Philadelphia Eagles are out to prove they own the NFC East

The Philadelphia Eagles have no need to fear after their bye week. They already own the divison.

When the Dallas Cowboys come to town, it’s always a busy week for the Philadelphia Eagles. The deep-seeded rivalry has spanned decades and divides families in both Philadelphia and Dallas. Famous matchups of Dallas quarterback Tony Romo versus former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb were must-watch parings weekends in the fall.

Still, it’s now the era of quarterback Carson Wentz and the team is ready to take a strong hold of the NFC East.

Here’s a quick history lesson.

Philadelphia is dominating the league with an ease that didn’t exist in the prior season. . Read that as: disaster in Detroit. This year, things are quite reversed. The Eagles are 8-1 in and have a firm hold on the division. Dallas lingers behind them at 5-4.

Tony Romo is gone and Dak Prescott is proving to be a formidable quarterback for his team, but this isn’t just about Dallas. It’s not even about the rest of the season that has yet to play out.

The Eagles are ready to take on the postseason.

Now, it’s important to note that this writer didn’t say Super Bowl. Those are big goals, and there’s no doubt that the team has a shot. Still, the postseason will need to be conquered first.

Philadelphia Eagles Hold the Keys

The Eagles are clearly off to one of the team’s best seasons under Wentz. Granted, that sample size is two seasons in Philadelphia. Yet that isn’t stopping the team from having lofty goals. They’re a fast tempo offense, and it seems that Wentz’ time at North Dakota State prepared him well for taking on a big challenge.

One of the keys for this team in pushing ahead is getting off to a fast start. The team has ranked number one in the NFL for points in the first quarter, averaging about 7.1 per game. Philadelphia has a killer defense and that’s been able to keep their opponents limited down the field in the first half. They’re league leaders in touchdowns and red zone efficiency, yet the team is coming off a bye week, which likely will just boost their performance in the first 15 minutes.

Philadelphia Eagles

Dallas IS surprisingly important in the long run

Knowing that Dallas is key to the Eagles postseason hopes is never something a fan wants to hear. Yet the team is going to prove to push the Eagles into the postseason. They’re dealing with injuries to important pieces like Sean Lee, who will significantly impact their defense. The team just can’t hold up against the Eagles without him. Embattled running back Ezekiel Elliott won’t be participating, and that will limit Prescott’s targets down field.

So why does this matter to a dedicated Eagles fan?

Dallas is in their division (duh), and last season, the positions were reversed. The Eagles missed the postseason and Dallas pushed their way to the NFC East division title. This game will have playoff implications for both teams but more so for Philadelphia.

The way the Eagles are playing will ensure a playoff spot and a divisional title. Still, a win against a divisional opponent is always a bright spot in their season. The Eagles offense is strong, and Wentz has been able to utilize the ball in the air and on the ground. Dallas is struggling to find an offensive identity and have been sluggish to a fault in the first half.

Start buying those playoff tickets?

Philadelphia will be in the postseason. According to SB Nation, every team since 1990 that has started 8-1 has made it to the playoffs. Place a check mark in that box.

It’s been awhile since their last playoff appearance, and a lot has changed for the squad in three years. Coaches have changed on Philly’s side, and it’s been an improvement. Quarterbacks have undergone a STRONG period of growth (Wentzlyvania anyone?)  The team is poised to make a run, yet every Super Bowl appearance has led to a loss.

Next: Eagles versus Cowboys: 10 Story lines to watch

When was the last time the Eagles felt the joy of winning it all? That was back in 1960, and it wasn’t the Super Bowl. It was NFL Championship. There is a fire in Philadelphia that needs to be quenched. If the team can bide their time and make a controlled push to the Super Bowl, it can happen.  Trap games will be on the schedule. The Seattle Seahawks could prove to be a difficult challenge.

For now, the team is ready and Eagles fans are waiting with bated breath.