It’s hard to stay on top. After a disappointing end to their 2023 season that saw them lose five of their last six regular season games and bow out meekly in the wild-card round the Philadelphia Eagles have seemingly righted their ship. The malaise carried over into the early parts of 2024, but after splitting their first four contests, they’ve reeled off four straight victories and sit just a half-game back of Dan Quinn’s surprising Washington Commanders.
Meanwhile Dallas’ wild-card letdown has led to a demoralizing first half of 2024, with the Cowboys sitting at a 3-5 record after three-straight 12-win seasons afforded them 2 NFC East titles across the span. The two teams, ever so familiar with each other, square off again in Week 10 on Sunday.
When the Eagles’ offense is on the field, there is a new addition to the usual, recent cast of superstar players. The import of RB Saquon Barkley from the should-be-relegated New York Giants franchise has added another stud weapon at the disposal of the Eagles’ offense. No longer led by Brian Johnson, now under the direction of former Cowboys OC Kellen Moore.
The Eagles’ offense really hasn’t been anything extraordinary in 2024. They rank just 13th according to Offensive DVOA, which takes into account game situation when a play happens but most importantly opponent quality. Pro Football Focus has them slightly higher, sitting 10th on offense.
According to PFF, they are doing it without their quarterback being one of their best players. It’s not a case of doing things in spite of Jalen Hurts, rather he’s just no longer the centerpiece he has been in recent seasons. In both 2022 and 2023, Hurts was the Eagles’ second-rated player. In 2024, through nine weeks, he’s sitting seventh.
Here’s a look at the top 5.
5. RB Saquon Barkley | Overall PFF Grade: 79.2
Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) while running with the ball during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Barkley has rushed for 925 yards through eight games and scored six touchdowns on the ground on a gaudy 5.9 ypc average. He’s chipped in another 20 receptions for 146 yards and another two scores, fumbling just once.
His pass protection has been strong, scoring a 70.5 grade from PFF
4. WR DeVonta Smith | Overall PFF Grade: 82.1
Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a touchdown pass in front of Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Smith is nursing a hamstring injury and missed Wednesday practice, so his participation has a question mark currently. For the season, he’s caught 35 of 47 targets for 473 yards and four scores.
He’s not much help in run blocking, with a lowly 55.6 grade.
3. RT Lane Johnson | Overall PFF Grade: 82.2
Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) reacts against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Johnson barely beats out Smith here. The five-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro (twice First-Team) has been a staple since joining the league in 2013. He boars a 85.8 pass-pro grade and a 79.6 run-blocking score.
2. LT Jordan Mailata | Overall Grade: 88.4 (injured)
Sep 5, 2024; Sao Paolo, Brazil; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata (68) at a press conference at the Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
While Smith’s participation is unknown, Dallas won’t have to face off against Mailata, who is on IR with a hamstring injury. A top-tier LT, he has a 90.9 pass-pro grade and an 83.1 in run blocking.
His replacement, Fred Johnson, is not anywhere near an actual replacement. The 6-foot-7 former Florida Gator has an overall grade of just 52.3, with a pass-pro score of 41.2 and a run-block grade of 59.1.
1. WR A.J. Brown | Overall PFF Grade: 90.2
Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown warms up before action against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The debate over which team has the better wideout changes favor in 2024 after CeeDee Lamb won in 2023. Brown has been spectacular for the Eagles when he’s played, which he will in this week’s contest.
He has 23 catches for 444 yards; a 19.3 average per reception, and has three touchdowns in his five contests. His 13.1 yards per target is currently better than Lamb’s 12.5 yards per reception.