NFC: Going back to the NFL playoffs in 2014 if…

Philadelphia Eagles

If: The defense continues to make strides. That shouldn’t be too hard considering last year’s somewhat shaky performance and the fact that no team in the NFL gave up more passing yards in 2013. Still, one thing these Birds made considerable progress in a year ago was turning over opponents. In 2012, Philadelphia managed a mere 13 takeaways. In the first year under new defensive coordinator Billy Davis, the Eagles forced 31 turnovers.

And: That offensive line continues to hum. Led by Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters and underrated guard Evan Mathis, Chip Kelly’s club ranked second in the league in total offense and no team ran for more yards. NFL rushing champion LeSean McCoy returns and will be spelled by Darren Sproles on occasion but don’t be shocked if McCoy actually reaches the 2,000-yard mark in 2014.

But: Quarterback Nick Foles has to continue to progress and that doesn’t mean throwing fewer interceptions than a year ago. In all seriousness, don’t be shocked if the young signal-caller is picked off twice in more than one game. But with a slew of options at his disposal in McCoy and Sproles, wideouts Riley Cooper, Jeremy Maclin and rookie Jordan Matthews and tight ends Brent Celek and Zach Ertz, this is an attack primed for a huge year.

Conclusion: The Birds added free safety Malcolm Jenkins and cornerback Nolan Carroll and a rookie pass rusher in Marcus Smith. And it’s the defense that remains the one question mark for a team that should have no problem winning the NFC East for a second straight season. The bigger question is whether this is a Super Bowl team and it’s hard to believe they won’t be right in the thick of things when it comes to a trip to Glendale in February.