NFL Kickoff: Comparing the 2022 Eagles to the teams of years past
We are 24 hours from the Eagles’ first consequential game action since January when they were handily beaten by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-15.
Since that time, the Eagles have improved substantially at every identified position of need with ascending talent – which is a much different path than they took during the 2017 season. However, the 2017 path ended with the team hoisting the Lombardi trophy.
As is expected, there are Debbie downers, as well as wide-eyed dreamers whose expectations are 13, 14, 15 wins.
How reasonable is it to expect the Eagles to make a real run this year through the NFC? How does this team match up to recent, great Eagles teams of the past? Below, we will compare the 2022 Eagles (on paper) to the 2017 and 2004 versions.
Each position group will be compared and scored with the best year’s position group receiving 3 points, the second-best receiving 2 points, and the worst (in this comparison) receiving only 1 point.
Quarterback
2022: Jalen Hurts (24), Gardner Minshew (26), Ian Book (24)
2017: Carson Wentz (25), Nick Foles (28), Nate Sudfeld (24)
2004: Donovan McNabb (27), Koy Detmer (31), Jeff Blake (33)
All reasonable Eagles fans hope and expect Jalen Hurts to make a step forward in his development this year.
In 2004, Donovan McNabb became the first QB in NFL history to finish a season with 30 TD and fewer than 10 INT. That has been since achieved many times, but at the time, McNabb was playing lights-out football with undeniably worse talent than Jalen Hurts will have at his disposal.
It is possible that Jalen Hurts in 2022 could be better than 2017 Carson Wentz, but those are once again big shoes to fill. Before his season-ending injury that season, Carson Wentz was on track to be the league MVP with 33 TD, 7 INT, and an 11-2 record that put his team in a position to secure the #1 seed.
VERDICT: The 2017 team had the Super Bowl MVP and nearly the league MVP. It’s going to take a lot to surpass this position group.
1.) 2017: 3
2.) 2004: 2
3.) 2022: 1
“From Wentz We Came. In Foles We Trust.” –@visitphilly@Eagles #SoundFX #SBLII #FlyEaglesFly #Eagles pic.twitter.com/bbgeR0wjjN
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) February 7, 2018
Running Back
2022: Miles Sanders (25), Kenneth Gainwell (23), Boston Scott (27), Trey Sermon (23)
2017: LeGarrette Blount (31), Jay Ajayi (24), Darren Sproles (34), Corey Clement (23), Wendell Smallwood (23), Kenjon Barner (28)
2004: Brian Westbrook (25), Dorsey Levens (34), Reno Mahe (24)
With all due respect to the legendary Brian Westbrook, his greatness alone is not enough to compensate for the lack of dominance behind him and the bevy of quality backs on the 2017 team. The stats, as well as the eye test, bear this rating out.
In 2004, the Eagles rushed for 1,639 yards on 376 rushes. In 2017, the team rushed for 2,115 yards on 473 carries. The 2017 Eagles simply bullied opponents like the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10 with 215 rushing yards.
VERDICT: 2022 certainly has the potential to surpass the 2017 group, but the safe bet is that 2017 will remain the best of the bunch.
1.) 2017 – 3 (6)
2.) 2022 – 2 (3)
3.) 2004 – 1 (3)
.@LG_Blount making money moves.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/aIeuODZKjt
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 22, 2018
Wide Receiver
2022: A.J. Brown (25), DeVonta Smith (23), Quez Watkins (24), Zach Pascal (27)
2017: Alshon Jeffrey (27), Torrey Smith (28), Nelson Agholor (24), Mack Hollins (24), Marcus Johnson (23), Shelton Gibson (23)
2004: Terrell Owens (31), Todd Pinkston (27), Freddie Mitchell (26), Greg Lewis (24), Billy McMullen (24)
The Philadelphia Eagles – Super Bowl season or not – have never had a wide receiver room as talented and deep as their 2022 version. As Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni continue to say, the 2022 Eagles wide receivers come in all shapes and sizes and they can all play.
The same cannot be said for the 2017 and 2004 Eagles wide receiver corps. In 2004, you had a no-brainer top 5 WR of all time, but behind him was a cast of individuals who were not dominant in any way at all. (I’m trying to be nice.) The 2017 group had Alshon Jeffrey and then … some guys who made plays sometimes and then disappeared a lot of other times.
VERDICT: This discussion isn’t even close. Next position group, please.
1.) 2022 – 3 (6)
2.) 2004 – 2 (5)
3.) 2017 – 1 (7)
Hungry and ready to eat ⏳ pic.twitter.com/cVwJZ72auW
— AJ Brown (@1kalwaysopen_) September 1, 2022
Tight End/Full Back
2022: Dallas Goedert (27), Grant Calcaterra (23), Jack Stoll (24)
2017: Zach Ertz (27), Brent Celek (32), Trey Burton (26)
2004: Chad Lewis (33), L.J. Smith (24), Mike Bartrum (34), Jon Ritchie (30), Thomas Tapeh (24)
The 2017 tight end group gets the slight nod over 2022 because of the reliability of the great Zach Ertz — who at that time was playing at a bit of a higher level than Dallas Goedert has achieved at this point. Just look at the go-ahead drive in the Super Bowl and who the Eagles went to when the chips were down if you don’t believe it.
VERDICT: This is another group that the 2022 Eagles have the potential to surpass, but as of right now, you have to give the nod to 2017.
1.) 2017 – 3 (10)
2.) 2022 – 2 (8)
3.) 2004 – 1 (6)
Big. Game. Player.@ZERTZ_86 was immense for the @eagles in Super Bowl LII.
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) June 11, 2020
RT or ❤️ if you think Zach Ertz is the best Tight End in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/Pwo5IHX9ik
Offensive Tackle
2022: Jordan Mailata (25), Lane Johnson (32), Andre Dillard (26), Jack Driscoll (25)
2017: Jason Peters (35), Lane Johnson (27), Halapoulivaati Vaitai (24), Will Beatty (32)
2004: Tra Thomas (30), Jon Runyan (31), Ian Allen (26)
The 2017 team won the Super Bowl in large part due to the depth along the offensive line and namely “Big V”. Jason Peters – even at the age of 35 – was playing at a higher level than Jordan Mailata is currently and Lane Johnson at 27 was a better player than he is now at age 32, albeit still the best RT in football.
The 2004 team did not have much in terms of depth. It’s amazing that they did not need to depend on backup tackles for any extended period of time or they might not have broken the NFC Championship drought.
VERDICT: This year’s line could prove this article wrong, but the safe money’s on 2017’s tackles.
1.) 2017 – 3 (13)
2.) 2022 – 2 (10)
3.) 2004 – 1 (7)
Guard
2022: Landon Dickerson (23), Isaac Seumalo (28), Sua Opeta (26), Josh Sills (24)
2017: Brandon Brooks (28), Isaac Seumalo (24), Stefen Wisniewski (28), Chance Warmack (26)
2004: Jermane Mayberry (31), Artis Hicks (26), Steve Sciullo (24), Shawn Andrews (22), Trey Darilek (23)
Brandon Brooks at 28 was just flat-out better than Landon Dickerson is at this point. Isaac Seumalo was better 5 years ago than he is today. 2017 Stefan Wisniewski was much more trustworthy than Sua Opeta has proven to be at this point.
VERDICT: The 2017 Eagles mauled people both on the ground and protected two QBs playing at a supremely high level. It’s hard to surpass their contributions.
1.) 2017 – 3 (16)
2.) 2022 – 2 (12)
3.) 2004 – 1 (8)
Center
2022: Jason Kelce (34), Cam Jurgens (23)
2017: Jason Kelce (30)
2004: Hank Fraley (27), Alonzo Ephraim (23)
VERDICT: Hank Fraley was very good for a very long time. Jason Kelce is a legend. Having Jason Kelce and his hand-picked successor – who appears ready to start even as a rookie – is best.
1.) 2022 – 3 (15)
2.) 2017 – 2 (18)
3.) 2004 – 1 (9)
PFF’s best offensive line award goes to the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles!https://t.co/Heu93I76f5 pic.twitter.com/J5rC0ETlmt
— PFF (@PFF) February 11, 2018
Defensive End
2022: Brandon Graham (34), Derek Barnett (26), Josh Sweat (25), Tarron Jackson (24)
2017: Brandon Graham (29), Vinny Curry (29), Chris Long (32), Derek Barnett (21), Steven Means (27)
2004: Jevon Kearse (28), Derrick Burgess (26), Hugh Douglas (33), Jerome McDougle (26), Jamaal Green (24)
The 2017 team was built to get a lead and get after the QB and that is what they did – very well. Graham was better at 29 than he is now. One could even argue that Derek Barnett was better then. Until Josh Sweat shows some consistency, this one isn’t exactly close.
Jevon Kearse was a godsend, but he only had 7.5 sacks – which surprisingly led the 2004 team.
VERDICT: You have to go with the 2017 team on this one.
1.) 2017 – 3
2.) 2022 – 2
3.) 2004 – 1
BRANDON GRAHAM STRIP SACKpic.twitter.com/j64l7goLlj
— Barstool Philly (@BarstoolPhilly) February 4, 2021
Defensive Tackle
2022: Fletcher Cox (31), Javon Hargrave (29), Jordan Davis (22), Milton Williams (23), Marlon Tuipulotu (23)
2017: Fletcher Cox (27), Timmy Jernigan (25), Beau Allen (26), Destiny Vaeao (23), Elijah Qualls (22), Justin Hamilton (24)
2004: Corey Simon (27), Darwin Walker (16), Hollis Thomas (30), Sam Rayburn (24), Paul Grasmanis (30)
The 2017 team featured a much superior version of Fletcher Cox, but also relied often on Beau Allen & Destiny Vaeao instead of Jordan Davis & Milton Williams. Similarly, the 2004 team’s depth doesn’t compare to this team’s version.
VERDICT: The 2022 Eagles’ defensive tackles are going to raise hell in ways that the other two did not.
1.) 2022 – 3 (5)
2.) 2017 – 2 (5)
3.) 2004 – 1 (2)
BIG MAN MOVIN.@GeorgiaFootball DL @jordanxdavis99 with an UNREAL 4.82u at 341 lbs. 😱
— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2022
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/aEVRSssbOC
Outside Linebacker
2022: Haason Reddick (27), Kyzir White (26), Patrick Johnson (24), Kyron Johnson (24)
2017: Jordan Hicks (25), Kamu Grugier-Hill (23), Nigel Bradham (28), Bryan Braman (30)
2004: Mark Simoneau (27), Dhani Jones (26), Ike Reese (31), Jason Short (26), Mike Labinjo (24)
The 2017 team seemed to be littered with ascending, quality outside linebackers. The problem is that: the ones who are very good (Hicks, Grugier-Hill) today weren’t so until after they left the Eagles and the other two aren’t even in the NFL anymore.
The 2004 team’s OLBs were forgettable outside of the legendary Ike Reese’s contributions on special teams and Mark Simoneau’s legendary strip fumble against the Cowboys in Week 10 of 2004.
VERDICT: It’s a pretty safe bet that the 2022 team’s OLBs will be significantly better.
1.) 2022 – 3 (8)
2.) 2017 – 2 (7)
3.) 2004 – 1 (3)
Linebackers making plays? I could cry. pic.twitter.com/059VBMlxyl
— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) August 13, 2022
Middle Linebacker
2022: T.J. Edwards (26), Shaun Bradley (25), Nakobe Dean (21)
2017: Mychal Kendricks (27), Najee Goode (28), Dannell Ellerbee (32), Joe Walker (25)
2004: Jeremiah Trotter (27), Keith Adams (25)
With no disrespect meant to the great Jeremiah Trotter, he could never stop the run and defend the pass in the way that all of the Eagles’ current middle linebackers can. Mychal Kendricks was solid and easy to root for, but behind him the position was very thin and included Najee Goode, Danell Ellerbee, and Joe Walker – who combined for 40 tackles that season.
VERDICT: T.J. Edwards is going to turn heads this season. If Nakobe Dean catches on, watch out.
1.) 2022 – 3 (11)
2.) 2004 – 2 (5)
3.) 2017 – 1 (8)
Cornerback
2022: Darius Slay (31), James Bradberry (29), Avonte Maddox (26), Zech McPhearson (24), Josiah Scott (23), Josh Jobe (24)
2017: Ronald Darby (23), Jalen Mills (23), Patrick Robinson (30), Rasul Douglas (23), Jaylen Watkins (26), Dexter McDougle (26), Sidney Jones (21)
2004: Lito Sheppard (23), Sheldon Brown (25), Roderick Hood (23), Matt Ware (22), Dexter Wynn (23)
The 2004 group has two guys who are Eagles legends in Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown – who were 23 and 25 respectively. The 2017 group features a number of guys who aren’t even in the NFL anymore. Did I mention that Tom Brady lit the 2017 group up for the most yards ever thrown for in a Super Bowl?
VERDICT: It’s not hard to see this group far surpassing the other two by a fair margin. This group is deep, physical, and still-ascending.
1. 2022 – 3 (14)
2. 2004 – 2 (7)
3. 2017 – 1 (9)
Darius Slay against opposing pass-catchers last season:
— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) July 8, 2022
• Calvin Ridley: 0 yards
• Kenny Golladay: 0 yards (twice)
• Amari Cooper: 6 yards
• Keenan Allen: 10 yards
• Antonio Brown: 14 yards
• DJ Moore: 14 yards
• Tyreek Hill: 15 yards#NotTop10 ✍🏽 pic.twitter.com/3PeaXEBhrF
Safety
2022: C.J. Gardner Johnson (24), Marcus Epps (26), Reed Blankenship (23), K’Von Wallace (25)
2017: Malcolm Jenkins (30), Rodney McLeod (27), Corey Graham (32), Nathan Gerry (22), Chris Maragos (30), Trae Elston (23)
2004: Brian Dawkins (31), Quintin Mikell (24), Michael Lewis (24), J.R. Reed (22)
While the addition of C.J. Gardner Johnson is much welcomed and appreciated, this year’s group has a lot left to prove. The 2017 group featured the great Malcolm Jenkins whose leadership and big hits led the team to a Super Bowl championship, it’s still 2004 with the best group of the three.
VERDICT: Brian Dawkins in his prime alongside a Pro Bowl Michael Lewis makes this the best safety group considered here.
1.) 2004 – 3 (10)
2.) 2017 – 2 (11)
3.) 2022 – 1 (15)
.@BrianDawkins is a baaad man.@Alge_Crumpler is a badder man for somehow holding on to that football.#TBT to the 2004 NFC Championship game: @AtlantaFalcons vs @Eagles #ATLvsPHI pic.twitter.com/yutvWBfiZF
— NFL Throwback (@NFLLegacy) September 6, 2018
Returner
2022: Quez Watkins (24)
2017: Kenjon Barner (28)
2004: J.R. Reed (22), Reno Mahe (24), Dexter Wynn (23), Roderick Hood (23)
In 2017, the team had a combined 613 return yards – of which Kenjon Barner accounted for 443 of. Compare that to the 1,591 that the Eagles combined for in 2004. Quez Watkins could end up being absolutely electric, but the combination of J.R. Reed, Reno Mahe, and Dexter Wynn made watching special teams fun – which the Eagles could use much more of.
VERDICT: NFL teams valued returns much more than they do now, but the same could be said in reverse about passing and catching now. The 2004 team is far superior as of now.
1.) 2004 – 3 (13)
2.) 2022 – 2 (17)
3.) 2017 – 1 (12)
Offense
First Place: 2017 Eagles (18)
Second Place: 2022 Eagles (15)
Third Place: 2004 Eagles (9)
Defense/Special Teams
First Place: 2022 Eagles (17)
Second Place: 2004 Eagles (13)
Third Place: 2017 Eagles (12)
TOTAL
First Place: 2022 (32)
Second Place: 2017 (30)
Third Place: 2004 (22)
Simply stated, the 2004 team was top-heavy as heck. Terrell Owens is better than any receiver on any Eagles team ever, but behind him were a number of guys who … weren’t the best. Donovan McNabb is the best QB on this list and of all time, but his backup was Koy Detmer instead of a player like Nick Foles or Gardner Minshew. Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown had great years, but Roderick Hood and Dexter Wynn would have left a lot to be desired if the top two guys couldn’t push through the entire Super Bowl run.
The 2017 team is the greatest Eagles team of all time, but on paper – because of the depth and vast improvements on defense since that time across the board, the 2022 team is a smidge better.
How much does this matter? Very little compared to what the Eagles put on the field for the next 18 weeks. Of course, the 2011 Eagles “Dream Team” were very deep and talented on paper, too. But if you’re wondering about what the pinnacle of this team could potentially be, the answer is: better than the 2017 Eagles. They just have to put it together on the field.
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Mandatory Credit: AP Photo | Julio Cortez
