For 3 straight seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles have been among the best groups within the NFL close to the center of November.
In 2022, the Eagles had been Eight-Zero heading into Week 10 and at last reached the Tremendous Bowl.
Final 12 months, they had been Eight-1 earlier than shedding six of their final seven video games, together with a loss within the divisional playoffs.
Philadelphia is 6-2 this season heading right into a Week 10 showdown with the Dallas Cowboys.
And there's cause to consider this Eagles staff is nearer to the one which made a deep run within the postseason, versus the one which stored floundering.
Philadelphia's season began with a number of hiccups — a turnover-riddled efficiency by quarterback Jalen Hurts in Brazil's opener, head coach Nick Sirianni honing house followers after a lackluster effort towards the Cleveland Browns — however has since settled right into a groove . After a 2-2 begin, the Eagles have gained 4 in a row.
By the primary 4 weeks of this season, Philadelphia had a detrimental level differential. Of their final 4 video games, the Eagles have gained by a complete of 54 factors, together with a number of wins by no less than 20.
The most important cause for the comeback was Hurts' errorless play. He has been criticized for his limitations as a passer previously, however his effectivity has lifted Philly out of its early season droop.
By the primary 4 video games of the season, Hurts threw simply 4 touchdowns with three interceptions whereas operating for 2 extra touchdowns. In that span, he by no means had a passer ranking above 88.Eight.
In his final 4 video games, Hurts has thrown six scores with out a choose and has run for six extra touchdowns. And he didn't have a passer ranking under 119.three.
Hurts is on tempo to throw for extra yards than final season, however with fewer interceptions. He additionally has profession highs in passer ranking (102.four) and yards per try (Eight.three) with the second-best quarterback ranking (65.four) of his profession saddle.
And whereas he hasn't reached the heights of his 2022 marketing campaign on the bottom, he's operating extra usually than final season — whereas fumbling at a decrease charge.
Saquon Barkley took over the sport in Philadelphia's dashing assault. Acquired from the division rival New York Giants within the offseason, Barkley has paid huge dividends within the backfield.
By eight video games, Barkley has rushed for 925 yards (at a strong 5.9 yards per carry) with six touchdowns. He has eight rushes of no less than 20 yards or extra – two greater than final season's main rusher D'Andre Swift had all 12 months. Barkley can also be dashing for 115.6 yards per recreation, 50 greater than Swift did a season in the past.
With Barkley within the combine, the Eagles have the second-best dashing assault within the NFL, whereas Hurts' life as a passer has been made simpler — and simpler.
In the meantime, the protection has taken a stingy flip underneath new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
Philadelphia is permitting simply 290.1 yards per recreation, the third-best mark within the NFL. (A 12 months in the past, the protection allowed 356.1, seventh-worst.) The line of defense continues to be a menace, rating 10th and second, respectively, in move rush win charge and run-stopping win charge for the second straight season.
Put all of it collectively, and on paper the Eagles have all of the makings of a bona fide Tremendous Bowl contender. Or no less than all of the clichés.
They run the ball effectively. They cease the run. The quarterback doesn't make errors and may nonetheless hit huge performs to gifted receivers.
After how poorly final season ended — and the way uninspiring the primary month of it was — it's truthful to be a bit of reserved in Philadelphia's reward. (The staff, not town.)
But when the Eagles of the previous month are the identical model, will the remainder of the NFL see it transferring on? That is the sort of staff that’s often among the best heading into February.