There’s no proof because sometimes these draft articles get deleted by ghosts, but after we put #57 at fullback I titled the piece, “The Eagles Are Still Super Bowl Contenders Because #57 Is Playing Fullback”

Ben VanSumeren is no. 57 and he plays linebacker. He hasn’t played fullback for weeks now, but it was a clear-as-day indicator that the Eagles were making the necessary adjustments to find an identity. The commitment to this maneuver came in a blowout win against the Giants. That’s when the domination began.

The problems that existed early in the year have been mitigated or minimized.

DEFENSE

On defense there was little to no pass rush, the tackling was soft, and the slot was often mismatched any time a prime-time receiver slid in there.

Fangio’s defense has since come together.

Despite the occasional safety on WR mixup, the emergence of the rookie corners has shored up the secondary and locked up a premiere receiver each week (besides Nakua going over 100 yards). Quinyon Mitchell may be the Defensive Rookie Of The Year and deserves an All-Star nod.

The LBs have improved week after week, especially Nakobe Dean who’s come into form as a legitimate middle linebacker with speed, instinct, and playmaking ability. Zach Baun has been playing at an all-star level and is possibly the MVP of the Eagles defense. It’s him, Quinyon, or Jalen Carter no doubt.

And the D-Line is starting to cause chaos. Jalen Carter is one of the top 3 DT’s in the league and demands a double-team, freeing up the rest of the line to feast. Josh Sweat and Milton Williams have benefited most, while BG has made some plays all on his own that made him look like the 2017 Super Bowl version of himself. It’s a damn shame his season ended the way it did and he’ll be tough to replace. Nolan Smith has improved and the coaching staff is big on Jalyx Hunt who’s about to get more snaps than he’s gotten all year.

Overall it looks like a complete defense. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Ravens or another team lights them up before the season is over, as both the Commanders and Rams were able to consistently move the ball, but it’s tough to see this defense taking any steps backward.

OFFENSE

Early in the year, similar to every season Nick Sirrianni has been the coach, we dropped Jalen back on first, second, and third, without establishing the rush, and the offense struggled to find a groove. But after Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, and Landon Dickerson had a stern talking with him during the bye week, the Birds committed to the run game and the offense opened up.

Saquon Barkley is a legitimate MVP candidate.

I mean… half of Philadelphia said we were thankful for New York this Thanksgiving. That’s all you need to say.

The all-star receivers are still making plays when they need to and in Goedert’s absence, Calcaterra stepped up and showed he’s capable of starting on most NFL teams.

But most importantly, Jalen Hurts has stopped trying to play hero ball and cut the turnovers out. He had a few against Dallas but beyond that, he’s had next to none. And like the receivers, he’s still that guy who can make a play when necessary.

It’s another Super Bowl or bust season but there’s no one in the NFC I’m scared of. Bring all these bitches on. I want the Lions. Would love to bring them to the Linc.

What the fuck was that Chicago?

MORE FROM THE FEEL VOL. 3