By David Weinberg
The Eagles endured a bumpy ride en route to the halfway mark of their regular-season journey.
They hit a few pot holes and encountered some other obstacles and detours, but the Birds are still on course to challenge for the NFC East title and make the playoffs.
Sunday’s 28-23 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars – their fourth straight win – improved their record to 6-2. They’ve won at least six of their first eight games for the third consecutive season, which is the first time they’ve accomplished that feat since 1979-81.
The Eagles currently sit in second place in the division, a half-game behind the surprising Washington Commanders (7-2) and are tied with the Minnesota Vikings for the third-best record in the NFC behind the Detroit Lions (7-1) and Commanders.
The next nine games figure to be more challenging. Their upcoming schedule includes two matchups with division rivals the Commanders and Dallas Cowboys, as well as games against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2), Baltimore Ravens (6-3) and Los Angeles Rams (4-4).
As last season proved – not to mention the Phillies this season – an encouraging start means little if there’s a disappointing finish.
But so far, so good.
MIDSEASON GRADES
Quarterback
Jalen Hurts got off to shaky start to the season, but he started to show signs that he is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFC. He has gone five straight games without throwing an interception, joining legendary Nick Foles (seven straight games) as the only Eagles QBs to accomplish that feat since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970. He now has 10 TD passes against just four interceptions and has started to become more of a threat as a runner. GRADE: B-plus.
Running back
Saquon Barkley has been nothing short of tremendous. He leads the NFC in rushing with 925 yards while averaging 5.9 yards per carry and is also among the team’s top receivers. He rushed for 100-plus yards in five of the eight games and is the first Eagle to do so since LeSean McCoy (seven of eight) in 2011. GRADE: A-plus.
Offensive line
There were questions about this unit in the wake of center Jason Kelce’s retirement, but it is still among the league’s best, despite injuries to left tackle Jordan Mailata. Right tackle Lane Johnson and guard Landon Dickerson have been dominant. New center Cam Jurgens has been inconsistent, as has replacement left tackle Fred Johnson. GRADE: B
Wide receiver/tight end
Wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are among the league’s best tandems but have been slowed by injuries. Brown has 23 receptions for 444 yards and 3 TDs, but has missed three games and was hurt again against the Jaguars. Smith leads the team with 35 catches for 473 yards and 4 TDs. Tight end Grant Calcaterra has done a nice job filling in for Dallas Goedert, who has missed the last three games. GRADE: B-plus
Defensive line
This unit has been playing better after a slow start under new coordinator Vic Fangio. End Josh Sweat leads the team with five sacks. Tackle Jalen Carter has been unstoppable at times. Tackle Jordan Davis is now a run-stopping specialist. Tackle Milton Williams has been playing well. New end Bryce Huff has been a major disappointment. GRADE: C.
Linebacker
Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean have become a very effective duo. Baun leads the team with 79 tackles to go with two sacks and an interception. Dean has gotten better each week. He clinched the win over the Jaguars with an interception in the end zone. Missed tackles were a problem earlier but they’ve improved in that area. GRADE: B.
Secondary
Rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have been the standouts. Mitchell has quickly developed into a lock-down corner, though is still looking for his first interception. DeJean has replaced Avonte Maddox in the slot and has played well. Veteran Darius Slay has been OK. Safety Reed Blankenship leads the team with two interceptions. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been inconsistent. GRADE: B.
Special teams
Place-kicker Jake Elliott has not been as big an offensive weapon as in seasons past. He’s made 11-of-14 field goals compared to 18-for-20 a year ago and is 0-for-3 from 50 yards and beyond. Punt returner Britain Covey is injured, leaving DeJean to handle that role. Punter Braden Mann is averaging 51.3 yards per attempt. The unit allowed a block field goal against Cleveland that was returned for a TD. GRADE: C-minus.
Coaching
Nick Sirianni has been under fire for most of the season for his game-day decisions and sideline behavior. New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has found his groove after a slow start. Same for new defensive coordinator Vick Fangio. Cornerbacks coach Roy Anderson deserves credit for developing Mitchell and DeJean. GRADE: D (for Sirianni).
MIDSEASON AWARDS
Offensive MVP: Barkley
Defensive MVP: Baun
Special teams MVP: None
Local NFL update
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Austin Johnson (St. Augustine Prep, Galloway Township) had two tackles in a 30-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins last Sunday.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton (Cedar Creek High School) had one reception for 19 yards in a 24-14 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (Cedar Creek) had two tackles and a pass defense in a 29-9 win over the Chicago Bears.
High school football playoffs in full swing
Atlantic City, Cedar Creek and Ocean City were among the local teams to register first-round victories in the state playoffs last weekend and advance to the sectional semifinals.
Atlantic City (Central Jersey 5) defeated Eastern Regional 47-15 and will host Cherokee on Friday. Cedar Creek (Central 3) opened with a 39-14 win over Triton and will host Delsea Regional Friday. Ocean City (Central 3) earned a 42-34 win over Allentown. The Red Raiders travel to meet top-seeded Somerville Friday.
Holy Spirit and St. Augustine Prep will start their playoff pushes this weekend in the state Non-Public divisions. The Spartans (Non-Public B) open at home Friday against Donovan Catholic. The Hermits (Non-Public A) travel to Delbarton Saturday.
David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points.
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