The Philadelphia Eagles are poised to once again secure the NFC East title, needing only one more victory to clinch their position at the top of the division. This pivotal win is expected to come against the Washington Commanders on Saturday night. Even a surprising loss to a struggling team led by Marcus Mariota would not derail their chances, as a subsequent loss by the Dallas Cowboys would still see the Eagles rise to the top, bringing its own satisfaction.
With their current trajectory, the Eagles are set to become the first team to win the NFC East consecutively since they achieved four straight titles from 2001 to 2004. This statistic paints a picture of a competitive NFC East landscape, but the reality has often been different. Since winning their first division title in 2001, the Eagles have established a dominant presence in the league.
Here is a brief overview of the Eagles” achievements over the last quarter-century, assuming they finish as division champions this season:
- Eagles
- Overall record: 240-160-2
- Winning seasons: 18
- Playoff berths: 16
- Division titles: 12
- Conference championship games: 8
- Super Bowl appearances: 4
- Cowboys
- Overall record: 218-183-1
- Winning seasons: 13
- Division titles: 7
- Conference championship games: 0
- Super Bowl appearances: 0
- Super Bowl victories: 0
- Giants
- Overall record: 176-225-1
- Winning seasons: 9
- Division titles: 3
- Conference championship games: 2
- Super Bowl appearances: 2
- Super Bowl victories: 2
- Washington
- Overall record: 166-234-2
- Winning seasons: 6
- Division titles: 3
- Conference championship games: 1
- Super Bowl appearances: 0
- Super Bowl victories: 0
The crises facing the Eagles are perceived through a different lens compared to their divisional rivals. Their benchmark for success revolves around one fundamental question: Are we capable of winning the Super Bowl? In contrast, the standard for their competitors often centers on avoiding embarrassment. For instance, the Commanders had aspirations of fostering a rivalry with the Eagles following their appearance in the NFC championship game last season. However, their recent performances have fallen short, culminating in a significant loss to the Eagles earlier this season.
The Eagles” advantage stems from the strategic foresight of their executives, including Jeffrey Lurie, Joe Banner, and Howie Roseman, who have prioritized innovation and adaptability within the organization. Their ability to navigate the salary cap and make bold decisions on the field has set them apart from their rivals, particularly the Cowboys, whose owner, Jerry Jones, often allows his ego to interfere with football operations.
Additionally, the mismanagement of the Commanders under Daniel Snyder has contributed to their struggles. The loss of talented coaching staff and failure to develop a competitive roster have hindered their potential. Meanwhile, the retirement of Eli Manning has left the Giants in a state of disarray, unable to find a suitable replacement, effectively ending their competitive edge.
Furthermore, the Eagles” commitment to depth at the quarterback position has proven fruitful. They secured a Super Bowl victory with backup Nick Foles, and their current quarterback, Jalen Hurts, has also demonstrated his ability to lead effectively. This strategic focus on quarterback development has been crucial to their ongoing success.
