Not too long ago, the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl, despite losing starting quarterback Carson Wentz to a season-ending injury during the regular season.
In 2020, the team reached a nadir, finishing 4-11-1 as Wentz was benched late in the season in favor of Jalen Hurts.
But now, Philly has a solid, young squad in arguably the weakest division in the NFL, and it has the opportunity to get itself off the mat and regain respectability.
After returning to the postseason last year with a 9-8 record, the Eagles have a real shot at finishing first in the NFC East this year.
Hurts Is An Interesting Signal-Caller
No one will confuse Hurts with Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert or Josh Allen, perhaps the three brightest young QBs in the game.
After all, last season he managed 3,144 yards, 16 passing touchdowns, and a passer rating of 87.2, and none of those numbers exactly impressed anyone.
But one thing Hurts can apparently do well is run and move the chains with his legs.
Last year, he rushed for 784 yards and 10 touchdowns while posting an average of 5.6 yards per carry.
As a reference point, the Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson, perhaps the best QB in the league at running, averaged 5.8 yards per carry.
Maybe Hurts won’t be able to match Jackson’s 63.9 rushing yards per game in 2021, but he can extend plays and create something out of nothing.
Miles Sanders Rounds Out An Outstanding Running Game
Miles Sanders, who is entering his fourth season, is a reliable running back who gave the Eagles 754 yards last season, although he failed to score a touchdown.
With 5.5 yards per rushing attempt, he was tied for fifth in the league in that category.
In addition, Philly also has Boston Scott, who ran for 373 yards and seven touchdowns in 2021, and Kenneth Gainwell, who had 291 yards and five touchdowns last year, in its backfield.
Thanks to them, it finished fourth in yards per rush attempt, first in rushing yards, and first in rushing touchdowns.
The Passing Attack Is Solid
A.J. Brown is now an Eagle, and he will surely spice up their passing game.
He put up 869 yards and five touchdowns last year despite missing five games because of a chest injury.
The year prior, he made the Pro Bowl after recording 1,075 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Brown will give Hurts a very reliable option in the air, to go along with DeVonta Smith.
Here is the 30 yard TD pass from Jalen Hurts to AJ Brown beating James Bradberry, who had good coverage
AJ Brown celebrating with Eagles fans
🎥 @EROCK_Eagles pic.twitter.com/xSdrNRQJ8z
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 7, 2022
Smith had a nice rookie season in 2021 with 916 yards and five touchdowns, and the two should give Philly a decent receiving duo.
Dallas Goedert is also a rising tight end in the NFL who put up 830 yards and four touchdowns last year.
A familiar Philly connection. 🎯@JalenHurts | @goedert33
📱: Stream #NYJvsPHI on NFL+ https://t.co/X9ARBBDJ3B pic.twitter.com/nSNJnnCrpC
— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2022
The Eagles’ Biggest Competitor In The NFC East Has Gotten Weaker
The Dallas Cowboys, who won the division last year, lost their No. 1 wideout in Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns, another wideout in Cedrick Wilson Jr., as well as defensive end Randy Gregory.
Dallas certainly still has a good amount of talent on both sides of the ball, but now, the Eagles can match what they have, at least on paper.
The two teams will face each other in Week 6 in Pennsylvania and in Week 16 at AT&T Stadium.
Those two contests will present Philly with the opportunity to steal the division from their bitter rivals.
NEXT: NFL Analyst Reminds Fans Of An Important Jalen Hurts Stat