NFL Power Rankings: Philadelphia Eagles 'Surviving'?

Even with the Philadelphia Eagles starting 4-0, Sports Illustrated has concerns about the reigning NFC champions.

It hasn't been pretty, but the Philadelphia Eagles are one of two unbeaten teams remaining in the NFL through four games.

The Eagles had to grind out a 34-31 win in overtime over the Washington Commanders (2-2) at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. While Philadelphia is 4-0 for the season straight season, the start to this season hasn't been as dominant compared to last year.

Despite concerns about the defense, Sports Illustrated ranked the Eagles as the third-best team in its power rankings. 

"The Eagles are 4-0, but their defense—which, at this point a year ago, was one of the best units in football—is roughly the 18th- or 19th-best at present," SI writes "I don’t really think anyone cares about style points, but if you’re projecting this team out over the course of 17 games, it’s undeniable that they’ve lost some of their efficiency but still seem to be surviving based on the sheer depth of their talent. Through four games last year, Philadelphia had an almost 50% success rate against runs and a 43% success rate against the pass. This year? A 45% success rate against the pass, and a meager 34% success rate against the run."

Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a leaping catch over Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (13)

Philadelphia only trails the unbeaten San Francisco 49ers (1st) and Kansas City Chiefs (2nd) on the list.

The concerns about the Eagles' defense are warranted when you look at how they performed to begin last season. Through four games in 2022, they allowed an average of 17.75 points per game. This season, they're allowed 22.5 points per game, which ranks 16th in the NFL.

Offensively, Philadelphia has still proven to be among the NFL's elite, averaging 29.5 points per game, the fifth-best in the league.

If the Eagles' defense can find their way and improve as the season progresses, they should be just fine as long as the offense continues to play at a high level.

Philadelphia hits now the road to face the Los Angeles Rams (2-2) at 4:05 p.m. inside SoFi Stadium on Sunday.