One of the first things that jumped out at us when we saw the Philadelphia Eagles schedule was how early the bye week came. No one we remember talking to was happy about an early bye after a month of work. Then came the first quarter of the fourth contest. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were beating Philly like they stole something. We began hearing a familiar theme (and thinking it ourselves).
'Please just get us to the bye week'. It's funny how swiftly things can shift.
Here we sit. Philly is .500 with a a 2-2 record. They can easily be 4-0 or 0-4. Demoralizing losses to the Atlanta Falcons and Bucs still sting, and it already feels like this season is going to end on a low note.
But, we choose to be positive.
Here are five silver linings to brighten those dark clouds hovering over Eagles Nation.
Bye weeks suck in some ways. The worst week of the NFL season is one where there's no Eagles game to watch, but based on how they've played as of late, one might argue that we need the mental break.
These past three games have been excruciating to watch. Philly hasn't scored a first-quarter touchdown since Week 17 of last season. Fans are stressed. We choose to find reasons to be positive.
Here are a few silver linings to calm those stormy clouds.
Saquon Barkley is still on this Eagles roster
Saquon Barkley has been the MVP of this Eagles team so far this season. He pulled them out of the fire in New Orleans. He was a beast in Week 1 and Week 2.
Saquon's presence almost made us forget that A.J. Brown was absent from the lineup in the Big Easy. If Barkley stays healthy, he's going to have a phenomenal season.
How lucky are we that he's an Eagle?
Quinyon Mitchell has been as good as advertised.
Philly hasn't taken a defensive back in Round 1 of any NFL Draft since they selected Lito Sheppard in 2002. They have only taken three DBs in Round 1 in more than 90 years of existence.
There was hope that they settled on the right one by taking Quinyon Mitchell this past April, and they were right. He has been a jackpot addition.
The coordinators are experienced and proven.
One of the biggest takeaways of the regular season so far is how often we've criticized this coaching staff. Truth be told, Nick Sirianni hasn't done his job well.
We've discussed his lack of power and the 'CEO head coach' role. Despite the struggles, Vic Fangio and Kellen Moore have proven resumes. We know this offense can score points. We know Fangio's knowledge of the game is extensive. We still believe their additions will pay off.
None of the Eagles' injuries are season-ending.
Sydney Brown hasn't played a down yet and remains on the Physically Unable To Perform list (the PUP). A.J. Brown is hurt. So are DeVonta Smith and Lane Johnson.
Britain Covey and James Bradberry are on Philly's injured reserve. Missing three offensive starters didn't help Philly's cause in Tampa, but here's the good news. None of these injuries are season-ending, and all of these guys will return to the roster at some point.
The Eagles still have a shot at winning the NFC East.
Look around the National Football Conference. Everyone has played four games. The Vikings sit atop the NFC North with a 4-0 record. The Bucs, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, and Washington Commanders all have one loss. Everyone else has two losses on the ledger or more.
Philly is right in the thick of things. They still have the best odds to win the NFC East. The NFL prides itself on parity, and that's exactly what we are seeing.
Any team can lose on any given Sunday. That's been proven. This team needs a reset.
Nick Sirianni has won 36 of his first 55 regular-season games. That's a .655 winning percentage. That's pretty good. Sure, he's made some colossal mistakes, but if things begin breaking Philly's way, they can go on a run.
Their next game is against the Cleveland Browns. That's winnable. Don't give up yet!
