The secret to the Eagles success in 2017
The 2017 NFL season has brought about many surprises and unexpected storylines both on and off the field, one of which includes the dominance of the Philadelphia Eagles through the first 10 weeks of the season. As an Eagles fan, I was more pessimistic than others about how good this team could be this year. I figured that an 8–8 or 9–7 record was a reasonable prediction for the season, given that the NFC East featured two playoff teams last season who many saw as Super Bowl contenders again this year. Not to mention, there were concerns about this team on both sides of the ball coming into the season.
And any year I picked the Eagles to do well, they always found a way to disappoint.
However, as we move past the halfway point of November, the Eagles have the best record in the NFL at 8–1. The lone loss came in Week 2 at Kansas City by a score of 27–20. Had someone told me at the beginning of the season that the Eagles would be this good, I probably would not have believed them. Barring a late season collapse, the Eagles are now in position to win the NFC East, claim home field advantage in the NFC playoffs, and return to the Super Bowl for the first time in 13 years.
Understandably so, the Eagles’ offense is earning the majority of the credit for the team’s success this season. Second-year quarterback Carson Wentz is a frontrunner for the MVP, as he leads the league with 23 passing touchdowns. The Eagles have also made a commitment to running the football, as its backfield-by-committee ranks in the top five in the NFL in total rushing yards this year. As a whole, the Birds’ offense ranks in the top five in the league in both total offense and points per game this season. Not to mention, Philly’s ability to convert on third and fourth downs both on the ground and through the air has been crucial this year.
But it’s more than just the offense for why this team has emerged as a Super Bowl contender. In fact, the secret to what has made the Eagles so good this year has been their dominant run defense and ability to control the line of scrimmage. Through nine games this season, the Eagles have arguably the best run defense in the NFL. Philly has allowed fewer than 600 rushing yards this season and only 66 rushing yards per game, which are both league-bests. The Eagles’ run defense has also allowed the fewest rushing first downs, second-fewest rushing touchdowns, and third-fewest rushing yards per carry this year.
Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Eagles’ run defense has made big improvements in his second season. Last year, the Birds ranked 15th in total rushing yards and rushing yards per game. Philly also ranked 16th in rushing yards per attempt last season.
But of the Eagles remaining seven games this season, four have the potential of presenting Philadelphia’s run defense with some problems. First and foremost, the Eagles still have two dates remaining with the Dallas Cowboys this season. However, the status of running back Ezekiel Elliott will have a huge impact on whether or not the Eagles will be seriously pushed by Dallas’ running game. If Elliott’s suspension continues, the Eagles’ run defense will have a huge advantage over the Cowboys. If not, and even when Elliott returns for their Week 17 showdown in Philadelphia, it won’t be an easy task for Philly.
Elliott ranks first in the league in both rushing yards per game and rushing touchdowns, as well as third in total rushing yards this season. As a whole, Dallas ranks first in the NFL in rushing yards per attempt and second in total rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and rushing yards per game. However, Elliott’s availability completely changes Dallas’ rushing attack and how the Eagles’ run defense will strategize for its division rivals.
Despite their 3–6 record this season, Jordan Howard and the Chicago Bears have one of the best running games in the NFL. In two weeks, the Eagles will travel to the Windy City to face the young Bears. When they play at Soldier Field, the Birds will have their hands full slowing down Howard. Howard ranks fifth in the league in total rushing yards and eighth in rushing yards per game this season, propelling the Bears to having one of the top 10 rushing attacks in the NFL this year. The Eagles can’t let Chicago’s losing record deceive them when it comes to winning the battle at the line of scrimmage in Week 12.
Lastly, the Eagles will travel to Los Angeles in December to face the Rams in a late season showdown between two of the best teams in the NFC. Like the Eagles, the Rams have been a pleasant surprise this season in the NFL. One of the reasons why the Rams have emerged as a contender in the NFC this year is because of their ability to run the football behind Todd Gurley.
Gurley is tied with Elliott this season for the most rushing touchdowns in the NFL, along with having the fourth-most total rushing yards in the league. Gurley also ranks in the top 10 in rushing yards per game this year. Behind Gurley, the Rams rank in the top five in the NFL in total rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and rushing yards per game this season.
It won’t be easy for the Eagles, but their run defense has shown this season that they are up to the task.
But what makes the Eagles’ run defense so impressive is that they are performing at a championship-level. The New England Patriots, who won the Super Bowl last year, allowed the fewest rushing touchdowns and third-fewest total rushing yards in the NFL last season. They also allowed the fifth-fewest rushing first downs and eighth-fewest rushing yards per carry last year.
In addition, the 2015 Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos had one of the best run defenses in the NFL too. Denver allowed the fewest rushing yards per carry in 2015, while allowing both the third-fewest total rushing yards and rushing yards per game in the NFL as well. It’s no guarantee that the Eagles will be playing in the Super Bowl this year, but this team has the type of run defense that can win playoff games and get this franchise its first-ever Super Bowl title in February.
The Eagles already have a great quarterback, a consistent running game, solid receivers, and a strong and steady offensive line despite injuries. If the Birds can continue to control the line of scrimmage on defense and stop the run, there’s no reason why this team should not be playing in Minneapolis later this season.
As Eagles fans, we are taught not to get our hopes up as they can be crushed as quickly as they are born. However, the City of Brotherly Love has many reasons to believe in this Eagles team this year.
