Week 12 Power Rankings Round Up- Now Do You Believe In The Eagles?
At a certain point, we have to stop doubting this Eagles team. Yes, things have not been perfect. There have been some serious flaws. But it is week 12, and…
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scores a touchdown as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38) attempts the tackle during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Photo By: Denny Medley-USA TODAY SportsAt a certain point, we have to stop doubting this Eagles team. Yes, things have not been perfect. There have been some serious flaws. But it is week 12, and they have just 1 loss. When you win "ugly" week after week, eventually you just have to call a team winners. Especially when it comes against the reigning champions the Chiefs. That game was as ugly as it gets. The offense barely moved the ball for most of the game. Jalen Hurts was under siege. And they were trailing for most of the time. But they pulled it out. They shutout the Chiefs in the second half, and put up 14 points of their own to win 21-17.
The Eagles are now 9-1 heading into week 12, and 4-0 vs playoff teams (Chiefs, Cowboys, Dolphins, Vikings). They are nearly halfway through what people called the gauntlet in their schedule, and they didn't lose a single one of those games. And they lead the NFC with a 1 game lead over the Lions, and no in-conference losses.
Maybe they are just a great team. As great as last year? No. But they don't have to play last year's Eagles team. They only have to play the other teams this year. And they look better than all of them. Who has been better? The 49ers team that dropped 3 straight games. No. The Cowboys team they just beat? No. The Chiefs? We saw that is a no last night. The Ravens? How many big leads can they blow late in games before people question them? And the Lions got blown out by that Ravens team. Every team is flawed, the Eagles are just the least flawed.
But what does the National Media think about them? Are they giving the Eagles love for winning, or questioning how these games are? Let's find out.
Here is the Week 12 Roundup of where the Eagles fell in the Power Rankings:
ESPN- 1 (Previously 1)
"Clay's unit has been much more buttoned up this year despite some personnel turnover and having young players in key positions. Second-year punt returner Britain Covey has been a standout -- his 14 yards per return entering Week 11 ranked third in the NFL."
The play of the Special Teams unit has been so much better this year. Tim McManus mentioned Britain Covey here who has been great. But Braden Mann has also been a huge improvement over Arryn Siposs. And while the punt coverage was bad last night, it has mostly been better this year. It's an understated part of the game, but Special Teams mishaps are part of why they lost the Super Bowl. And them looking better could pay off in the playoffs.
NFL.com- 1 (Previously 1)
"The defense was put in a bad spot, giving up 10 points in a pre-halftime blitz, but after that, it was lights out. Twice in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs drove well into Philly territory, and twice the Eagles held them without points."
This defense has started a trend of coming up big in the second half and in the Red Zone. They had multiple red zone stands against the Cowboys, and now multiple against the Chiefs. You prefer there to be no bend at all. But when they do bend, at least we can be confident they won't break. Desai has been great with second-half adjustments, and his defense has played well against both the Dolphins and the Chiefs.
The Athletic- 1 (Previously 1)
"D’Andre Swift continues to look like one of this year’s best offseason pickups. He had 76 rushing yards and 31 receiving yards Monday night and is now fifth among running backs in scrimmage yards (887)."
The Eagles finally figured out how to run the ball again. And they are getting Swift involved in the pass game too. It is clear Swift is a dangerous weapon. They need to keep getting the ball into his hands. Especially while Goedert is out and there are extra targets to go around.
CBS Sports- 1 (Previously 1)
"Winning the ugly way they did against the Chiefs on the road is a major victory for this team. They are the clear class of the league right now -- even if it hasn't always looked pretty."
At a certain point, I dont care if it looks pretty. 9 wins is 9 wins, and as they pointed out here, beating the defending champs on the road is great no matter how it looks.
Yahoo Sports- 1 (Previously 1)
"The Eagles fell behind by 10 points, were pushed around on both lines, were outplayed for most of the game and still won. Against the defending Super Bowl champs, who had a 7-2 record. At Arrowhead Stadium. Nitpick the Eagles if you wish, but they keep winning games."
Yep, can't argue with any of that. I'm glad people are finally coming around to saying that wins are wins and that style points don't matter when you rack up enough of them.
Sports Illustrated -1 (Previously 1)
"What an incredible win for the Eagles, which were dominated for most of this game and playing on the road in less than ideal conditions. While it’s never going to be an exorcism of a Super Bowl loss, it is a total barrier cleared en route to another Super Bowl berth. There is nothing for the Eagles to fear at this point, as they are, with little doubt, the best and most complete team in football."
It's weird seeing the Eagles get this much praise. I don't know how to handle it or respond. But at least people are finally coming around.
USA Today- 1 (Previously 1)
"Monday night, C Jason Kelce got his long-awaited victory over former coach Andy Reid and current brother Travis Kelce. The schedule won't let up for Philly over the next month, but the reigning NFC champs proved – maybe, most importantly, to themselves? – that they can beat anyone and anywhere."
I am getting worried, people are too on the Eagles' side now.
