The Philadelphia Eagles are sitting pretty at 11-2, riding a nine-game winning streak and outscoring opponents by 118 points in that span. It seems like smooth sailing, but cracks may be forming. A.J. Brown’s candid “passing” comment about offensive improvements sparked questions about team chemistry, followed by Eagles captain Brandon Graham’s cryptic comments about the relationship between Brown and Jalen Hurts. Though Graham backtracked, the situation evokes memories of last year’s meltdown when the Eagles went from 10-1 to losing six of their last seven games, capped by a wild card blowout loss.
Could the Eagles—one of the NFL’s best teams—suffer another late-season collapse? Warning signs are there, but the team is better equipped to avoid it this year. Here’s how:
1. A Dominant Running Game
The Eagles’ rushing attack has transformed into a juggernaut, with Saquon Barkley leading the charge. Barkley’s league-leading 1,623 rushing yards and 6.1 yards per carry have shattered franchise records. Philadelphia’s rushing offense averages 206.8 yards per game over their win streak, ranking first in the NFL with 5.3 yards per carry, the league’s third-best mark.
Key to this dominance is Barkley’s ability to gain extra yards. He’s averaging 3.38 yards after contact (12th in the league) compared to last year’s starter, D’Andre Swift, who managed just 2.42 (44th). Barkley’s late-game heroics also shine, with 1,057 second-half rushing yards, eight touchdowns, and an absurd 7.5 yards per carry. In fourth quarters alone, Barkley has racked up 500 yards at 7.1 yards per carry, making the Eagles nearly unstoppable with a lead.
The Philadelphia Eagles soar closer to a playoff spot with a 22-16 win against the Carolina Panthers. Fly, Eagles, fly! https://t.co/bouNGhMs9c pic.twitter.com/R340RQLyzc
— Ether Eagle (@eth_eag1e) December 11, 2024
Last year, Swift’s respectable 711 second-half rushing yards and 5.2 yards per carry weren’t enough to consistently close out games. Barkley has changed the equation, giving the Eagles a decisive edge.
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2. A Revamped Defense
Under Vic Fangio, the Eagles’ defense is unrecognizable from last year’s unit. In 2022, the defense struggled, ranking 31st in points allowed (30.0 per game) and 28th in yards allowed (375.8 per game). The team fired Sean Desai as defensive coordinator late in the season, but interim replacement Matt Patricia didn’t fare much better. They allowed 27.8 points per game in five games under Patricia, including the playoffs.
Fast forward to 2023, and Fangio’s influence has completely turned things around. The Eagles lead the NFL in key defensive categories during their win streak: yards allowed per game (248.0), yards per play allowed (4.2), passing yards allowed per game (152.4), and points allowed per game (15.3). They’re also first in net yards per attempt (4.8). This dominant defense ensures the Eagles can keep games within reach and protect leads when they get them.
3. Stronger Leadership
Leadership—or the lack of it—played a major role in last year’s collapse. This season, the Eagles addressed that by adding vocal leaders on both sides of the ball. Saquon Barkley’s impact extends beyond his rushing stats. He’s a galvanizing presence in the locker room, helping keep the focus on winning despite any internal friction, such as the rumored tension between Hurts and Brown.
On defense, the return of C.J. Gardner-Johnson has added swagger and grit to a secondary that struggled last year. Gardner-Johnson’s energy and playmaking ability has set the tone for a unit that now thrives under Fangio’s leadership. Together, Barkley and Gardner-Johnson provide the accountability and drive the Eagles need to stay on course.
Also Read: Philadelphia Eagles Lose Superstar For Season Following ‘SNF’ Win Over Los Angeles Rams
