The 2022 Eagles – They’re real and they’re spectacular
by John Kincade
It’s important in life to acknowledge the accomplishments and goals that are reached. We are in an era where almost every coach and player coming out of college football has the attitude of “never being satisfied”. They don’t celebrate wins and most weeks even feel dissatisfied with performances. I understand striving for excellence, but the inability to enjoy victory is one of the worst trends in sports. So please allow me to break from the Eagles talking points and acknowledge what a (14-3) record means. It should be celebrated and we have every reason to be thrilled.
The Eagles took a base of a (9-8) inaugural season under Nick Sirianni and a disappointing playoff loss in Tampa as marching orders to take it to the next level. They delivered against that mandate in glorious fashion. Anyone speaking before the season would have taken a (14-3) mark as an A+ performance. Let’s not get bogged down in how the cake was actually made. Do you want to be playing better football down the stretch? Sure. Do you wish that this team was healthier heading into the playoffs? Absolutely. Should you be feeling bummed about the last month? Ridiculous.
We don’t celebrate championships often in this city and though a division title is hardly a chest pounding accomplishment, it represents further progress. Last year it was an unexpected 7th seed wildcard berth and now they enjoy a week off as the wildcard teams beat each other up. Let’s review all the reasons you should be focused on pride over recent frustrations.
The Eagles had a (4-1) record vs NFC Playoff teams while grabbing the division crown in the best division in football. They also defeated the only AFC Playoff team they faced in Jacksonville. That (5-1) mark is certainly an impressive accomplishment.
The Eagles offense averaged 28.1 points scored per game. That mark was best in the NFC and third overall in the NFL. Their passing attack was 9th overall and the rushing game was 5th in the NFL. That is fantastic balance.
The Eagles defense allowed an average of 20.2 point per game. That was good for 3rd best in the NFC and 7th overall in the NFL. They were the NFC’s top passing defense at 179 yards allowed per game while their defense was 16th against the run. They had 27 takeaways. That included 17 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries.
AJ Brown had 88 receptions for 1,496 yards and 11 touchdowns. DeVonta Smith had 95 receptions for 1,196 yards and 7 touchdowns. That is such impressive passing game production and two great players complimenting each other. Miles Sanders rushed for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The MVP worthy season of Jalen Hurts can’t be over stated. He passed for 3,701 yards in 15 games with 22 touchdowns against just 6 interceptions. He added an impressive 760 yards on the ground and an additional 13 touchdowns. That is an incredible 35 touchdown vs 6 interception season.
There will be plenty of time to break down their chances in the playoffs. If they can clean up some of the sloppy offensive line play of late and the additional 2 weeks of rest gives Jalen Hurts the time he needs to fully heal we have every reason to be confident. Hopefully Lane Johnson will be productive through pain as he is greatly missed.
If you are surrounded by negative Eagles fans after a season like this distance yourself. It was far better than any of us ever expected and we have the easiest path in the NFC to the Super Bowl. Let’s enjoy the ride. This team deserves praise and positive energy, not a bunch of critique on style points.
