Fansided

One thing every NFL team can be thankful for in 2016

By John Buhler

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) and center Travis Frederick (72) celebrate with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) after he scored a touchdown in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin (70) and center Travis Frederick (72) celebrate with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) after he scored a touchdown in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz prior to action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz prior to action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia Eagles: Jim Schwartz is a fantastic defensive coordinator

The Philadelphia Eagles are 5-5, not bad for a team many tabbed as a lock to finish 2016 at a terrible 5-11. Philadelphia isn’t without its issues. The Eagles are running a cheap imitation of an Andy Reid offense in Philadelphia. How is that not ironic? Reid was coaching the Eagles as late as 2012.

The weak offensive play calling of head coach Doug Pederson and the up-and-down play of rookie starting quarterback Carson Wentz have the Eagles in last place in the elite NFC East. It’s not all bad though for the Eagles. Their playoff hopes are still alive, they win in the trenches just about every game, and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is doing an outstanding job.

Schwartz is getting great penetration from his defensive front-seven. Even his weakened secondary is playing hard for him. If Philadelphia is not careful, the Eagles could lose Schwartz to a head coaching gig in 2017. He’s been that good as a defensive coordinator.

This was a year that most expected Philadelphia to be largely non-competitive. The Eagles may not make the NFC Playoffs, but they are a fun team to watch every Sunday. Eagles fans should be thankful that Jim Schwartz is coaching their defense. Otherwise, this might be a two or three-win team.

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