The Philadelphia Eagles are now on a six-game winning streak, as they are officially the hottest team in the NFL. They’ll look to continue that hot streak against the Los Angeles Rams, who are getting healthy at the right time and have won four of their last five games.
In the latest edition of my Eagles mailbag, I’ll discuss Philadelphia’s toughest remaining matchups, Quinyon Mitchell’s upcoming assignments, and much more regarding the team moving forward.
@Beardaknowledge asked, “Who is the most underrated Eagles player through the six-game winning streak? Toughest matchup for the Eagles the rest of the way? Do you ever get any actual sleep?”
This is the first three part question in the history of my Eagles mailbag series but it also covers similar questions that were asked by X user @VladdyMuse as well. Therefore, let’s dive into my answer for each part:
- Nolan Smith is the most underrated Eagles player during their current six-game winning streak. Smith has become Philadelphia’s best overall edge defender, in my opinion. His consistency as both a run defender and pass rusher has played a vital role in the team’s defensive turnaround since the bye week.
- This might be the obvious answer but it feels like the Baltimore Ravens will be the toughest matchup for the Eagles moving forward. Baltimore is an experienced team that is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. If the Eagles can defeat MVP candidate Lamar Jackson and superstar running back Derrick Henry, that would provide a huge confidence boost ahead of the postseason.
- A wise man once said “sleep is for the weak.” I’m kidding! I certainly find time to sleep when I can. But I’m also working a full-time job and two writing jobs, all while finding time for my wife and two amazing children as well. It’s a blessing!
@CMPXMV asked, “Will Quinyonamo Bay remain operational all season? Or will tougher guys like Pickens and Puka finally be the kryptonite to its warden and break through the cuffs?”
I believe both Puka Nacua and George Pickens will provide unique challenges for Quinyon Mitchell. Although he’s excelled against other top wide receivers throughout his rookie season, Nacua will especially provide a tough matchup for Mitchell.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay utilizes Nacua in a wide variety of alignments and pre-snap movement. Nacua’s combination of size, toughness and quickness is going to be a legitimate test for Mitchell.
While Mitchell has passed all of his previous test with ease, Nacua and Pickens have caught their stride in recent weeks. If Mitchell can shut both players down, he’ll be placed squarely in the All-Pro conversation.
@ConnorJ_Delaney asked, “What do you think will be the Eagles record by the end of the season?”
It’s always fun to play the win-loss game and decipher what a team’s final record will be. While the Eagles are currently 8-2, here’s a look at Philadelphia’s remaining regular season schedule:
- Week 12: at Los Angeles Rams
- Week 13: at Baltimore Ravens
- Week 14: vs. Carolina Panthers
- Week 15: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Week 16: at Washington Commanders
- Week 17: vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Week 18: vs. New York Giants
Based on Philadelphia’s remaining schedule, I believe they’ll finish the regular season with a final record of 13-4. I believe the Eagles will lose on the road to the Ravens and the Commanders.
The Ravens have the offensive firepower and experience to maintain pace with the Eagles, despite Baltimore’s defense struggling at times this season. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry could provide too much for Philadelphia’s defense to deal with on the road in Week 13.
While the Eagles eventually separated themselves from the Commanders late in Week 11, that game was closer than the final scoreboard made it seem. If Jayden Daniels is a bit healthier and Washington gets Marshon Lattimore healthy, they could win the second matchup in Week 16.
@Michael93826345 asked, “This is a problem for the future but what happens next year for the secondary? Slay most likely leaves so do we re-sign Rodgers? Do we put Ringo there? Do we move Cooper to outside CB and move C.J. in? What do you think happens?”
Prior to the start of the regular season, it felt like a foregone conclusion that 2024 would be Darius Slay’s final season in Philadelphia. Yet given his level of play this season, I don’t think it’s a guarantee that the Eagles will move on from Slay in the offseason.
The best case scenario for Philadelphia could be running it back with Slay and starting the same secondary for one more season. Although if the Eagles opt to move on from Slay, they’ll have options.
While Kelee Ringo hasn’t played a ton during the regular season in 2024, he showcased his potential during the preseason. If the Eagles want to re-sign Isaiah Rodgers, I don’t believe he would fetch a ton of money on the open market.
Cooper DeJean primarily played outside cornerback at Iowa. Although his value in the slot, especially in Vic Fangio’s defense, has been vital in Philadelphia’s turnaround since the bye week. Therefore, I’m not sure you want to move DeJean out of the slot.
Therefore, Philadelphia’s secondary appears to be in a great position moving forward. If Slay sticks around, the trio of Slay, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean would start together for one more season. Or the franchise could go younger with Ringo or DeJean and possibly re-sign Rodgers as well.
Regardless of what the Eagles decide to do in 2025, it’s safe to say that Howie Roseman has successfully revamped Philadelphia’s secondary. The Eagles’ secondary is set up for success for the foreseeable future.
Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
