NFL Power Rankings: Eagles Rising?

The Philadelphia Eagles are one of two undefeated teams in the NFC after their 25-11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football.

The Philadelphia Eagles turned in their best performance of the season on Monday Night Football, rolling past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 25-11 at Raymond James Stadium. 

Eagles running back D'Andre Swift had another stellar performance, running for 130 yards on 16 carries and rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter had two forced fumbles and a half sack, adding more fuel to the question of how the hell did he fall to the Eagles with the No. 9 overall pick. 

Even with the one-sided win over Tampa Bay, Philadelphia stayed at No. 5 in Sports Illustrated's Power Rankings. 

"The last two weeks, this running game has looked beyond vicious," SI writes. "At some point, a team will disallow D’Andre Swift from gaining almost 10 yards per carry, but until then, there is really no reason for the Eagles to abandon the tank-sized clearings they are making at the beginning of each snap. Jalen Hurts won’t finish the season with a negative EPA per play, but it’s worth watching for when the tide turns on the Eagles this year and the quarterback must shoulder a handful of victories." 

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) hands off to running back D'Andre Swift (0) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium / © Nathan Ray Seebeck, USA TODAY

The Eagles only trail the San Francisco 49ers among NFC teams. The two squads are also the only unbeaten teams remaining in the conference. 

One could argue the most promising thing to come of the Eagles' hot start is that Jalen Hurts still isn't playing his best football. The Philly quarterback has thrown for 640 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. He's also ran for 100 yards and three scores. 

Hurts completed 23 of 37 passes for 277 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Buccaneers, while also plunging in for a score. 

Once Hurts finds his stride, one of the best offenses in football may go to another level, which is a scary thought for opposing defenses as the Eagles look to make it back to the Super Bowl.