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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Glenn Erby

NFL Power Rankings Week 3: Eagles among top 5 teams after 34-28 win over Vikings

The Eagles are 2-0 and have yet to play a complete game after escaping Lincoln Financial Field with a 34-28 win over the Vikings on Thursday night.

The explosive Dallas Cowboys is overshadowing Philadelphia, and Nick Sirianni’s team is looking to work through some offensive inefficiencies and several critical injuries on the defensive side of the football.

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With preparation for a Monday night matchup against the undefeated Buccaneers underway, we’re looking at where the Eagles land in Week 3 NFL Power Rankings.

Bleacher Report --3

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Bleacher Report has the Eagles at No. 3, with the Dallas Cowboys making a huge leap.

The good news is that the Eagles are 2-0 after outlasting the Vikings on Thursday night. In the win, running back D’Andre Swift had the best game of his career, gashing Minnesota for 175 rushing yards and a touchdown on 28 carries.

However, while the Eagles are winning games, they haven’t been the dominant force they were last year. Quarterback Jalen Hurts hasn’t been as sharp throwing the ball, failing to hit 200 passing yards in ether start this season. Star wide receiver A.J. Brown has been a non-factor and appeared upset with his lack of usage Thursday. And the Eagles vaunted defense was roasted for 364 passing yards by Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Baltimore Sun --4

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Sun has Philadelphia at No. 4.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts said the team is “a work in progress” after an uninspiring offensive performance that frustrated wide receiver A.J. Brown enough to shout at Hurts on the sideline. Rushing for 259 yards — including a career-high 175 from new addition D’Andre Swift — and three touchdowns is nothing to be upset about, but Hurts and his receivers have not been crisp to start the season. The defense also gave up huge gains through the air and let Minnesota go 6-for-10 on third down. The Eagles are undefeated, but something feels off.

ESPN--3

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles are No. 3 in ESPN’s Week 3 Power Rankings.

Cowboys Wire--6

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys Wire has the Eagles at No. 6 behind teams they feel has played better.

The Athletic--3

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Athletic has the Eagles at No. 3 behind the Cowboys and Dolphins.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts is not throwing the ball as well as he did last season. His expected points added (EPA) per dropback (.17) ranked eighth in the league in 2022. Through two weeks, it’s .00, which is 21st in the league. So far, it doesn’t matter. Philadelphia ran the ball 64 percent of the time against the Vikings and gained 259 yards on the ground. Both of those numbers are league highs this season.

FMIA--3

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Peter King has the Eagles at No. 3.

3. Philadelphia (2-0). I chortled at an Eagle-fan friend who was verbally wringing his hands to me Friday. Told him his team is running it great, has a top-five quarterback who will soon strafe foes, has young road-graders on the defensive front who are the envy of the league, and has the best 1-to-53 roster in football. What’s to worry about, other than holding off Dallas in the NFC East?

Sporting News--3

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Sporting News has the Eagles at No. 3.

Jalen Hurts and the offense are finding their way in an adjusted scheme, but still can beat teams with run or pass. The defense has some key injuries and gaps, especially in coverage inside. But overall, neither challenge has kept them from being perfect record-wise.

USA Today--2

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today has the Eagles at No. 2.

2. Eagles (2): Can’t do better than winning your first two games, even if it’s been a bit bumpy as they break in their new coordinators – though credit OC Brian Johnson for keeping it on the ground Thursday. But a club that started 8-0 on the way to the NFC crown in 2022 could well match that with the Bucs, Commanders (twice), Rams, Jets and Dolphins ahead of a Week 9 visit from Dallas.

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