By David Weinberg
So far, so good.
Sunday’s 28-23 victory over the Cowboys left the Eagles as the most successful team in the NFL heading into their bye week.
An unexpected loss to the Jets earlier this season remains the lone blemish on their otherwise flawless complexion. At 8-1, they own the best record in the league. A daunting schedule awaits them after their break, but as of now they are among the favorites to make it back to the Super Bowl for a second straight season.
This marks the seventh time the Birds have started 8-1. In the previous six seasons – 1949, 1960, 1980, 2004, 2017, 2022 – the Eagles either won a championship (1949, 1960, 2017) or lost in the Super Bowl.
At the very least, they’ve eased the pain Philly sports fans were feeling after the Phillies’ collapse in the NLCS.
MIDSEASON GRADES
Quarterback
Jalen Hurts got off to a bit of a shaky start, but has since regained his status as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. He’s thrown eight interceptions already compared six all of last season, but has countered with 15 TD passes and has utilized the “Brotherly Shove” to rush for seven TDs. GRADE: A-minus.
Running back
D’Andre Swift is clearly the team’s top running back. He ranks third in the NFL in rushing with 614 yards and averages 4.6 yards per carry. He would lead the league if he wasn’t forced to share time with Kenneth Gainwell and sometimes Boston Scott. Rashaad Penny has been a non-factor for some odd reason. GRADE: B.
Offensive line
They are still considered the top offensive line in the league. Ageless center Jason Kelce (he actually turned 36 Sunday) and right tackle Lane Johnson are among the best at their respective positions. Left tackle Jordan Mailata has been dominant in almost every game. Guard Landon Dickerson has been bothered by penalties. Injuries have affected the rotation at right guard, with Cam Jurgen, Sue Opeta and rookie Tyler Steen seeing action. GRADE: A
Wide receiver/tight end
This is the reason the Eagles are 8-1. Wide receiver A.J. Brown has been a beast. He set an NFL record with six straight games with at least 125 receiving yards. He leads the NFC with 67 receptions for 1,005 yards and six TDs. Devonta Smith has also been a big threat with 42 receptions for 553 yards and four TDs. Tight end Dallas Goedert was off to a solid start before suffering a fractured forearm against the Cowboys. GRADE: A.
Defensive line
This unit has played very well. Edge rusher Haason Reddick got off to a slow start due to a broken hand, but now is tied for third in the NFC with 7.5 sacks. End Josh Sweat is next with 6.5 sacks. Rookie tackle Jalen Carter is off to a great start with 4 sacks. Veteran tackle Fletcher Cox has played well. End Brandon Graham had sacks on back-to-back plays against the Cowboys.
GRADE: B
Linebacker
They’ve struggled with consistency at this position, aside from Reddick, who is technically considered a linebacker. Zach Cunningham has been the best of the rest. He ranks second on the team with 54 tackles. Nicholas Morrow has 3 sacks. Nakobe Dean was hurt early and is just now playing a bigger role.
GRADE: C
Secondary
The worst part of the defense. Opposing offenses have lit them up. Cornerback Darius Slay has been OK, but James Bradberry has struggled. Rookie Sidney Brown has shown promise as the slot corner in place of injured Avonte Maddox. Safety Reed Blackenship leads the team with 55 tackles. The Eagles have to hope newly acquired Kevin Byard can help. GRADE: D.
Special teams
Place-kicker Jake Elliott is enjoying another terrific season. He’s hit on 18-of-20 field goals, including a 61-yarder against the Vikings. Punt returner Britain Covey is second in the NFC with a 14-yard average. Punter Braden Mann has averaged 48.1 yards per attempt since replacing Arryn Siposs. GRADE: B-plus
Coaching
Nick Sirianni has the team believing in itself. New offensive coordinator Brian Johnson had a rocky start, but has found his groove. The Eagles are second in the NFL in scoring at 28 points per game. Defensive coordinator Sean DeSai is doing a good job for the most part. They lead the league in rushing defense, allowing 65.5 yards per game, and top the NFC with 30 sacks.
GRADE: B.
MIDSEASON AWARDS
Offensive MVP: Brown
Defensive MVP: Reddick
Special teams MVP: Elliott
OCHS surfing takes state title
Congrats to the Ocean City High School surfing team on winning the National Scholastic Surfing Association state championship.
Led by girls varsity champion Brynn Gallagher, the Red Raiders scored 108 points to win its 24th team title since 1988, according to Downbeach.com. Nine-time defending champion Manasquan finished second with 92 points in the contest, which was held at S. Vermont Avenue beach in Atlantic City last month.
Gallagher, a junior, and senior Sophia Whelan placed one-two in the girls varsity event. Freshman James Carr and senior Ethan Dunn were third and fourth, respectively, in the boys varsity division. Senior Cooper Lysinger earned second in varsity longboard for Red Raiders coach Nate Garza.
With the win, the Red Raiders qualified to compete in the NSSA National contest, scheduled for next June in Dana Point, California.
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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