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Eight weeks have come and gone and the NFL season is already half way over. Or maybe "half way begun" if you're a "glass half full" type of person. With that said, it's time to look at some of the best Eagles players through the first half. Let's identify the most valuable player of each of the team's three units: offense, defense, and special teams.
Eagles Offensive MVP: LeSean McCoy
McCoy has struggled in recent weeks but there's no denying his importance to the Eagles' offense. He's such a talented player. His 733 rushing yards comfortably lead the NFL in that category, with the next closest RB 100 yards behind him. The 4.7 average yards per carry McCoy touts is near the league's best. McCoy's 1018 yards from scrimmage are tied with Jamaal Charles for the league lead.
Honorable mention: A perennial PFF all-star, Mathis is quite the solid force on the Eagles' offensive line. It would be nice to finally see Mathis' performance rewarded with a Pro Bowl appearance (and more importanly and All-Pro honor).
Eagles Defensive MVP: ThorntonCox
I couldn't split up the dynamic duo of Fletcher Cox and Cedric Thornton, so I merged them into one person. The combination of these two have been very solid up front for the Eagles this year. As I stated yesterday, Cox and Thornton are among the best DE combinations in the league. Cox's strength is his pass rush while Thornton eats up blocks and stops the run.
Honorable mention: Brandon Boykin. The second year CB has played well in the slot. He's also made 25 tackles this year without missing a single one. Bradley Fletcher has also played well at CB on the outside.
Eagles Special Teams MVP: Donnie Jones
Jones was an underrated off-season addition to the Eagles this year. His average 44.3 (22nd) and net average 39.4 (24th) aren't the best but the Eagles have the 7th most punts downed inside the 20 yard line. Jones has the ability to pin the opponents deep in their own territory. Last year, the Eagles only managed to have 15 punts in the 20 yard line. They have already met that total through 8 games in 2013.
Honorable mention: Colt Anderson. As always, he is a beast. The Pro Bowl level special teams coverage maven has 9 ST tackles which is more than anyone else on the team.
Eagles Most Improved Player: Nate Allen
Mike Kaye already detailed this pick yesterday. Allen has been real solid in both coverage and run support.
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Who are your picks?
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