Eagles News: Philadelphia listed as a dark horse NFL playoff contender

Let's get to the Philadelphia Eagles links ...

7 dark horse teams creeping into the NFL playoff picture - SB Nation
I list the Eagles here not because they'd necessarily be a surprise to make the playoffs, but because of the way things started out for them this season. After going 1-3 and gaining very little traction on the offensive side of the ball, they've won two of their last three to put themselves back into the mix. It doesn't hurt that the NFC East is a shit show. Tony Romo isn't back until Week 11, New York's defense leaks like a sieve, and Washington is, well, Washington. It's a battle of the least implosive team.

Two-tight-end offense has helped Eagles become more productive - Daily News
The Eagles used 11 personnel on 88.4 percent of their offensive plays in the first four games. They used two-tight-end sets, or "12" personnel, only 20 times. In the last three games, Kelly has gone to more two-tight-end sets with both Brent Celek and Zach Ertz. They used 12 personnel 39.4 percent of the time against the Saints, Giants and Panthers. "We've definitely had more success (running) out of two-tight-end," center Jason Kelce said. "It gives us another guy in the box. It makes the edge a little bit longer. It presents different looks for the defense to have to fit against." Ryan Mathews has run well out of both 11 and 12 personnel packages, averaging 5.9 yards per carry in 11 and 7.0 yards per carry in 12. But the heavy dose of 12 the last three games has really benefitted Murray. He's averaging 4.3 yards per carry in 12, only 2.7 in 11.

Chip Kelly: Eagles never had interest in Cowboys rookie guard La'el Collins - PhillyVoice
We're not even halfway into the 2015 season and Philadelphia Eagles fans are already looking back at the 2015 NFL Draft and wondering what might have been with La'el Collins, who was one of the most publicized undrafted free agents in NFL history.

Eagles' DeMarco Murray says he doesn't regret leaving Dallas Cowboys - NJ.com
Earlier this week, Dallas Cowboys Director of Player Personnel Stephen Jones said he had no regrets about letting Murray walk this past offseason, allowing him to sign a five-year, $40 million deal with the Eagles.  Speaking at his locker Thursday, Murray responded.  "That is his team, that is their team. They have done a good job and I don't have any regrets. There [are] no regrets on my part and no regrets on their part," Murray said. "I respect those guys. Great organization, spent a lot of time there, but I'm here now."

Line Dance - Iggles Blitz
Chemistry is more important on the interior of the line. Tackles play on an island more than the other linemen. Clearly none of these are ideal scenarios. When it comes to the O-line, you want your starters out there. Andrew Gardner is already out for the year. If Peters misses this game, you’re talking about only two starters (Barbre and Kelce) being at their original spot. Can a line of Johnson-Barbre-Kelce-Tobin-Kelly succeed? It won’t be easy, because you know Dallas will put Greg Hardy over Dennis Kelly more than a few times. Kelly will struggle with that matchup quite a bit. Having the same interior trio will help. Those guys have played well in recent weeks as an overall group. I do think Johnson can play well at LT. He has the size, athleticism and skills to be good there. He does lack experience and that will hurt him at times.

Eagle Eye: Detailing The Cowboys' Struggles - PE.com
The Dallas Cowboys’ offense has struggled since the early parts of the season, and that was something many expected after the first two games. After losing running back DeMarco Murray in the offseason, wide receiver Dez Bryant in Week 1 and quarterback Tony Romo in Week 2, it’s been tough for them to sustain offense through the air. While the ground game still ranks in the top 10 in the NFL, the Cowboys have cycled in Brandon Weeden as well as Matt Cassel at quarterback for the injured Romo.

Eagles Wake-Up Call: Dallas, Dez And Darren - Birds 24/7
When asked about the Eagles, Garrett singled out a player who touches the ball less than eight times per game. The last time Dallas faced him, Darren Sproles rushed the ball only once for minus-four yards, while catching four passes for 23 yards. "Sproles is an outstanding player for them, has made a lot of plays for them over the course of his time there and during his time in the league," Garrett said. "So he and some other guys — when they get the ball in their hands — [you] certainly have to be mindful of them and have to do a good job of containing them."

Can Sam Bradford fix Eagles' 'all or nothing' offense? - CSN Philly
"When you look at the way we played over the first seven games, there’ve been a lot of good things we’ve done," Bradford said. "I think we’ve shot ourselves in the foot too many times. We’ve just got to find a way to eliminate the self-inflicted wounds. When we do that, we’re a pretty good offense. But when we continue to make the mistakes that we’ve made since Week 1, we’ve put ourselves in bad situations, and it’s hard to overcome those mistakes and we’ve got to be better at eliminating those."

Eagles and NRG are working together to give away tickets, prize packs, and more
Check this out, Eagles fans! And stay tuned to BGN for more info on contests involving free tickets.

Download the Eagles Almanac - $15

Social Media Information:

BGN Facebook Page:

BGN Twitter: Follow @BleedingGreen

Philly sports attire: Check out Philly Phaithful!

Manager: Brandon Lee Gowton Follow @BrandonGowton