Scouting Sundays #1: The Philadelphia Eagles 🦅
The Eagles aren’t just flying high… they’re carrying the Lombardi Trophy. Last year, the Eagles went 14–3 and crushed the Chiefs 40–22 in the Super Bowl.
They’ve got most of the same players back, the same confidence, and one big goal: win it all again.
But here’s the twist: no NFC East team has won the division two years in a row since 2004.
If the Eagles can pull that off while defending their title, they’ll break one of football’s weirdest streaks and prove they’re still the NFL’s top bird.
Last year: 14–3
Super Bowl Champions
Division: NFC East
👟 Missed the kickoff? We’re counting down the top 10 NFL and college football teams of 2025. If you’re just jumping in, you can catch the full plan (and every team so far) by clicking here. 👈
⭐ Stars to Know
From breakaway runs to loud tackles, these stars are why the Eagles remain one of the most dangerous teams in football.
Saquon Barkley — Running Back
When Saquon gets the ball, hold your breath. Because in a blink, he might be gone. Last year, he ran past, around, and sometimes over defenders for over 2,000 yards, one of the best rushing seasons in NFL history.
He’s got sprinter speed, superhero strength, and a knack for making big plays when the team needs them most.
Lane Johnson — Right Tackle
Think of Lane as the giant shield that keeps the defense away. He’s been blocking for the Eagles for more than a decade. And last year he hardly ever let defenders get close enough to hit the quarterback.
At 35 years old, he’s still one of the very best at his job: strong, steady, and impossible to push around.
Jalen Carter — Defensive Tackle
They call him Baby Rhino for a reason: once he starts charging, there’s no stopping him.
Carter is huge, quick, and loves smashing into the middle of the other team’s offense. Last year, he racked up sacks, hits, and even knocked the ball loose a couple of times. When he’s on the field, quarterbacks better watch their backs.
👀 Stories to Watch
The road back to the Super Bowl is never easy. Here’s what could shape the Eagles’ flight.
New Voice, Same Hurts
The Eagles have a new offensive play-caller this year. Kevin Patullo takes over after Kellen Moore left to become the Saints’ head coach.
Anytime a new coach is on the headset, people wonder if the offense will stumble. But here’s the thing: QB Jalen Hurts just keeps winning.
He’s been the heartbeat of Philly’s attack for years now, and with weapons like Saquon at his side, Hurts is ready to show that it’s not just the plays being called. It’s the player running them.
Saquon’s Super Legs
Last season, Saquon Barkley played like a superhero. The big question now: can the Eagles keep him rested and healthy for another long playoff run?
If they can, every defense they face is in big trouble.
The Brotherly Shove Lives
Philly’s most famous play is still legal in 2025. The “Brotherly Shove” or “Tush Push” is like a rugby play on a football field.
Hurts lines up behind his linemen. Teammates push from behind. And the pile moves forward.
It’s almost unstoppable when the Eagles only need a few feet for a first down or touchdown. And every time it works? The crowd at Lincoln Financial Field goes wild.
🎥 Watch this if you want to see the play in action (and learn a little science)!
🎁 Did You Know?
Right outside the Eagles’ stadium stands a big statue of the most famous trick play in team history.
It shows former quarterback Nick Foles and coach Doug Pederson in the huddle moments before Foles asked, “You want Philly Philly?”
🎥 Click here to see what fans call the Philly Special.
On 4th-and-goal, the ball was snapped to Corey Clement… flipped to Trey Burton… and passed to Foles. Touchdown!
The Eagles went on to beat the Patriots 41–33 and won their first Super Bowl.
Now that you’ve got the stars and stories, let’s talk about something spooky… and no, we’re not talking about a haunted locker room.
It’s called the Madden Curse. 🧙♂️
Every year, one NFL star gets picked to be on the cover of the Madden NFL video game. It’s supposed to be an honor. You’re basically the face of football for the year!
But fans swear there’s a jinx: a bunch of cover athletes end up getting hurt, having their worst season ever, or just running into the kind of bad luck you wouldn’t wish on your rival’s fantasy team.
From the early 2000s to about 2015, the curse showed up a lot. Big stars like Michael Vick and Shaun Alexander had tough seasons right after being on the cover.
Lately? The curse hasn’t been as scary. In the last ten years, plenty of stars have beaten it:
Tom Brady (Madden 18 & 22)
Patrick Mahomes (Madden 20 & 22)
Lamar Jackson (Madden 21)
Josh Allen (Madden 24)
But last year? Christian McCaffrey earned the Madden 25 cover. And only played four games because he got hurt. Ouch.
Some people say it’s just bad timing. Football is a rough sport, and injuries happen to everyone.
Others say it’s about pressure. Being “the Madden guy” means every other team is trying even harder to stop you.
And some? They’ll tell you the curse is 100% real, and you can’t convince them otherwise.
🪄 Help Saquon Beat the Curse!
Yep, this year’s cover star is Saquon Barkley. Will the curse come for Philly’s superstar… or will he stomp it into the turf?
We need a game plan, Smallballers.
🎤 Tell us in the comments: What should Saquon do to keep the bad luck away?
📺 Watch last year’s Super Bowl highlights every night before bed?
🥪 Eat a Philly cheesesteak every game day morning?
The sillier, the better! If Saquon’s still scoring in January, we’ll know our plan worked. 💪
And that’s a wrap on our top 10 NFL teams countdown!
If there’s another team you were hoping to see, drop it in the comments. 💬
And don’t worry, the end of the countdown just means one thing: we’re that much closer to kickoff! 🚀
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Good team to pick