Are The Philadelphia Eagles Legit Contenders?

Unless you’re a Philadelphia Eagles fan, not many would’ve picked the team to start off the season as the hottest team in the NFC. Right now, only the Eagles and the Miami Dolphins remain as the two undefeated teams after week 3. Both are led by former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterbacks in Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts ending the debate on whether Alabama produces NFL-level quarterbacks. Both QBs are finding their rhythm early in the season and the question has to be asked. Can the Philadelphia Eagles emerge as Super Bowl favorites?

The team isn’t far removed from their Super Bowl run having won just 5 years ago in 2018. There have been plenty of moving pieces since then but none more scrutinized than Jalen Hurts. Expert analysts are relentless when it comes to quarterbacks often refusing to let them develop. Plenty of comments were made in Hurts’ career on whether or not he could “be the guy” and lead the Eagles. Young quarterbacks need time to develop and coaches need time to adjust schemes to their style of play. So far, the Philadelphia Eagles have done just that.

More NFL: Hurts Needs To Be More McNabb, Less Vick

The biggest change for Hurts came in the run game. Even though Jalen Hurts can beat teams with his legs, he shouldn’t have to. Once they shifted focus away from his ability to scramble and more to his speed, the offense started to click. Mid-way through last season, the Eagles started to use him to move the pocket and run when he needed but focused more on the downfield play. It was only a matter of time before they stocked up on weapons for Hurts to throw to and changed the whole dynamic of their offense.

Philly isn’t just 3-0. They’re 3-0 in the conference alone and have already beat a division rival which goes a long way towards at least a wild card spot. Of course, you can look at their schedule and say “they barely beat the Lions”, which is an eye-roll moment. Let’s not forget that the Eagles were in firm control of that entire game and let off the gas pedal to play prevent defense. They beat a good Vikings team by 17 and division rival Commanders by 16.

Pivoting away from the offense, they’re just as balanced on defense. Two out of the three games they’ve played, the Eagles kept opponents to single-digit points. Now, if there is a red flag, this is where you can chime in. Of the three teams they’ve beaten, all three are struggling or inconsistent quarterbacks. Jared Goff has had his ups and downs in his career. Kirk Cousins can be fantastic but he can also lay an egg. For Washington, Carson Wentz is a shell of his former self.

So the real question is, how will these Eagles look against consistent quarterbacks? Luckily for them, the NFL is looking like an even playing field this season. No quarterback is showing that they’re unbeatable. Philadelphia has shown they feed off the energy of fans such as their Super Bowl run. If the Philadelphia Eagles can keep the pressure on, there’s nothing saying they can’t compete for a Super Bowl this year.