While many have considered the Detroit Lions to be the best team in the NFC and entire NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles are starting to challenge their status as a team to beat.
The Eagles fell to a 10-1 start last season with a loss in the wild-card round of the playoffs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and a lot of attention was focused on coach Nick Sirianni, who was thought to be in the hot seat.
But Sirianni and his men have bounced back to a 10-2 record and are on an eight-game winning streak after defeating the Baltimore Ravens 24-19 on Sunday.
Former New York Jets coach Rex Ryan credited Sirianni for handling the criticism he received and seeking improvement, according to ESPN Radio.
“He stays true to himself,” Ryan said.
“He stays true to himself.”
Rex Ryan gives Nick Sirianni a ton of credit for the way he handled this. @Eagles season #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/Op3Z9RybJu
— ESPN Radio (@ESPNRadio) December 2, 2024
The Eagles had major issues with their defense last season, but that defense has improved significantly. They rank fourth in points allowed and first in total yards given up.
Rookie defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have brought some energy to the secondary, but Sirianni and new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio deserve a lot of the credit for Philly’s defensive turnaround.
Of course, the biggest story for them this season has been the play of star running back Saquon Barkley, acquired from the New York Giants last offseason.
Barkley leads all with 1,499 rushing yards and 6.1 yards per rushing yard, and has scored 13 total touchdowns, 11 of which have come on the ground.
That work earned him a chance to be named NFL MVP this season.
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