Dynasties in sports can be quite fascinating.
At the dawn of the new millennium, it seemed like the St. Louis Rams, also dubbed the “Greatest Show on Turf,” were set to dominate the NFL after their Super Bowl XXXIV victory against the Tennessee Titans on January 30, 2000, and reaching the playoffs again two years later. However, they encountered a surprising two-touchdown underdog in the New England Patriots. That’s when a certain Tom Brady entered the picture.
This pivotal moment upended the NFL landscape for the next twenty years.
On February 9, 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs were on the brink of becoming the first franchise to secure three consecutive NFL championships since the Green Bay Packers from 1965-1967. Unfortunately, they faced a tough challenge from the Eagles, particularly from Vic Fangio’s defense, which relentlessly pressured Patrick Mahomes without resorting to blitzing.
The 40-22 score did not accurately reflect the Eagles’ dominance, considering Kansas City only managed to score two late touchdowns in the final minutes.
Could the Eagles be the next NFL dynasty? Their future looks promising on paper.
With Howie Roseman at the helm as general manager, known for making other GMs uneasy, and Nick Sirianni as a head coach who can balance grit with relatability, the franchise is in good hands. They also boast Vic Fangio as their defensive coordinator, who is arguably the most crucial assistant coach in the league.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts has overcome early career challenges. Even though repeating Saquon Barkley’s historic performance from 2024 may not be feasible, the presence of the best offensive line in the NFL should support him well.
The defense continues to get younger and smarter. Last season, linebacker Zach Baun thrived under Fangio’s strategy, and now he has intriguing new talents like first-round pick Jihaad Campbell and second-round safety Andrew Mukuba to work with.
For the Eagles to establish themselves as the league’s benchmark in 2025 and beyond, several key players will be essential. In this “Hidden Gems” segment, we’ll explore an underrated veteran, an underrated free-agent acquisition, and an underrated draft choice.
Will the Eagles soar to new heights? Signs certainly point in that direction.
Underrated Eagles Veteran: Safety Reed Blankenship
Middle Tennessee State has quietly produced impressive defensive backs, with Kevin Byard and Charvarius Ward among its alumni. Reed Blankenship, an undrafted free agent from 2022, evolved from a role player to a crucial component in the Eagles defense that secured their second Super Bowl title last season.
In 2024, Blankenship excelled under Fangio’s guidance. He allowed just 39 catches on 48 targets, totaling 423 yards and four interceptions, alongside impressive defensive statistics.
“It’s remarkable how similar all three of his interceptions looked,” Fangio commented, highlighting Blankenship’s growing leadership and communication skills within the secondary.
Blankenship not only brings value on the field but is also a cost-effective asset, having signed a one-year, $3.575 million contract extension for 2024. With C.J. Gardner-Johnson departing, his role will be more critical than ever.
Underrated Eagles Free-Agent Signing: EDGE Azeez Ojulari
The recent trade of edge-rusher Bryce Huff signifies the Eagles’ strategic agility in revamping their squad after Brandon Graham’s retirement and maximizing talent potential.
With young talents like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, the Eagles also added Azeez Ojulari on a one-year, $3 million contract, a savvy acquisition considering his past performance.
Despite an injury-hindered couple of seasons, Ojulari showcased his ability to contribute significantly when given the opportunity.
Underrated Eagles Draft Pick: DI Ty Robinson
Ty Robinson, a Nebraska standout, appears undervalued after demonstrating impressive stats during his collegiate career. His athletic showcase at the combine raised questions about his late selection in the draft.
Robinson’s versatility allowed him to excel in multiple defensive positions, making him a valuable addition as the Eagles look to fill gaps in their roster.
“It didn’t take long to see why we wanted Ty Robinson. He’s quick, strong, and embodies the character we aim for in Philadelphia,” said Roseman, expressing confidence in Robinson’s potential impact on the team’s defense.
The Eagles may have found yet another hidden gem, as they continue to build a robust team.
