Doug Pederson's team improved to 10-1 at the weekend, and are among the major contenders for the Super Bowl in February
Tuesday 28 November 2017 11:45, UK
Philadelphia Eagles fans are used to heartbreak. The team hasn't won a playoff game since 2008, and even their most recent era of success was riddled with near-misses.
From 1999-to 2012, under head coach Andy Reid, the Eagles made the playoffs nine times. They won six NFC East titles, reached the NFC Championship game on five occasions, but were defeated by those pesky New England Patriots on the one occasion they made it to the Super Bowl, in 2005.
While the other teams in their NFC East division have a combined 12 Super Bowl wins, Philadelphia is the only one without one of their own, and the city is desperate.
But, here they sit, holders of the best record in the NFL at 10-1. There are a number of factors that have led to the team's success so far but, the question is, does this team have what it takes to win it all?
When considering reasons for the team's success, it's hard to look past their second-year sensation Carson Wentz. After a 7-9 record and just 16 touchdowns to 14 interceptions in 2016, Wentz has already obliterated those numbers with a league-leading 28 TD passes this season and only five picks.
He has grown tremendously in 2017, showing complete command of his offense, putting himself in the thick of the MVP race.
Wentz scrambles like he's in a video game, shows tremendous strength and poise in the pocket, and has a cannon arm. If Wentz can continue such magic, the team will go far this season and be an NFL force for many more years.
The Eagles can stop the run! Only one team has allowed fewer than 70 rushing yards per game in a season since 2010, and this Philly defense could feasibly be the second, currently surrendering only 65.1. Admittedly, they are facing a historically low amount of run plays (18.6 per game).
Why? A large part is the ability of the offense to build up early leads, then run the ball and sustain long drives. But on defense, it starts up front.
During the bye week, the team locked up defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan to a $48 million deal. Alongside him, two-time Pro Bowler Fletcher Cox signed his own huge $100m extension in 2016. This dynamic duo has wreaked havoc on the inside all season long.
Outside of this pair, contributions have come from all over. Veteran ends Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry and Chris Long are playing lights out football, linebacker Nigel Bradham is having his best year as a pro and a young group of corners have stepped up.
Plus, there's safety Malcolm Jenkins, who may be the most versatile defensive back in the league - he can line up deep, attack the ball as a run-stopper and match up one-on-one against top receivers and tight ends.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has found a way to inspire this group, and we can expect to see even more pressure and exotic blitzes thrown at opponents for the remainder of the year.
Just like seemingly every team in the NFL, the Eagles have suffered their fair share of injuries. Shortly after sending Jordan Matthews and a third-round pick to Buffalo to acquire cornerback Ronald Darby, the former Bill dislocated his ankle and only returned in Week 11.
In Week Three, running back Darren Sproles tore his ACL and broke his arm on a play that has likely ended his fantastic career. Then, on one devastating Monday night against the Washington Redskins, the Eagles lost both Jordan Hicks and Jason Peters for the year.
Hicks was in charge of calling the plays and communicating with the defense from his middle linebacker spot and Peters, at 35 years old, was still playing at an astonishingly high level. Both were key losses, but the team hasn't missed a beat in two wins since.
Head coach Doug Pederson has preached a "next man up" philosophy all season and while it's easier said than done, every player on the roster has been asked to contribute. So far, it's working.
Jernigan was acquired by the Eagles over the summer in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens, and he's not the only newbie to play a key role on this team. The star free agent signing was receiver Alshon Jeffery, and though it has taken the former Chicago Bear a while, he's now started to show off his ability with three touchdowns in the last two games.
Two defensive rookies have fitted right in, with first-round pick Derek Barnett managing 4.5 sacks, and corner Rasul Douglas not looking out of place facing top NFL receivers in Darby's absence.
General manager Howie Roseman has made close to 40 player trades since taking over in 2010, and that doesn't even include those on draft day. The team is ahead of everyone else in this category by a mile, and he deserves credit for striving to improve the roster all the time.
The latest example of his tinkering was the acquisition of running back Jay Ajayi for just a fourth-round pick before the NFL trade deadline. The 2016 Pro Bowler will share time with yet another big name offseason addition, LeGarrette Blount.
While all of these factors come into play, the team would not be competing at such a high level across the board if it wasn't for outstanding coaching by Doug Pederson and his staff. Pederson has managed to develop existing stars while incorporating the new personnel seamlessly.
Appearing on the NFL Network recently, corner Jalen Mills described Pederson as "a player's coach" who wants his players to "show their personality". It's clear to see he has the full support and energy of the team.
Schwartz has the defense soaring. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich adds new wrinkles every week, and has brought out the best from Wentz and other veterans, such as right tackle Lane Johnson and Zach Ertz, who could end the year Pro Bowlers.
Overall, this Eagles team looks well coached and well balanced. They have a strong defense, an elite-level quarterback and the ability to run the ball - all key ingredients for a playoff run.
Could this be the year it finally happens for Philly?
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