NFL Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles’ Third-Quarter Season Grade

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By @NickCWilder

Philadelphia Eagles Chip Kelly

Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles (8-3) have played solid football through three quarters of the 2014 NFL season. Regardless of injuries they’ve suffered, which has been several, the team has stayed true to their offensive identity and held the fort on the defensive side of the ball. The Eagles are currently in first place in the NFC East due to having the tiebreaker over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys (8-3), with two games still to be played between the teams.

Philadelphia’s offense through 12 weeks has been phenomenal, which is in large part due to head coach Chip Kelly’s dynamic and quick-hitting system. The Eagles lost starting quarterback Nick Foles in Week 9 due to injury, but backup Mark Sanchez has stepped in and the offense hasn’t missed a beat the past three games.

Statistically, the Eagles are near the top of the NFL  in several offensive categories. The team ranks third in points per game (31.1), fourth in yards per game (411.8), sixth in first downs per game (22.6) and ninth in yards per play (5.7). However, the team’s offense does have one reoccurring issue, which are turnovers. Philadelphia leads in the NFL in total turnovers (27).

The Eagles’ overall defense has also proven to be a big weakness over 12 weeks, and is statistically ranked toward the bottom of the league. They are ranked 21st in points allowed per game (25), 27th in yards allowed per game (375.3), and tied for 29th in total defensive penalties (85). Specifically, Philadelphia’s pass defense has been troublesome, as they are 30th in both passing yards allowed (266.3) and passing touchdowns allowed (24).

The most surprising characteristic of this team through three quarters of the season has been their defense and special teams scoring touchdowns at an insane rate. The Eagles have scored a total of 10 non-offensive touchdowns this season, which easily leads the NFL. Philadelphia’s special teams have also blocked three punts and two field goals this season.

The best win registered by Philadelphia so far this season came against the Indianapolis Colts (7-4) on the road in Week 2. In fact, that’s the only win the Eagles have accumulated against a team with a winning record through 12 weeks. They were narrowly defeated by the San Francisco 49ers (7-4) and Arizona Cardinals (9-2) earlier this season, and were throttled by the Green Bay Packers (8-3) in Week 11.

The Eagles have enjoyed a very successful season through three quarters of the year, and have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in the league. It will be very intriguing to see how Philadelphia does in the next three weeks, as they play Dallas twice and the Seattle Seahawks.

Third-quarter season grade: B+

Nick Wilder is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickCWilder and add him to your network on Google. 

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