With a Super Bowl-winning season under their belt, the Philadelphia Eagles have always been a high-expectation team – and their early performance in the 2025 season indicates that they have begun the defense of their title in a very positive manner. The Eagles, at 2-0, with two tough wins to open the season, have a wave of momentum, a tough image, and a roster that is crafted to withstand the playoff run. The question is not only whether or not they can win games now but whether or not they have resolved long-term issues and can maintain form over a long, injury-ridden season. This is a fair analysis of why Philadelphia appears to be placed well and what might still keep it off another postseason ride.
What works: identity, defense, and the run game
One of the strengths is the identity of the team. By focusing on short-range passing and relying on Jalen Hurts to run the ball and control time, Philadelphia has gone conservative early in 2025, forcing its opponent to take fewer possessions. That is the tactic that has enabled them to win by narrow margins and keep the defense fresh. Against quality opponents in a close Week 2 win at Arrowhead, the Eagles revealed that they are capable of winning ugly, and that is often what playoff teams need to do.
On the defensive side, the Eagles are one of the most stable units in the league if you have been following the latest NFL betting tips from leading sources. Now having playmakers on all front seven and a secondary that feels at home in both zone and press formations, they have created a blueprint on how to choke down explosive plays and put their opponents into third and long situations. A dependable defense and a good run game are time-tested ingredients in postseason qualification; it results in tight games and an opportunity for the offense to make decisive drives in the end.
Health, depth, and stability of coaching
The continuity and in-game management needed during a push to the playoffs are still present in the form of the staff of Nick Sirianni’s staff. Stability is important: it is more likely that role players will play when requested due to cohesive play-calling and a clear understanding of their role. This is because the team has a strong level of depth at both offensive line and running back, which allows them to absorb minor injuries without the production plummeting to disastrous levels, a major benefit over the 17-game season.
With that said, injuries have already made their way into the discussion. Reports during Week 2 build-up indicate that there were some offensive-skill players who were restricted on practice, and the team was watching a few dubious statuses. The responses to short-term absences exhibited by the Eagles, along with the ability of the backups to duplicate starter performance, will also be the key factor in sustainable success.
Deficit in the passing game and explosive play
The only glaring caveat is the explosiveness that passes through Philadelphia. At the beginning of the season, the Eagles have been unable to create downfield plays with consistency; other opponents have identified quick pressure and drawn up strategies to prevent A.J. Brown and other potential vertical threats. In the long season, an offense that cannot consistently turn the field by big plays will be susceptible to any opponent who can decelerate the run or create quick scores in shootouts. The coaches need to discover a means of opening the chunk plays without giving up the ball-control strategy that has been successful so far.
The playoffs and the competition
The NFC East appears to be beatable, and there is no runaway favourite at the start, which is a good sign that Philly could win the division, the easiest way to the playoffs. Nevertheless, the broader NFC is packed with competitive lineups; the wildcards will be hotly fought. The remaining few weeks (with the matches against the Rams, Buccaneers, and Broncos) of Philadelphia will tell whether the 2-0 start is the base of a dominating streak or a temporary volley. Good divisional play and sustained defensive play will be needed.
Bottom line
Yes – the Eagles appear to be on the right track to make the playoffs once again. They possess the best defensive background, coach continuity, and running-first character, which assists in winning close matches, and they are in an optimistic early-season location in the NFC East. Sustainable after-season performance will not come easily: Vertical passing game has to be upgraded, key players have to stay healthy, and it will be necessary to be consistent with the middle and elite-tier competition to make a good start translate into a championship-level performance.
With Philly striking a balance between its conservative nature and occasional offensive explosiveness that is timely and its injury risk management, the Eagles have the ingredients to be back in January. When those problems do persist, the safety net in a stacked NFC may render the playoff plans much more rugged than the 2-0 record would have you believe.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
