Inside the Iggles
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The Philadelphia Eagles’ mid-season report card: What have we learned?

By Geoffrey Knox

Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) cannot catch a fourth down pass in the end zone against New York Giants defensive back Trevin Wade (31) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) cannot catch a fourth down pass in the end zone against New York Giants defensive back Trevin Wade (31) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Josh Huff (13) scores on a kick return as Minnesota Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels (35) gives chase in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Josh Huff (13) scores on a kick return as Minnesota Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels (35) gives chase in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /

Special Teams:

If Dave Fipp keeps it up, he’ll be able to run for Mayor in Philadelphia and do so successfully. For years, this team has found ways to block field goals and return punts and kickoffs for touchdowns. They’re not doing it in garbage time. They do it exactly when they’re needed. They’ve been a spark over and over again and have often been the reason that the Eagles have pulled games out. Look no further than last year’s game against the New England Patriots. The Eagles had never beaten Tom Brady before, but they did so last year, and it was primarily because of special teams play and an interception return by safety Malcolm Jenkins.

They’ve carried the trend into this year, and again, they’ve blocked field goals and returned kicks for touchdowns. Fipp and company have given new life to the phrase “three phases of the game”. The Eagles have turned the special teams unit into a weapon. Now, they have to figure out a way to make them into a luxury and stop relying on them so much.

Final Grade: A+

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