In the aftermath of an 11-6 regular season, one that saw the Eagles win the NFC East title for a second consecutive season, wide receiver DeVonta Smith summed up the next steps: "We don't care what the path is. Let's just go out there and play our brand of football."
That is the correct mentality. That is a champion's mentality, and that is what the Eagles' mindset is as the week of postseason preparations begin. The No. 3 seed in the playoffs, the path begins on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field.
There are many reasons to feel optimistic about this Eagles' team. Let's go through some of them…
1. The defense is rising
Coordinator Vic Fangio has put together a terrific unit that is deep, versatile, and highly productive. There were questions prior to the season and even into the season about the cornerback spots and the pass rush, but both have come a long, long way: Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are Pro Bowl cornerbacks, Adoree' Jackson has progressed throughout the season, and the defensive front has boomed since November. Jaelan Phillips solidified the EDGE and the un-retiring of Brandon Graham helped bolster depth. Jalyx Hunt has been dominant, Nolan Smith is relentless, and the entire defensive line is winning in the trenches. At linebacker, well, Zack Baun is a Pro Bowl player, Nakobe Dean is a difference maker, and Jihaad Campbell has had a strong rookie season. This defense is whole. The matchup against San Francisco revolves around running back Christian McCaffery, a weapon in the running game and the passing game. The Eagles will be prepared.
2. A whole offensive line
We will know for sure later in the week, but the Eagles could have their entire offensive line together on Sunday if Lane Johnson returns from his foot injury. When this group is on the field and healthy and rested, there aren't many – if any – better than the Eagles up front. A great offensive line changes the dynamic of the offensive approach and the production. This is a critical week of preparation as the Eagles get ready for an attacking San Francisco defense.
3. Hand in hand with that, the running game
Establishing the ground game will be of utmost importance and when the line is good, the running game is great. Saquon Barkley ran for 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Tank Bigsby showed the production he offers to the offense. Will Shipley chips in and produces when he has the chance. Quarterback Jalen Hurts provides a dynamic running ability. So much of this offense relies on the offensive line. We may see the best of the line coming in the playoffs.
4. Rested and ready to ball out
Giving most of the starters the day off on Sunday should pay dividends in the postseason. That's the goal. The Eagles, through and through the roster, are fresh and fired up to have a huge game on Sunday against a 49ers team that played its regulars in a physical, bruising loss to Seattle. Rested and ready to mash. That's how the Eagles feel.
5. Ball security, it's a Philly thing
Philadelphia turned the football over a total of 15 times in the regular season, including that game at the Los Angeles Chargers when the team had five giveaways. Ball security is emphasized every day of the year at the NovaCare Complex. It is a huge, huge priority. Philadelphia went through the entire 2024 postseason with just one giveaway – a Jalen Hurts interception in Super Bowl LIX. Protect the football. Ball security leads to victories.
6. Jalen Hurts on center stage
He plays his best football in these moments, right? Jalen Hurts just knows how to win, and he knows how to make plays at the right time. That's the name of the game. This is his time to shine within the design of the offense. Hurts is a multiple-threat quarterback, and he will have a very good handle on the 49ers and what they like to do defensively.
7. Key numbers in red zone success
The Eagles led the NFL in red zone touchdown efficiency, reaching the end zone on 70.5 percent of their trips inside opponents' 20-yard lines. The defense? Ranked ninth at allowing 53.1 percent touchdowns. Continuing these numbers will certainly aid in postseason success.
8. A roster filled with playoff experience
The entire offense, save Bigsby, played in the postseason last year. Most of the defense – Phillips, Campbell and Adoree' Jackson are the exceptions – understand the landscape. The games are different. The tension is much thicker. The tempo is faster. Mistakes have to be minimized. That kind of postseason experience means something – even as it extends to placekicker Jake Elliott and punter Braden Mann and a coaching staff that understands what it takes to win in the playoffs.
9. On Sunday, the Linc will be rocking
Head Coach Nick Sirianni and Hurts are 5-0 at Lincoln Financial Field in the postseason. Look, we know what the scene is going to be like on Sunday: INSANE!!!! Eagles fans provide a great, great homefield advantage – the Eagles are 15-3 in their last 18 games in South Philadelphia. All the other stuff – the weather, the travel – that's part of being in the NFL. But a true homefield advantage? It truly makes a difference.
10. After that? Road warriors in 2025
Nobody is looking ahead at all – not one bit because the 49ers are formidable and Sunday is going to be a battle – but should the Eagles be fortunate enough to win the game, they could head on the road. This team has won games on the road in 2025 at Kansas City, Minnesota, Green Bay, Tampa Bay, and Buffalo – five extremely tough stadiums. Add it all up and, yes, there are a lot of reasons to be hyped for a playoff run. It requires excellent football to be played, for sure, and the Eagles have to be up to the task. But this is the time every team plays for – the postseason. The Eagles are ready to show up and show out.
