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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (91) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (91) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
22

Philadelphia Eagles 7-9

Last week: 4th, NFC East
Last rank: 22nd

Looking Back: A 3-0 start and an impressive play from rookie quarterback Carson Wentz had hopes high for the Birds and first-year NFL head coach Doug Pederson. But reality set in eventually and the Eagles’ problems away from home (1-7) were part of several problems this team had as the season unfolded.

Looking Forward: Wentz looked wise beyond his years early in the year but eventually reality for any first-time signal-caller sets in. Of course, it also didn’t help that the Philadelphia wide receiving corps was one of the more disappointing groups in the NFL this past season. And while the club did finish 11th in the NFL when it came to rushing yards per game, that figures to get better in 2017 if right tackle Lane Johnson can avoid another suspension. More importantly, general manager Howie Roseman has implemented a plan that appears to be on course. This is now a team headed in the right direction.

Offseason needs: We already mentioned the team’s deficiencies at wide receiver. Roseman did bring in Dorial Green-Beckham from the Tennessee Titans but he still appears to be a work in progress, as does 2015 first-round pick Nelson Agholor. The team’s best pass-catcher remains wideout Rishard Matthews. There’s been speculation that the Birds could take a flyer on a free agent such as Miami’s Kenny Stills (via Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com). But this is also a defensive unit that could use a little more help. Jim Schwartz did a terrific job but the group still has its shortcomings. Re-signing defensive tackle Bennie Logan is certainly a priority.

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