The Eagles Power Rankings Round Up Going Into Week 15
Another week, another blowout win. The Eagles are hitting their stride at the right time. But what do the writers around the NFL think of them? Here is the power ranking roundup for them heading into Week 15.
ESPN- 1 – (Last Week- 1)
“It’s been a special year for the Eagles on both sides of the ball. The offense has set a team record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 27, while Jalen Hurts ranks first in quarterback rating (108.4) and fourth in completion rate (68%) to pace the air attack. The defense is tops against the pass (178.7 yards per game) and takeaways (24). It’s been an adventure on special teams, but even that unit seems pointed in the right direction”
It was the topic of conversation the other day on “The Best Show Ever?”, is this the best Eagles team ever? Obviously, they have to actually win something, but on paper and in the regular season, they might be. They are putting up historic numbers on both sides of the ball. This team has the chance to be very special.
NFL.com- 1 – (Last Week- 1)
“The punishing versatility of the Eagles’ offense is a sight to behold. Nick Sirianni’s team did whatever it wanted against an overmatched Giants defense, piling up 253 yards on the ground and 217 through the air in a 48-22 wipeout of Big Blue at the Meadowlands. Jalen Hurts’ magnificent season — he’s up to 32 total touchdowns against just five turnovers — is worthy of NFL MVP honors, but a stellar year from Miles Sanders shouldn’t be overlooked. The running back scored twice and set a career high with 144 ground yards against New York, and he’s over 1,000 yards rushing with four games to play. The Eagles are going to beat you when they have the ball — it’s just a matter of how they choose to do it.”
How do you stop this offense? If you scheme to stop the run, it will leave AJ Brown, Devonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert all in one on one coverage that they will eventually win. If you sell out to stop the pass, they are going to run for 200 yards on you. They can beat Zone, they can beat man to man. If you blitz, Hurts can beat you with his legs. And if you don’t it will give these WRs too much time to get open. There might not be a flaw in this offense.
USA Today- 1 – (Last Week- 1)
“A team brimming with stars – and possibly the MVP given how well QB Jalen Hurts is playing – is also home to one of the league’s more underappreciated talents. LB Haason Reddick, who happens to be a Temple product, made a little history Sunday by becoming the first player to record double-digit sacks in three consecutive seasons while playing for three different teams. Rest easy, Philly fans, he’s not going anywhere for a minute, currently under contract through the 2024 season.”
There is so much talent on this team, that a player like Reddick can go under the radar. He is the Eagle’s best pass rusher in a long time. When is the last time they had someone this productive rushing off the edge? Trent Cole? Jason Babin had a ton of sacks, but he wasn’t exactly a great player. Brandon Graham has been an amazing DE for them, but he is still looking for his first 10-sack season. Though he may get that this year. In an offseason full of amazing moves, the Reddick one somehow went underappreciated.
Yahoo Sports- 1 – (Last Week- 1)
“The Eagles might be peaking. Also, tight end Dallas Goedert could return from injury as soon as this week. Safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and pass rusher Robert Quinn are eligible to return before the end of the season as well. This has the look of a dream season.”
Please don’t use the word dream season. Those scars never healed right.
The Ringer- 1 – (Last Week- 1)
“The Eagles can do whatever they want right now. They have the best record in the NFL and, somehow, they are getting better every week. The Eagles have scored at least 35 points in each of their last three games, and now lead the league in total points (386) and point differential (138) and have a clear path to the no. 1 seed in the NFC.”
It’s a good time to be hitting your stride. Week 15 and they are playing their best ball. And they are doing this vs winning teams, even if the Titans and Giants haven’t looked great recently. They have the best offense in the league, and the most productive defenses in terms of sacks and takeaways.
The Athletic- 1 – (Last Week- 1)
“The Eagles, who became the first team to clinch its spot in the playoffs with a blowout win over the Giants, are in an interesting phase of their roster life cycle. This season has felt ahead of schedule, but the offseason promises significant change with nine starters scheduled for free agency, including seven on defense. Add on the expectation of coaching staff turnover and the possibility of a long-term contract for MVP front-runner Jalen Hurts, and there’s an under-the-surface concern that this is not a season to be wasted.
Darius Slay and James Bradberry have been perhaps the league’s best cornerback tandem. But Bradberry is scheduled for free agency and might want to cash in on the full benefits of open bidding after the Giants did him dirty last offseason by waiting until May to release him. Slay will be 32 in January, so Philadelphia will presumably be in the market for someone a touch younger to pair him with. Sutton will be 28 in the offseason and has been more dependably healthy than other pending cornerback free agents such as Jamel Dean and Emmanuel Moseley.”
Obviously, there is something to build on even if they don’t win this year. But this may well be their best chance to win. The offense will mostly stay the same, with Hurts, Brown, Smith, most of the O Line, and Goedert locked up long-term. But they are losing some pieces on the defense. James Bradberry will likely be elsewhere next year. CJ Gardner Johnson could be as well. Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham are getting older. Now is the time to strike and win it all.
Average Ranking – 1
Once again, everyone had them at the top. And there is really no argument to be made for anyone else. Going into week 15, they lead the league in scoring, and not only are they the only 1-loss team but even if they lose this week they would be the only 2-loss team. And The Eagles have the most sacks, and the most takeaways. There is no debate to be had, they are the best team in the league. Its just a matter now of if they can get it done.
