Posted November 13, 2024Nov 13 Are the Eagles real contenders? Here's what the numbers say The Eagles have the second best record in the NFC — but what do some other metrics suggest? By Evan Macy PhillyVoice Staff Colleen Claggett/for PhillyVoice A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with Jalen Hurts #1 after scoring a touchdown during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 13, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles are 7-2, have the second best record in the NFC, and have pretty good vibes in a city that is otherwise in desperate need of some positivity when it comes to the world of sports. But is that record deceiving? Or are the Birds actually a threat to make it to another Super Bowl? Total wins — 2nd (7) The Eagles' trail only the Lions in total wins in the NFC, and are tied with the Commanders (who have one more loss than Philly does). It's self explanatory, the Eagles are contenders in this metric. DVOA — 6th (13.3%) The Eagles have the 9th best DVOA in the NFL and 6th best in the NFC, and a top 10 DVOA is where you want to be. The numbers slant better for the Eagles defense, which is 4th in the NFC, while their offense ranks at 9th best. Point differential — 3rd (+72) Not surprisingly, the Eagles are also in a group of three elite NFC teams in point differential, trailing just Washington (+73) and Detroit (+113). Offensively, Philadelphia has scored much less than those two teams, just 233 points in contrast to 284 from the Lions and and 290 for the Commanders, but they have allowed the second fewest points in the entire conference (161, behind the Vikings). Turnover differential — 9th (+1) In their first four games, the Eagles were -6 in turnovers. After their five takeaway day against the Cowboys in Week 10, they have climbed back to positive turnover differential territory, at +7 over their last five games, all of them wins. They are pretty far behind the leaders in this category, the Bears and Lions are each at a +8 differential. Yards per game — 5th (373.9) The Eagles lead the NFL in yards per game over their last three games, and are fifth overall. Their offense leans heavily on the run, which leads the NFC with 176.1 yards per game. Yards allowed per game — 1st (274.1) From a yardage perspective, the Eagles have the best defense in the NFC, and are just a half a yard per game behind the Titans for the most stout defense in the entire sport. Strength of schedule so far — 15th The Eagles have played the second easiest schedule so far. Which might help to explain why they have such elite numbers in many of the categories listed above. Only the Bears in the NFC have had less difficult slate of games. In their final eight scheduled contests, the Eagles have five games against teams currently in the playoff picture, and the 7th toughest remaining road to the playoffs. NFC title odds — 2nd (+400) According to DraftKings Sportsbok, the Eagles are currently 4-to-1 to make it to the Super Bowl, the second highest odds of any NFC team besides the Lions who are at +190. They have the top odds to win the NFC East by some margin over Washington, and have the fifth best odds to win Super Bowl LIX. https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-nfl-super-bowl-nfc-east-odds-schedule-strength-standings-news-analysis/
November 13, 2024Nov 13 The most encouraging thing with a lot of those numbers is actually how poorly this team started. If they’d played well from the start of the year they’d probably be #1 in a lot of metrics.
November 13, 2024Nov 13 It's a long season in the NFL.....the eagles have had to adjust to 2 new coordinators and a lot of new faces on defense......I never put much consideration into the strength of schedule because so many factors come into play during the season. The eagles have been getting better and better as the season goes on, building confidence and cohesion.....which is critical. I still think they have some big issues to deal with....as every team does. Hurts turnovers need to stop....sirianni needs to get his head out of his arse with in game decisions. They leave too many points on the field and keep games closer than they should be.,
November 14, 2024Nov 14 14 hours ago, birdman#12 said: I still think they have some big issues to deal with....as every team does. Hurts turnovers need to stop....sirianni needs to get his head out of his arse with in game decisions. They leave too many points on the field and keep games closer than they should be., Are you concerned that the last couple of games Jalen has been slipping back in to some bad habits? Making riskier throws. Holding the ball longer to try and make a big play and taking sacks (and then the fumble on Sunday).
November 14, 2024Nov 14 14 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said: Are you concerned that the last couple of games Jalen has been slipping back in to some bad habits? Making riskier throws. Holding the ball longer to try and make a big play and taking sacks (and then the fumble on Sunday). I always thought Hurts had all the tools when he was drafted and the right demeanor....but I knew he had a lot of development ahead of him as a passer. He has developed a lot since then but there are 2 issues that he has hit a wall with..... One is that he is too slow in his progressions with anticipating a WR getting open. He looks too long at his first read, usually Brown, then his second read. He rarely gets to his third read before he has to scramble. Now it can be debated that Brown and Smith are great at getting open, but we've seen enough times that that doesn't always happen. If he can't anticipate a WR getting open, he can't wait for it. He spread the ball around nicely against the cowpies, but I think that was more of a play calling result than going thru his progressions. Holding the ball too long is a bad habit when he doesn't get thru his progressions and that can get worse when playing tougher defenses.....trying to make things happen when there is nothing there........it what caused Wentz to fall like he did......hold too long or force something in..... The 3rd WR has been a question mark for the last couple years which I question why, but they don't have that this year......Dotson is a good and productive WR who has had 15 targets and 8 catches in 9 games. That's ridiculous. It's not Dotson, I think it's Hurts. The second thing is when he does scramble, he doesn't keep his eyes downfield to pass, he looking to run. And he would be even more dangerous if he did....Mahomes, Wilson, Jackson and Allen all do it better than Hurts.....
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