The 2017 NFL regular season has come and gone. The Eagles have surprised many and captured their first division title since the 2013 season. The Cowboys however took a monumental step backwards and left many wondering wether they have the right pieces in place after all. As for the Giants and Redskins it is clear that an over hall is on the horizon.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles ended the 2017 season with league best 13-3 record, including a 7-1 mark in the friendly confines of Lincoln Financial Field. They were lead by a passing attack excellently orchestrated by second year quarterback Carson Wentz, who had a career high 33 passing td’s. The birds were also aided by an opportunistic defense headed by Jim Schwartz. Philadelphia ended the season with the #1 overall seed and an excellent shot at finally ending the city of brotherly loves Super Bowl drought.
Overachieved or Underachieve?
I think it is clear that gang green overachieved this season. No one saw them doing that much better than they did last year. A secondary that was once considered hopeless has turned into a turnover machine, complimenting a pass rush that has sealed game after game. The running game no one saw coming, was one of the best in the league lead by the three headed monster of Jay Ajayi, Legarrette Blount, and Corey Clement.
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Washington Redskins
The Redskins continued their descent into mediocracy with yet another below average season. The Skins went 7-9 and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Quarterback Kirk Cousins did little to prove that he is deserving of a long term contract, which will again lead to an offseason of limbo. Washington’s season was marred by late game collapses and inconsistent play, and its no wonder they will be sitting home in late January.
Overachieved or Underachieved?
The Redskins are who we thought they were. A team with potential that can’t seem to get out it’s own way. They underachieved in many’s opinion including mine because they have the tools to make some noise but can’t seemed to pull it all together. Kirk Cousins on his own is not the answer and it’s clear now. Something needs to change or the Skins better get used to being in the middle of the pack.
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Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys followed up a stellar 2016 campaign by laying a huge egg in 2017. The cowboys dropped from 13-3 a year ago to just 9-7 and missing the post season. The biggest reason was the lost of star running back Ezekiel Elliot to suspension. But the reason most Dallas fans and management should be concerned with is the obvious regression of signal caller Dak Prescott. Prescott was just plain horrible in some games this year without a running game or a capable left tackle. The 4th round got exposed leaving the Cowboys to realize they better improve the depth at those positions moving forward.
Overachieved or Underachieved
There is no denying the band of misfits from “Jerry World” underachieved this season. They came off a season in which they were one miraculous pass away from the conference championship game. Only to follow it up with a dismal 2017. Many if not all experts expected them to not only win the division but compete for a championship.
New York Giants
The G-Men had one of the worse seasons in their history. 2017 was marred by injuries and inconsistent defensive play and it lead to a God awful 3-13 record that secured them the 2nd overall pick in the upcoming draft. To make matters worst Eli Manning‘s iron man streak was ruined by the ineptitude of fired coach Ben McAdoo. Now New York is heading into a forced rebuild and maybe a new starting QB.
Overachieved or Underachieved?
New York is among the most underachieving teams this season. Many experts had them making the playoffs again and maybe even winning the division. The fact they finished with double digit loses make 2017 a colossal failure, and something they’d like to quickly forget.