2013 Philadelphia Eagles Season Review
Record: 10-6 (1st place NFC East)
Playoffs: L- New Orleans Saints in Wild Card Round
Head Coach: Chip Kelly
Notable Assistants: Billy Davis (defensive coordinator), Pat Shurmur (offensive coordinator), Bill Musgrave (quarterbacks), Duce Staley (running backs).
Regular Season Overview
Exceeding expectations was the theme of Chip Kelly’s first season as an NFL head coach, and the former Oregon skipper did not disappoint. Philadelphia lost 12 games in 2012, but returned to form in 2013 while winning the NFC East.
The team’s turnaround was due to an influx of talent via the draft, a trimming of loose fat in the form of veteran contracts, and a complete overhaul of team philosophy. Gone was the west-coast passing attack of Andy Reid, and in its place a blueprint for a new-style of offense set to decimate opposing defenses.
With little hope for success after a dismal campaign in 2012, the Eagles surprised many with a dominating win in their season opener over the Washington Redskins, 33-27. The elation was short lived however as the Eagles would drop their next three to San Diego, Kansas City, and in Denver against the AFC-Champion Broncos.
This loss would mark a turnaround as Philadelphia would go on to win five of their next seven contests heading into a bye week. After their break, the Eagles found themselves in the hunt for a division title, and defeated the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions in back to back contests before losing to the Minnesota Vikings in what many would call a “trap” game.
With just two games left on the year and the team facing a “win and you’re in scenario” the Eagles came together as a team and blew out the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football before defeating the Dallas Cowboys a week later, also in prime-time.
While the team would eventually lost to the Saints in the first round of the playoffs, it appears that anything is possible for Chip Kelly’s team heading into the 2014 offseason. Certainly some upgrades are needed, especially defensive personnel, but regardless the ceiling will be very high when Philadelphia opens training camp next summer.
Biggest Win
There is no doubt which game was the biggest win for the Eagles in 2013. While the 54-11 blowout of Chicago was influential, it was the 24-22 nail-biter in the season finale against Dallas that takes the cake.
Dallas Stadium was the sight of this be-all end-all instant classic, and Eagles’ fans rejoiced as their team earned its first playoff berth under Chip Kelly. Fans and players alike had this game circled since Dallas defeated the Eagles in Week seven in Philadelphia, and this contest did not disappoint.
Toughest Loss
Words cannot describe the dejection Eagles fans after barely missing a berth into the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. An Alex Henery field goal, a missed first down, a penalty on a kickoff return, all contributed to the worst loss in Kelly’s short tenure at the helm in Philadelphia. Had any of these misfortunes fallen differently, and there is no telling how the Birds’ season would have turned up. Regardless, a division title and plenty of cap-space leads me to believe big things are around the corner for the Eagles.
Offensive MVP
While many cite Nick Foles as the knight in shining green armor, it is LeSean McCoy that was the heart and soul of this Eagles’ team. Leading the NFL in rushing, setting the franchise record for yards from scrimmage, and finding the end zone 11 times are just the short-list on “Shady’s” illustrious resume. While Foles impressed with his 27-2 touchdown to interception ratio, it was Mccoy’s explosivity that defined the Philadelphia offense in 2013.
Defensive MVP
The center-piece of the Eagles’ defense comes in the form of veteran middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans. The former Houston Texan has led the team in tackles in back to back seasons, and is the first line of well, defense whether the opposition tries to run or pass. With four sacks, two interceptions, 111 tackles, and eight passes defended, Ryans truly was the heart and soul of the Philadelphia defense in 2013.
Most Disappointing Player
Eagles’ starting cornerback Cary Williams under-achieved in 2013, and was certainly a weak-point in pass-coverage. Ranked 92nd out of 110 qualifiers by Pro Football Focus, Williams’ $4.75 million salary for 2014 will be scrutinized heavily this offseason.
Williams is 29 and while he may be the best of what Philadelphia has to offer, he is certainly not the best of what is around. Should Williams’ continue to struggle, Brandon Boykin may find himself in a starting role on the outside sooner rather than later.
Best Rookie
While the Eagles’ 2013 first-round selection struggled in the early portion of the season, Lane Johnson showed tremendous progression over the course of his first 16 NFL games, and should be a building block on the Philadelphia offense for years to come. Johnson was Pro Football Focus’ 39th ranked tackle and placed ahead of Eric Fisher and D.J. Fluker, the first and 11th pick respectively in last season’s draft. With his athleticism and run-block ability, Johnson will be a focal point of Chip Kelly’s offense for the foreseeable future.
Statistical Leaders
QB- Nick Foles: 203-307 attempts, 2891 yards, 64% completion, 27 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
RB- Lesean Mccoy: 314 attempts, 1607 yards, 9 touchdowns
WR- DeSean Jackson : 82 receptions, 1332 yards, 9 touchdowns
TE- Brent Celek : 32 receptions, 502 yards, 6 touchdowns
Tackles: DeMeco Ryans, 111 tackles
Sacks: Trent Cole, 8 sacks
Interceptions: Brandon Boykin, 6 interceptions