return after the bye week.
Many wondered if Nelson Agholor could ever figure things out and he’s blossomed
into a trustworthy slot receiver for Wentz. Tight end Zach Ertz looks to be
worth the hefty contract extension Roseman gave him in 2016.
The way this season has gone so far, there’s been an answer
for everything. This year marks the fifth time in franchise history the Eagles
have started 8-1. The previous four times they advanced to either the Super
Bowl or the NFL Championship and there’s no reason to think this season bucks
that trend. There’s a long way to go, but this feels like a special season.
Stay tuned.
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