Week 2 Power Rankings Roundup: Eagles take a dip following ugly win over Patriots

The Eagles started off the 2023 season with a close 25-20 victory over New England.

Philadelphia did everything they could to lose that game: surrendering a 16-0 first-quarter lead, allowing Mac Jones to throw for 300+ yards, the list goes on.

As a result, the Eagles dropped a bit in the latest round of Power Rankings:

NFL.com

Last week: 1

This week: 3

One drive and two Patriots turnovers helped the Eagles build a 16-0 lead a little over 12 minutes into Sunday’s game, yet it was an absolute slog offensively from that point on. Philadelphia totaled 151 net yards and nine first downs over their next 10 possessions and ended up converting just four of their 13 third-down attempts.

Despite benefitting from a few Patriots penalties, the Eagles’ offense at no point resembled the group we saw become an elite unit in 2022. Perhaps the rust was expected based on the opponent, location and lack of preseason reps for the first-team offense. A quick turnaround for Thursday’s game against the Vikings should reveal if these are chronic issues. 

ESPN

Last week: 2

This week: 2

The 2023 No. 9 overall pick was a disruptive force in the middle of the Eagles’ defense, tying for a team high in pressures. He sacked Mac Jones on the Patriots’ final possession to help preserve the win for Philadelphia.

With Javon Hargrave exiting in free agency, the Eagles needed their recent draft picks — Carter and Jordan Davis — to step up. So far, so good, with Davis registering a forced fumble and a half-sack of his own.

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CBS Sports

Last week: 2

This week: 2

It wasn’t pretty against the Patriots, especially on offense. That will change as they play more, starting Thursday against the Vikings.

Bleacher Report

Last week: 2

This week: 3

Early in Sunday’s win over the New England Patriots, it appeared the Philadelphia Eagles were going full juggernaut. Philly raced out to a 16-0 lead in the blink of an eye, buoyed by a Darius Slay interception return for a score.

But then a funny thing happened. The Eagles defense started letting the Patriots move the ball. The Philly offense bogged down and had to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns. The Eagles still logged a road win over a quality opponent in less than ideal conditions, but they didn’t pile up the style points doing it.

ProFootballTalk

Last week: 3

This week: 3

They need to worry about the 49ers. And the Cowboys.

Jalen Carter was a game-wrecker in his NFL debut. Eagles probably don’t win without him. pic.twitter.com/gXDDWZ09oW

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) September 12, 2023

Mandatory Credit: Maddie Meyer | Getty Images