The Known Underdogs

By Trevor Speetzen December 12, 2024 05:17

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills and even the Baltimore Ravens have been hailed as Super Bowl favorites; The Minnesota Vikings are even being looked at as Super Bowl contenders.

However, the Philadelphia Eagles have yet to be a part of the conversation despite their tremendous season so far.

The Eagles are currently 11-2, they’re first in the NFC east division and they’ve already clinched their spot in the 2024 playoffs, but hardly anyone has really taken the Eagles seriously.

What could be the problem? Why aren’t the Eagles being taken seriously? Why are they considered an underdog when they have one of the best records in the league?

Part of the reason may be the Detroit Lions. After their devastating loss in the NFC championship game last season, the Lions have been one of the best teams in football this season.

The Lions were already the heavy favorites to win NFC entering this year, but they now look like they could win the whole thing; overshadowing Philly's accomplishments.

However as of late, the Lions don’t have a firm grasp on the NFC. The Eagles are only one game back from the Lions and even the Vikings are breathing down Detroit’s neck for the division title.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia has been on a hot streak; they’ve won nine consecutive games and will have two easy games against the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants.

However, Philly will also have to get through the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Commanders in order to get a shot at the top seed.

So what else could be the reason? Could it be their image as a team?

The Eagles already came under fire early in the season during a week six home victory in the Cleveland Browns.

When the Eagles were in victory formation, head coach Nick Sirianni was seen on the sidelines taunting Eagles’ fans.

Sirianni drew criticism for his actions and eventually apologized for his actions after the game.

"I would say this about that: What I was really doing was trying to bring energy, enthusiasm yesterday. And I'm sorry and disappointed about how my energy was directed at the end of the game," he said, via the team's official transcript. "My energy should be all in on coaching, motivating, and celebrating with our guys. And so, I've got to have better wisdom and discernment of when to use that energy, and that wasn't the time."

The Eagles have also drawn media attention recently after an alleged feud between Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown. Rumors swirled about their tense relationship after the lack of targets to Brown recently.

These rumors were echoed by Brando Graham during his weekly radio show:

"They were friends before this, but things have changed, and I understand that because life happens. But it's the business side that we have to make sure the personal doesn't get in the way of the business."

Brown has since clarified that he and Hurts are “good” and that Graham had misspoke. It feels like little things like that seem to be derailing Philly.

If things were to clean up in the locker room and on the sideline, the Eagles could be a dangerous team come playoff time.

Right now their running back, Saquon Barkley, currently leads the league in rushing yards, 1,623, and is a strong candidate for the MVP award.