As the NFL’s 2021 season draws to a close, the time for reflection on how the Philadelphia Eagles performed throughout the year is all that is on the minds of Eagles fans around the country.
The team finished the season with a record of 9-8 and managed to make the playoffs through the NFC East Wildcard. This success was short-lived however, as the Birds were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs after a 31-15 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Birds’ playoff run was almost seen as a miracle for the organization that many had predicted would only be able to muster up a few wins throughout the year. The team managed to go nine and two against non-playoff teams which allowed them to rocket into the wildcard seat.
Key players, including several rookies, lead the way for the organization throughout the season. Players such as Miles Sanders, DeVonta Smith, and Jalen Hurts enabled the team to achieve favorable rankings in the league. They averaged 25.5 points per game which ranked 12th among all teams in the NFL and achieved 156.1 rushing yards per game which impressively ranked them first overall in the league according to primetimesportstalk.com.
However, against contending playoff teams, the team was unable to achieve a victory going 0-7 against mostly above-average teams. This poor performance against playoff-caliber teams has left fans feeling uneasy. However, the offseason looks promising for the Eagles as the organization looks to get even more capable of being regular playoff contenders.
Fans had much to say about the team throughout the season and after its conclusion. Bucks student Sean Sengpiel, 19, from Yardley PA was thrilled to see the Eagles overachieve in what many doubted would be a successful season, “I think the season exceeded all expectations.
Coming off a 4-11-1 season with a new head coach we were projected to win four and a half games so finishing 9-8 was great.”
Sean went on to comment about some of the team’s faults along with what their off-season goals should be, “They didn’t prove to me that they’re a team who can go all the way, not even close to be honest. We can improve next season by drafting young talent and beginning to create a winning culture in the locker room.”
The Eagles have strategically acquired three first-round draft picks for the 2022 NFL Draft that can help assemble a powerful team. Many believe said draft picks are the team’s ace in the hole for next year.
Another Eagles fan and former Bucks student, Anthony Brandimarto, said“We have to work on the offense and maybe use our first-round draft picks on mostly offensive players, possibly even looking to trade for a veteran quarterback could be in our best interests.”
Amid talks of the locker room and the integrity of the team, there is speculation as to whether or not quarterback Jalen Hurts is fit for the franchise role the organization is looking for. The team’s General Manager, Howie Roseman, has already announced that Jalen will again be the starting quarterback for the team in 2022.
However, it is still up to speculation whether or not that statement remains true throughout the offseason. Devin Sengpiel, from Yardley, said “He’s a bridge quarterback. He’s cheap and is of little risk to the franchise. If he turns out to improve his throwing and can be a good quarterback, awesome. If not, then we can move on from him when contract time comes and draft or trade for someone else.”
Fans all over were grateful and excited to see the Birds make the playoffs this year and while the super bowl run was short-lived, there is much to be excited for when looking forward to the 2022 season