The Philadelphia Eagles have gotten back on track after last season’s disaster. They ended the year on a massive losing streak and were bounced by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the playoffs. They came into the year with questions about team chemistry and a new defensive staff. While head coach Nick Sirianni still seems to be on the hot seat, the team is 6-2. They are gunning for the division but have to unseat Washington in the second half of the season. Here are three numbers to know for the Eagles at the midseason mark.
290.1: Yards per game allowed by the Philadelphia Eagles
It’s safe to say the new defensive staff has worked. The Philadelphia Eagles hired Vic Fangio who is a massive upgrade over Matt Patricia. Last year, the Eagles’ defense could be cut through like butter. Opposing offenses had little resistance driving down the field. Philadelphia has a high-powered offense, but expecting them to score every drive was unrealistic. Fangio has this unit ranked third in the league in terms of yards allowed per game, trailing only the Houston Texans (281.7) and the Tennessee Titans (269.1).
It hasn’t just been the coordinator change. Players have been stepping up and performing at a high level. Most notably, two rookies who were drafted in the early rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. Quinyon Mitchell was slated to go early in the first round but fell into the lap of the Eagles after a run of offensive players. Cooper DeJean was another first-round talent who fell to the second round. After being injured for the first part of the season, he has been one of the best corners in football, period.
3: Number of explosive plays given up this season
For the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, it’s been all about the defense. Explosive plays are an offense’s best friend. It is difficult to execute long drives with lots of plays. The Eagles have been forcing their opponents to earn their points. Explosive plays are defined as plays of 40 yards or more, and Philadelphia has only given up three all season. That is tied for fourth-best in the NFL. Part of this is better play in the secondary, which has a combination of fresh talent and savvy veterans.
However, it has also been the defensive line that has generated pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Opposing offenses are feeling the need to get the ball out quicker instead of waiting for longer plays to develop. The tackling has been solid, as they don’t let short bubble screens or slant routes go for big yards. Over the past two years, it has been all about the offense. Jalen Hurts, Devonta Smith and AJ Brown are as lethal as ever. Saquon Barkley has been as advertised and added another weapon for the offense. However, the defense defines this year.
1,071: All-purpose yards for Saquon Barkley
It’s impossible to talk about the Philadelphia Eagles season without talking about Barkley. He has been the perfect addition to this offense and has been one of the best running backs in football. If it wasn’t for the ageless wonder Derrick Henry, Barley would have the most rushing yards. His ability to be a force in the passing game is what makes him so lethal. Through nine weeks, he has 925 rushing yards, 146 receiving yards, and many highlight-worthy plays.
The Eagles have been dealing with injuries at the wide receiver position. Both Smith and Brown have missed time and the offense changes when both of them are not on the field. Barkley has been the constant for the Eagles. He hasn’t lost the ability to make home run plays and opens up opportunities for the passing game, as teams have to respect his ability. The Giants will be kicking themselves for years for letting Barkley walk.
Final Thoughts
The Philadelphia Eagles are in good shape heading into the second half of the season. Defense travels well, especially when the weather gets cold. Playoff football is often won by solid defense and an elite running game. Philadelphia has both. They will have to contend with the Commanders for the NFC East title but seem on the fast track to another playoff appearance. Can they make some noise this year or will they have trouble in the second half of the year again?
