NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia Eagles are being criticized for not putting up the same offensive and defensive numbers they did last season. Maybe it’s fair, maybe it’s not. Through their first 7 weeks of the season, the 2023 Eagles are not that different than the 2022 Eagles. Heading into Week 8 last year, the Eagles were 7-0. Heading into Week 8 this season, they’re sitting at 6-1. And yet, the criticism is still there.
Well, I said that was bound to happen before the season started. Once Jalen Hurts signed his new deal, he would be under a microscope. His every throw and every run would be placed against that contract. But what fans are looking for is the Eagles to average 35 points a game and run up the score as if they’re Alabama playing Shaw University. Not gonna happen.
This is not the case of the Chicago Bulls who admitted at times they got bored with the regular season. Teams are just playing the Eagles with the respect they deserve. While the finger can and has been pointed at Brian Johnson and at times Sean Desai with their offensive and defensive schemes, defenses have studied the RPO and are better equipped against it.
Despite all the preparation, the Philadelphia Eagles still rank in the Top 10 in most offensive and defensive categories. Did they fall off? No, it seems as if they are on cruise control. Yes, turnovers have played a role in their season. The 3 interceptions Hurts threw against the New York Jets cost them a game but he bounced right back against the Miami Dolphins. This is what winners do. A bad game equals a bounce-back and get-back-on-track game.
Right now, it’s all about focus. The goal is not to just make it back to the Super Bowl, the goal is to win it. Maybe they are playing down to their competition on a weekly basis. Maybe the team is too confident that they can turn it off and on whenever they feel like it. Most champions feel they can do that.
Are The Philadelphia Eagles The Best In The NFC
Against the Jets, they showed what can happen when not focused. Against the Dolphins, they showed why they are the top team in the NFC. Which Eagles personality will show up against the Washington Commanders on Sunday? Will it be the team we saw against the Dolphins or the team that won in overtime the last time these two rivals met?
Johnson inherited an offense that was a well-tuned machine. While he did add a few wrinkles, it’s like the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles averaged 389 yards per game. This season, they’re at 389. The passing attack averaged 241 in 2022, now they’re at 246. As far as the ground game goes, in 2022, they averaged 147 rushing yards per game, and this season, they’re at 142. So, where is this big dropoff people are complaining about?
On the defensive side of the ball, Desai inherited a defense that went through a major makeover. Players left, new guys came in, and bench players and rookies had to step into a larger role. As far as their stats go, the Eagles’ defense is surrendering 290 yards per game compared to 301 last season. The run defense in 2023 was awful as they gave up 121 yards per game, and this season, opposing teams have rushed for 63 yards per game. Now it’s about the sacks. Last season the Eagles were on a tear as they racked up 70. This season, there is a slight dip, but through 7 games, the Eagles defense sits at 24 on the year.
All in all, how has this been a letdown? The personnel is slightly different and the stats say the Philadelphia Eagles are the same team. Hell, even their record says that. So where is all the criticism coming from? Are they supposed to go out and shut every opponent out every week? Are they not supposed to have a few struggle games in a 17-game schedule? What more are people looking for?
Each week, Power Rankings are released and analysts were drooling over the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, and the San Francisco 49ers. The Philadelphia Eagles just sat there in the background knowing where they were supposed to be ranked. They’ve been here before, not any of those teams. They are the best in the NFC and once again, they sit atop that conference while the others continue to look up at them waiting for them to slip.
