Let me introduce you to the most complete and successful team in the National Football League: the Philadelphia Eagles. Many of you may have heard of their run to Super Bowl LVII earlier this year, where they lost by a slim 3 points to the Kansas City Chiefs. But the past is the past, and it’s time to move on to this season, where the Eagles are making another case to return to the Super Bowl.
The Eagles currently hold the best record in the NFL at 10 wins and 2 losses, including a win against the defending Super Bowl champions in week 10 and the Buffalo Bills in week 11 of this NFL season. Unfortunately, they took a beating against the 49ers in week 12, but let’s take a deep dive into how they got into the good spot they are in today.
Coming off of a 4-11 season in 2021 (the worst record they had had since 1998) and being dead last in the NFC East, it was evident that things needed to change. This began when “legendary” head coach Doug Pederson, who led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory in 2017, was fired and replaced by the young but boastful Nick Sirianni. Eagles fans everywhere, including, you guessed it, myself, were worried. How can a person with no head coaching experience flip a team upside down and get it back to where they were just a few years before?
Much of the team’s success in recent years can be attributed to the significant growth of their quarterback Jalen Hurts over the years. Taking over the starting QB position in the latter half of 2020, Hurts has come a long way. He has become a more versatile and practical quarterback, from adapting to a run-heavy strategy to honing his passing and rushing skills. Now, he has eight straight victories when trailing by double digits at any point in the game, an NFL record, alongside an impressive 10,000 passing yards for 62 touchdowns and 37 career rushing touchdowns. It is clear to see that he is not only a clutch player but a consistent one.
One of the Eagles’ most notable improvements after their disappointing 2021 season, is the improvements taking place in their wide receiver and running back positions. In the 2021 draft, the Eagles chose DeVonta Smith, a Heisman winner from Alabama, as their 10th pick. He has proved to be a significant part of the Eagles offense, receiving for 2,850 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Eagles also made a great move in the 2022 offseason by acquiring A.J. Brown from the Tennessee Titans. Brown, known for his speed and strength, adds a dynamic and powerful edge to the Eagles’ offense. Somehow, the Eagles managed to sign veteran receiver Julio Jones just two months ago, and he has been a great addition. Speaking of signing new players, the Eagles also acquired the Lions’ star running back D’Andre Swift this year, who has already gotten 770 yards while wearing an Eagles uniform. On top of Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, and Rashaad Penny, this strong running force has accounted for 17 touchdowns and 1,466 yards.
We all know the saying that offense wins games, and defense wins championships. That is even more true when you look at the Eagles. Again, with a fantastic outcome in the 2023 draft of getting two first-round picks and choosing the best defensive tackle in their class, Jalen Carter, and linebacker, Nolan Smith, both from the University of Georgia, the Eagles have not only received the name “The Philadelphia Bulldogs,” but have helped ensure long term growth and success for this defense. On top of new additions, the presence of NFL veterans Brandom Graham, Fletcher Cox, Josh Sweat, and others on the front line have all combined for 32 sacks and pose a great danger to rushing offenses. On opposite sides, cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry have proved to be able to hold their own and have made crucial stops this season. In the back of the defense, previously benched Reed Blankenship has assumed a big role as a safety but has proved his presence with 81 tackles and 2 interceptions this year.
The Philadelphia Eagles have not just rebounded from an embarrassing season just a few years ago; they have transformed into a dangerous force yet to be broken. The development of Jalen Hurts, wide receiver and running back additions, and the stability offered by seasoned players on both sides of the ball have positioned the Eagles for a triumphant 2023 season. Eagles fans everywhere eagerly await another potential Super Bowl Victory in February.
