Biggest surprises from Eagles first 10 games

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Biggest surprises from Eagles first 10 games

Glenn Erby 

 

November 17, 2021 7:00 am ET

 

The Eagles are 10 games through the 2021 NFL season and the team starts preparation for a huge NFC matchup against the Saints on Sunday, we’re taking a look at the biggest surprises thus far.

Quez Watkins has emerged, Landon Dickerson has been as good as advertised and DeVonta Smith is a true start, but those are just some of the developments we expected.

1. Jalen Hurts arrival

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Say what you want about the Eagles’ second-year quarterback, but he’s on his way to starting 17 games, all while logging 3,500+ passing yards and likely 1,000 yards as a rusher.

He’s quickly erasing any doubt that he can lead the Eagles and his ascension has been a pleasant surprise.

2. Miles Sanders lack of usage

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

This is more about Sanders’s first three seasons in the NFL and less about the first ten games of this year. Even with the 3 games spent on injured reserve, Sanders was unlikely to reach 1,000-yards on the ground and the electric running back has yet to eclipse the mark as a pro.

3. Nick Sirianni

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles head coach is building a culture and his players are responding as he continues to learn on the job. Sirianni was criticized for his early run-pass ratio, but he quickly got the hint and has responded, pushing the Birds towards the playoffs.

4. RG Jack Driscoll

(AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

Driscoll surely isn’t a better talent than Brandon Brooks, but he’s played well at right guard and has answered questions about his ability to become a legit starter for Philadelphia moving forward.

5. Jalen Reagor's struggles

Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Jefferson has now amassed 2,175 receiving yards, the 2nd most by any player through 25 games in the Super Bowl era, trailing only Odell Beckham, Jr. (2,625).

Jefferson and Beckham Jr. are also the only players with 100+ receiving yards in at least 10 of their first 25 games too.

As Justin Jefferson barrels towards Last year’s 1st-round pick has 22 catches for just 171 yards through 10 games, on pace for less than 400-yards through 17-games. Reagor averages 17 yards per game while losing snaps to Quez Watkins.

6. Alex Singleton's reduced snaps

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Singleton has taken a step backward from last year, and although he still leads the team in tackles, his snaps have been reduced drastically.

7. Avonte Maddox's development

(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Back in the slot where he belongs, Maddox is flourishing and playing his best football with free agency approaching. His 48 tackles are fourth on the team and he’s top-10 at his position in tackle for loss.

https://theeagleswire.usatoday.com/lists/philadelphia-eagles-biggest-surprises-10-games-jack-driscoll-landon-dickerson/