The Philadephia Eagles were supposed to be in a rebuilding year, Carson Wentz was supposed to sit for a year or two and learn the game from Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel. Then the Eagles traded Bradford and promoted Wentz to starting quarterback. There were hopes that Wentz would adjust well and maybe the Eagles would be able to win a couple of games this year. The Eagles have already far outperformed most expectations set upon them this season. Not only are they undefeated going into the bye, but they not only beat they thrashed the Pittsburgh Steelers one of the best teams in the National Football League. Heading into the bye week I'm going to grade the performance of the Eagles to date.
Offense:B+
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Quarterbacks:A++
Carson Wentz might be giving the Eagles the greatest rookie quarterback play in NFL history through the first three games. Wentz has NO turnovers and has also won his first three games with none of them being particularly close affairs. Wentz's numbers are masterful and could be even better if not for an extremely lackluster receiving core and a running game that leaves much to be desired. I've lost all ability to temper my expectations of Wentz due to his excellent pay throughout this season. My only gripe about Wentz is that he must learn to slide if he's going to last in the NFL.
Offensive Line: B+
The line has done an excellent job of keeping Wentz upright and providing him clean pockets. After the poor line play of the last couple of years, it's great to see how well the Eagles have protected Wentz. The line has done a good job of opening up holes for the running backs. Overall there's not much to complain about with the line play. I am worried about how the line will perform if/when Lane Johnson is suspended.
Running Backs: B
Ryan Matthews has struggled throughout this season and seems to be nursing another injury, and Darren Sproles has had a tough time running the ball this year. The reason I still grade the running backs so positively is the emergence of Kenjon Barner and Wendall Smallwood both backs have been excellent running the ball this year. Even though Sproles hasn't run the ball well he's still one of the best pass-catching backs in the league. This group could be performing better but they have gotten better as the season has gone along.
Wide Receivers:C-
This group has been the bane of my existence throughout this season. Far too many drops have plagued this unit. They've struggled to catch deep passes and gain separation, If the Eagles want to make real noise this season they'll need this unit to elevate their game especially Jordan Matthews who at times has been spectacular but has also been underwhelming at times.
Tight Ends: B
Zach Ertz's injury worries me but this unit has been solid in the early part of this season. Trey Burton while not as dynamic as Ertz has been just as if not a more reliable pass catcher. The blocking from this unit has been decent but could use some improvement. This unit has been good to start the season but could be great with some better pass catching and blocking
Defense: B+
Defensive Line: A+
This defensive line was great last year and has continued to be great the Eagles have applied great pressure with their Line and Fletcher Cox has been worth every penny so far. With Brandon Graham also looking like he might have a stellar year. Late in games quarterbacks have stood no chance late in games.
Linebackers: B+
The linebackers have a very crowded position as there is a lot of players vying for playing time. I love the run defense from this unit it has been wonderful all season. The linebackers have also done a great job in coverage. This unit just needs to keep up their stellar play.
Defensive Backs:A
A unit that greatly struggled under the Chip Kelly regime has thrived under Jim Schwartz. Even though they've struggled to catch interceptions they've been excellent in all other facets of the game and have kept big name QB's Jay Cutler and Ben Roethlisberger in check. This is the most confident I've been in the Eagles DB's in years.
Team Grade A
The Eagles have performed better than my wildest dreams this season and if they can keep this up they might be able to pull off a very special season.
