Charlie Hug, Staff

It’s been 18 years since Philadelphia sports fans have felt this much excitement over the Eagles. The Birds’ 4-0 start to the season marks the first time that this has happened since the 2004 season, which ultimately resulted in a Super Bowl appearance. After this Sunday’s win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, there is a widespread belief that history might repeat itself. 

The fourth week of the NFL season brought us Doug Pederson’s much-anticipated return back to the City of Brotherly Love. Under the pouring rains of Hurricane Ian, the former Eagles head coach was welcomed back to Lincoln Financial Field with an overwhelming standing ovation after bringing the city its first Super Bowl trophy back in 2017. Unfortunately, this was most likely the highlight of Pederson’s day. 

The Eagles came out slow to start the game, allowing 14 quick points to the Jaguars after an interception off of Jalen Hurts was returned for a touchdown on the first drive, and was followed by a quick offensive touchdown scored by the Jaguars with 3:50 left in the first quarter. The Eagles Defense  bounced back in a big way, holding the Jaguars without a point for the following three quarters until they finally scored a touchdown with 7:19 left in the game. The defense was led once again by Hassan Reddick and the defensive line, who collectively forced five fumbles throughout the game, four of which were recovered by the Eagles. James Bradberry tacked on an interception at the end of the second quarter to give the Eagles defense five total turnovers on the day. Through four weeks, the Philadelphia defense has now tallied five interceptions, five fumble recoveries, and 16 sacks, making them one of the most intimidating defenses in the league. 

On the offensive side of the ball, Jalen Hurts finally showed signs that he is, indeed, human, throwing for 204 yards, one interception, and zero touchdowns. He did rush for one touchdown, but it was all Miles Sanders offensively for the Eagles. It was a breakout day for the fourth year back out of Penn State, one that has been long-awaited for by Philly fans. Sanders racked up 156 total yards and two touchdowns, reaching career highs in both rushes (27) and rushing yards (134) while also scoring his most touchdowns in a game in the past two years. Call it a product of the bad weather or just a great player due for a great game, Miles Sanders’ performance this past Sunday definitely turned some heads for fans who had started to doubt the young star’s backfield presence. 

Coming into Week 5, the Eagles could not feel more confident. They stand as the only undefeated team remaining in the league and have already taken down some highly-regarded teams. Week 5’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals could prove to be one of the Eagles’ tougher matchups so far this season, but with a 2-2 record and two tight wins against mediocre teams, this game could be a chance for the Cardinals to show whether they are true competitors this year. Arizona’s only two losses have both come at home this season, which is where the Eagles will face them next Sunday at 4:25 EST.