2017 Philadelphia Eagles

The 2017 Philadelphia Eagles season was the franchise's 85th season in the National Football League, the 15th playing their home games at Lincoln Financial Field, and the second under head coach Doug Pederson.

The Eagles improved their 7–9 record from 2016, reaching a record of 13–3, and tying their 2004 season for the highest winning percentage in franchise history. Their win against the Los Angeles Rams allowed them to clinch the division title for the first time since 2013, but came with the loss of Carson Wentz to a torn ACL. A close win against the New York Giants in Week 15 helped the Eagles clinch a first-round bye for the first time in 13 years, and a Monday Night win over the Oakland Raiders allowed the Eagles to clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

The Eagles defeated the Atlanta Falcons 15–10 in the Divisional Round and routed the Minnesota Vikings 38–7 in the NFC Championship. The win against the Falcons in the divisional round was their first playoff win since 2008. The Eagles were the first No. 1 seed in the playoffs since 1980 to be an underdog in the Divisional Round, as well as in the Conference Championship. In total, six Eagles players were selected for the Pro Bowl, including four first-time recipients. However, none of them participated due to preparations for Super Bowl LII. The Eagles defeated the New England Patriots by a score of 41–33 in Super Bowl LII for their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history and their fourth World Championship ever-their first since 1960.

Trades

 * April 4: The Eagles traded the 74th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to the Baltimore Ravens to acquire Timmy Jernigan and the 99th pick in the 2017 NFL draft.
 * July 26: Guard Allen Barbre was traded to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a 2019 seventh-round draft selection.
 * August 11: The Eagles traded wide receiver Jordan Matthews and their 2018 third-round draft selection to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for cornerback Ronald Darby.
 * August 28: Long snapper Jon Dorenbos was traded to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2019 seventh-round draft selection.
 * October 31: At the trade deadline, the Eagles traded a 2018 draft 4th round pick to the Miami Dolphins for running back Jay Ajayi.

Draft
Notes
 * The Eagles traded their original 2017 first-round selection (No. 12 overall), their first-, third- and fourth-round selections in 2016, as well as a 2018 second-round selection to the Cleveland Browns, in exchange for the Browns' 2016 first-round selection and the Browns fourth-round compensatory selection (No. 139 overall).
 * The Eagles acquired an additional first-round selection, along with a 2018 fourth-round selection in a trade that sent quarterback Sam Bradford to the Minnesota Vikings.
 * The Eagles traded their third-round selection (No. 74 overall) to the Baltimore Ravens for DT Timmy Jernigan and one of the Ravens third-round selections (No. 99 overall).

Schedule
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Week 1: at Washington Redskins
The Eagles kicked off the 2017 season on the road against the Redskins. The Eagles started of with two TD passes from Carson Wentz to give them a 13–0 lead. (Kicker Caleb Sturgis missed an extra point after the 2nd TD.) However, the Redskins came back with a Ryan Kerrigan pick six and a TD pass from Kirk Cousins to RB Chris Thompson to give them a 14–13 lead late in second quarter. The Eagles responded with a field goal to give them a 16–14 lead at the half. The third quarter only consisted of field goals. The Eagles led 22–17 at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Kirk Cousins fumbled the ball which Eagles' DE Fletcher Cox recovered for a TD to seal an Eagles victory. This was the Eagles first win against the Redskins since September 2014, ending a five-game losing streak to their division rival.

With the win, the Eagles started 1–0 for the sixth time in their last seven season openers.

Week 2: at Kansas City Chiefs
Doug Pederson faced off for the first time against his mentor, Andy Reid for the first time in Week 2, as the Eagles travelled to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. In a surprisingly defensive dominated game, the Chiefs led 6–3 at halftime, following a missed field goal to close out the first half by Eagles rookie kicker Jake Elliott. The Eagles took a 10–6 lead in the third quarter, with Carson Wentz finding his new wide receiver, Alshon Jeffery for their first touchdown connection of the year. Chiefs rookie running back Kareem Hunt answered with a 53-yard touchdown run, and fourth quarter touchdowns by Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Hunt opened up the lead to 27–13 with just over 2 minutes remaining in the game. Wentz led the Eagles on a scoring drive, finding Nelson Agholor in the back of the end zone with 8 seconds left in the game. The Eagles recovered the ensuing onside kick, but the Hail Mary pass to end the game fell incomplete. Eagles running back LeGarrette Blount had 1 carry for zero yards in the game, and Pederson received heat post game for not running the ball enough. The Eagles fell to 1–1 on the season.

Week 3: vs. New York Giants
Heading into this game, there were many questions on the run game especially on Legarrette Blount as well as the offensive line who have struggled through the first two games. Plus, the Eagles were dealing with injuries on defense to S Rodney McLeod, CB Ronald Darby and backup S Corey Graham leaving Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Maragos the only healthy safeties.

Despite all of the setbacks, The Eagles hosted the 0–2 Giants who have only scored 13 points through the first 2 weeks of the season. Both teams started off in slow fashion, with no first quarter points. A LeGarrette Blount 1 yard touchdown run in the second quarter were the only points of the first half, after the Eagles stopped the Giants from reaching the end zone from 1 yard out to close out the first half. Coming out in the third quarter with a 7–0 lead, the Eagles added the only points of the third quarter with Carson Wentz finding tight end Zach Ertz for a 3-yard touchdown. The Eagles defense (who were playing a solid game) broke down in the fourth quarter allowing the Giants to score 21 unanswered points to start the fourth quarter, as quarterback Eli Manning found his all pro wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. twice for touchdowns, and second year wide receiver Sterling Shepard once for a 77-yard touchdown. Fletcher Cox left the game with a calf injury. Eagles rookie running back Corey Clement ran for a 15-yard touchdown to tie the score at 21. After exchanging field goals, Wentz and the Eagles offense took over, looking to move into field goal range. Wentz connected with Alshon Jeffery for a 17-yard pass, setting up a Jake Elliott 61 yard field goal attempt with 1 second remaining. Elliott converted on the 61 yard attempt, the longest in Eagles franchise history as time expired. Wentz was quietly efficient in the game, completing 21 of 31 attempts for 176 yards and one touchdown despite playing behind a struggling offensive line. The win came at an expense, as running back Darren Sproles was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a broken arm and torn ACL, both of which occurred on the same play. Despite this injury, the Eagles ran the ball efficiently through most of the game.

With the close win, the Eagles advanced to 2–1 tying the Cowboys and the Redskins for first place in the NFC East while the Giants fell to 0–3 in the basement of the division.

Week 4: at Los Angeles Chargers
The Eagles travelled to the west coast to take on the Los Angeles Chargers. Many Eagle fans invaded StubHub Center making it an unofficial home game for the Eagles (This would later be dubbed Lincoln Financial Field west by fans on Twitter). The Eagles jumped out to a 7–0 lead early, after Chris Long forced a fumble to set up an 8-yard touchdown pass from Carson Wentz to Alshon Jeffery. The Eagles would score on their first 5 drives of the game. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers found Tyrell Williams for a 75-yard touchdown pass, trimming the lead to 13–7 midway through the 2nd quarter. The Eagles responded with a field goal to extend the lead. But, Chargers kicker Younghoe Koo kicked a field goal the change the scoreboard to 16–10 before halftime. The Eagles were up 19–17 when running back Wendell Smallwood ran for a three-yard touchdown, increasing the lead to 26–17. A touchdown drive capped off by Philip Rivers finding second year tight end Hunter Henry with 6:44 left in the game made the score 26–24. Riding LeGarrette Blount and his 136 yards, which included a 68-yard run, the Eagles were able to grind out the remaining time on the clock and hold on for their second close win in a row. The Eagles were overall efficient on offense. The defense played well despite giving up big plays and allowing Philip Rivers to throw 347 yards.

With the win, the Eagles advanced to 3–1 maintaining a narrow 1 game lead in the NFC East.

Week 5: vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Eagles scored early and often in this game, for their first blowout win of the season. Carson Wentz found tight ends Trey Burton and Zach Ertz for early touchdowns, and later connected with wide receiver Torrey Smith for a 59-yard touchdown to finish the first quarter. Following Smith's touchdown, the Eagles unveiled their baseball home run celebration for the first time all season. The closest the Cardinals came was in the second quarter when they trailed 21–7 following a John Brown 13 yard touchdown. In the mid third quarter, on 3rd and 19, Wentz found wide receiver Nelson Agholor for a 72-yard touchdown pass, on which Agholor juked rookie safety Budda Baker and finished the play with the Nestea Plunge. The final score was 34–7, and Wentz threw for four touchdowns, including three first quarter TD passes.

Week 6: at Carolina Panthers
Coming off a 34–7 drubbing of the Arizona Cardinals, the Eagles (4–1) travelled to take on the Carolina Panthers (4–1). The Eagles drove into Panthers territory on their first possession of the game, but a Julius Peppers strip sack against Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who was filling in for a concussed Lane Johnson. The Panthers led 10–3, with their only TD coming from a 16-yard touchdown run from quarterback Cam Newton. Late in the second quarter, rookie cornerback Rasul Douglas intercepted Cam Newton deep in Panthers territory, leading to a Zach Ertz 1 yard touchdown reception. The Eagles opened up the second half with another Zach Ertz touchdown, a 17-yard strike from Carson Wentz. Leading 21–16 after three quarters, the Eagles opened up the fourth quarter with Carson Wentz hooking up with wide receiver Nelson Agholor for a 24-yard touchdown. Cam Newton led the Panthers on a long touchdown drive, trimming the score to 28–23. A late interception by cornerback Jalen Mills and a fourth down stop by the Eagles defense sealed the Eagles fifth victory of the season, and proved they were a legitimate contender in the NFC.

Week 7: vs. Washington Redskins
Following the 28–23 victory on Thursday Night Football against the Panthers, the Eagles were once again in a prime time matchup; this time, a Monday Night matchup against the Washington Redskins. The Eagles started off the game in sluggish fashion, and after being backed up over 20 yards due to penalties on their first drive of the game, Carson Wentz threw his 4th interception of the season. After exchanging field goals, Redskins running back Chris Thompson caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins. Wentz and the Eagles responded with an offensive outburst to end the first half. Wentz found rookie wide receiver Mack Hollins for a 64-yard touchdown, and later found tight end Zach Ertz for a four-yard strike to end the first half. The Eagles increased their lead to 24–10 early in the third quarter, with Wentz finding rookie running back Corey Clement on a beautiful throw in the corner of the end zone. The Redskins responded at the end of the third, with Kirk Cousins finding tight end Jordan Reed for a five-yard touchdown. Once again, Wentz led the Eagles down the field, capping of the drive with a 10-yard touchdown to Nelson Agholor. A Jake Elliott field goal later in the quarter opened the lead to 34–17, and the Eagles went on to win 34–24. Wentz once again was in MVP form, completing 17/25 attempts for 268 yards and 4 TDs. However, the win came at a cost, as future Hall of Fame left tackle Jason Peters was lost for the season with a torn ACL, and starting middle linebacker Jordan Hicks was also lost for the season with a ruptured achilles.

Week 8: vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Eagles looked to win their 6th game in a row against the winless 49ers. The Eagles got off to a slow start, only leading 3–0 after the first quarter. Late in the second quarter, the Eagles blew the game open. Carson Wentz found tight end Zach Ertz for a 1-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone off of a bootleg pass, and Jalen Mills intercepted rookie QB C.J. Beathard and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown. The 49ers appeared to have some life in the third quarter, following a Carson Wentz interception, leading to a Matt Breida 22 yard touchdown reception. However, the Eagles responded, with Wentz connecting with Alshon Jeffery for a 53-yard touchdown, putting the game out of reach. The Eagles went on to win 33–10 and advancing to 7–1 on the season. Despite the win, the Eagles played a sloppy game in a rainy afternoon at the Linc.

Week 9: vs. Denver Broncos
Heading into the game, there was a lot of hype surrounding new Eagles running back Jay Ajayi who was traded prior to the NFL trade deadline. The Eagles looked to improve to 8–1 for the first time since 2004 as they took on the Denver Broncos. The Broncos named Brock Osweiler as their starting quarterback, replacing Trevor Siemian. The Broncos took their only lead of the game on an opening drive that resulted with a Brandon McManus 53 yard field goal. Despite missing tight end Zach Ertz who was out with a hamstring injury, the Eagles offense didn't miss a beat. On their opening drive of the game, Carson Wentz faked a handoff to newly acquired running back Jay Ajayi, and found Alshon Jeffery wide open for a 32-yard touchdown down the right sideline. Later in the first quarter, slot cornerback Patrick Robinson picked off Brock Osweiler on an intended pass to Demaryius Thomas, setting up a Corey Clement 15 yard touchdown reception, on a screen pass. The Eagles responded to another Brandon McManus field goal with a 27-yard touchdown connection between Wentz and tight end Trey Burton. Following McManus' third field goal of the first half, Jay Ajayi found the end zone for the first time with the Eagles, with a 46-yard touchdown run to close the first half. The Eagles led 31–9 at half time, and following a third quarter touchdown run by Corey Clement and touchdown reception by Alshon Jeffery, the Eagles led 44–9. The final score was 51–23, and Corey Clement finished the day with three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving). With the win, the Eagles went into the bye week with the best start since 2004. They have also surpassed their win total from last season where they only got 7 wins. Furthermore; this was the third largest victory at Lincoln Financial Field since the 54–11 win over the Bears in 2013 and the largest victory in the Doug Pederson era.

Week 11: at Dallas Cowboys
The Eagles travelled to Dallas to take on the Cowboys, who were missing RB Ezekiel Elliott (Suspension), LT Tyron Smith (Groin), and LB Sean Lee (Hamstring). In a game that the Eagles were expected to dominate, the Eagles started off slow in the first half with Dallas leading 9–7 at halftime. Kicker Jake Elliott was ruled out for the game with a concussion, forcing the Eagles to use backup linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill for kickoffs, and to go for two point conversions. The Eagles converted three of four two point conversions, as their touchdowns came on the ground from Corey Clement, and through the air, with Carson Wentz finding Torrey Smith for an 11-yard TD and Alshon Jeffery for a 17-yard TD on fourth down. Late in the fourth quarter, rookie defensive end Derek Barnett notched his 2nd sack of the game, a strip sack of Dak Prescott, leading to a Nigel Bradham 37 yard scoop and score. The Eagles harassed Dak Prescott all game, sacking him 4 times, intercepting him three times, and forcing one fumble. With this win, the Eagles improved to 9–1 and improved their lead in the NFC East.

Week 12: vs. Chicago Bears
With the Eagles heading into this game at 9–1, they looked to take down the 3–7 Chicago Bears. The Eagles blew out the Bears with a final score of 31–3 and improved to 10–1 on the season. The Eagles held the Bears to no first downs in the first half, and led 24–0 at halftime. Zach Ertz became the first Eagles receiver of 2017 to record at least 100 receiving yards in a game, catching 10 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. Alshon Jeffery had 5 receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown. Nelson Agholor added 3 receptions for 32 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown, and recovered a Jay Ajayi fumble for a touchdown late in the game. Carson Wentz continued his MVP campaign, completing 23 of 36 passes, for 227 yards, and 3 touchdowns. The Eagles defense stymied Mitchell Trubisky and the Bears offense, holding running back Jordan Howard to 6 yards on 7 rushes. Malcolm Jenkins and Corey Graham each added one interception.

Week 13: at Seattle Seahawks
The Eagles struggled throughout this game with penalties and scoring blows that led them losing 24-10 to the Seattle Seahawks. With the loss, the Eagles snapped their 9 game winning streak, lost to Seattle for the fourth time since 2008 and fell to 10-2. They once again tied with the Minnesota Vikings in the division.

Week 14: at Los Angeles Rams
For the first time since 2013, the Eagles clinched the NFC East title, but Carson Wentz suffered an apparent knee injury while trying to dive for a touchdown late in the third quarter. He did throw a touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery before being ruled out for the game's remainder. The Eagles were already without Darren Sproles, Jason Peters and Jordan Hicks for the rest of the year. Nick Foles would come in and replace Wentz. This was also the first matchup of the Jared Goff-Carson Wentz rivalry.

The day after the game, Wentz was revealed to have torn his ACL, officially ending his season and making Nick Foles the starting quarterback for the rest of the season.

Week 15: at New York Giants
The Philadelphia Eagles headed into Week 15 of the 2017 NFL Season at 11-2. With them clinching the NFC East in Week 14 in a win against the Rams, the Eagles were now fighting for the 1st seed in the NFC playoffs, home-field advantage, and a first-round bye. This was the first week that the Eagles played without MVP-candidate, Carson Wentz after he went down with a torn ACL in Week 14 which ended his season. Backup quarterback, Nick Foles led the Eagles offense for his first time since 2014. The Eagles quickly fell behind 6-0 in the first few minutes of the 1st as Eli Manning and the New York Giants marched down the field and scored on their opening possession. The Eagles responded with a 3-yard pass from Nick Foles to Alshon Jeffery and went up 7-6. Towards the end of the 1st, the Giants scored again with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Tavarres King to put them up 13-7. In the beginning of the second quarter, the Giants continued to show dominance as Eli Manning threw a 67-yard touchdown pass to put the Giants up 20-7. Nick Foles and the offense would eventually close the gap to bring the Eagles within two points at halftime with the Giants leading 23-21. The Eagles would eventually take the lead off of a 28-yard field goal from Jake Elliot to put them up 24-23. In the middle of the fourth, Nelson Agholor caught a 10-yard pass from Nick Foles which gave the Eagles a 31-23 lead. The Giants responded with a score of their own, a 57-yard touchdown pass to Tavarres King which cut the Eagles lead to 31-29. In the fourth, Jake Elliott hit a 20-yard field goal to put the Eagles up 34-29. The Eagles won the game 34-29 on a last minute defensive stop in their own territory. Despite the win, the defense played a terrible game against a woeful Giants team.

With this win, the Eagles improved to a league best, 12-2. With this win, the Eagles clinched a first-round bye for the first time since 2004.

Week 16: vs. Oakland Raiders
NFL Christmas Games

This game proved to be the opposite of the previous game as the defense and special teams had to carry the offense to a 19-10 victory over the Raiders. With the win the Eagles would improve to 13-2 in the season and clinch home-field advantage throughout the NFC Playoffs.

NFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (#6) Atlanta Falcons
The Philadelphia Eagles entered their first playoff game since 2013 as the first ever one-seeded team to be an underdog in the playoffs. The Eagles relied much on their defense thought the game, surrendering just 10 points. On a last-minute 4th & Goal from their two yard line, the Eagles defense stopped the Falcons to seal a 15-10 win. The win earned them a spot in the NFC Championship game.

NFC Championship: vs. (#2) Minnesota Vikings
The Eagles once again entered the game as underdogs to the second-seeded Minnesota Vikings. This was the Eagles first NFC Championship appearance since the 2008–09 NFL playoffs. Though the Eagles allowed a opening drive Vikings score of seven points, The Eagles scored 38 unanswered points to win 38-7, and advance to Super Bowl LII, their 3rd ever Super Bowl berth.

Super Bowl LII: vs. (A1) New England Patriots
The Philadelphia Eagles enter Super Bowl LII as a 4.5 point underdog to the defending champions, New England Patriots. This is also their first appearance in 13 years, with their last Super Bowl berth happening in 2005 (Super Bowl XXXIX), which happened to be against the New England Patriots.

In the first quarter, the Eagles managed to score first when Jake Elliott kicked a 25-yard field goal to make it 3-0. Though, the Pats would then tie the game up at 3-3 when Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 26-yard field goal to make it 3-3. The Eagles retook the lead when Nick Foles found Alshon Jeffrey on a 34-yard pass (with a failed PAT) to make it 9-3 to close out the quarter. The Eagles increased their lead in the second quarter when LeGarrette Blount ran for a 21-yard touchdown (with a failed 2-point conversion) to make it 15-3. The Pats however managed to score twice when Gotskowski kicked a 45-yard field goal followed up by James While running for a 26-yard touchdown (with a failed PAT) to make it 15-6 and then 15-12. A trick play saw Foles score a receiving touchdown off a 1-yard pass from tight end Trey Burton to make it 22-12 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Pats drew closer when Tom Brady found Rob Gronkowski on a 5-yard pass to make it 22-19. However, the Eagles managed to pull away again when Foles found Corey Clement on a 22-yard pass to make it 29-19. The Pats closed out the quarter by getting close again when Brady found Chris Hogan on a 26-yard pass to make it 29-26. In the fourth quarter, the Eagles moved further ahead when Elliott kicked a 42-yard field goal to make it 32-26. However, the Pats would finally take the lead when Brady found Gronkowski again on a 5-yard pass to make it 33-32. The Eagles would respond with a 14-play, 75 yard drive when Foles found Zach Ertz on an 11-yard pass (with a failed 2-point conversion), giving the Eagles the lead 38-33. On the Patriots following possession, with 2:16 to play, Tom Brady was sacked and fumbled the ball, which was recovered by the Eagles at the Patriots 31 yard line. The Eagles would increase their lead on Elliott's 46-yard field goal to make it 41-33.

With seconds left, the Pats were able to advance the ball down to midfield. Under 10 seconds remaining, Brady tried for the hail mary pass that would send the game into OT with a touchdown and 2-point conversion tacked on. However, Gronkowski would be shut down in the end zone by many Eagles defenders causing the pass to fall incomplete and sealing the game and title for the Eagles.

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the 5 time Super Bowl champions, New England Patriots, by a score of 41–33. Nick Foles also was named Super Bowl MVP after the game. With this win, the Eagles finally ended the drought of not winning a Super Bowl.