What they're saying about the Eagles

Here's a roundup of what the national media are saying about the Eagles as they prepare for Saturday's matchup against the Cowboys.

And in case you missed it from earlier, here's my post on Brent Celek and how he's become a major factor in the Eagles' passing attack.

SI.com's Don Banks has the Eagles 17th in his power rankings:

The Eagles face another Ryan brother this week, and that has been no problem so far in 2011. Philly beat Dallas defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and the Cowboys 34-7 in Week 8, and embarrassed Rex Ryan and his Jets 45-19 last week in Philadelphia. We've seen this late-season magic from the Eagles before, in 2006 and 2008, and if they win at Dallas this week, I'd go so far as say they're the favorites to take the NFC East and earn a home playoff game in the first round.

SI.com's Peter King has the Eagles 14th:

Manhandled Miami and the Jets by a total of 42 points in the last eight days. They're hugely disappointing overall, but they're also dangerous today.

King also has Jason Babin in his top-five Defensive Player of the Year candidates:

Took over the NFL sack lead (18) with an impressive day against the Jets. He needs five sacks against Dallas and Washington to break Strahan's mark.

Elliot Harrison of NFL.com has the Eagles 20th:

Michael Vick seems to be holding up, but who really knows. Say what you want about Vick, but he is still a very tough player in his early 30s. This deal could get serious if Vick can hold up and play well in Dallas. The NFC East -- believe it or not -- is there for the taking for Philly. They must win out and hope the Giants also beat the Cowboys come Week 17. Oh, but the Eagles also need the G-Men to falter against the Jets next week. If the Jets play like they did Sunday at the Linc, forget it. Don't forget 2006 and 2009, when it took miracles for the Eagles to make the postseason. Stuff happens.

ESPN.com has the Eagles 18th in its power rankings. Writes NFC East blogger Dan Graziano:

The Eagles do look awfully impressive when things are clicking for them, and with Jason Babin punishing quarterbacks and the defense hitting its stride, that's what's going on right now. There's no doubt the Eagles should have been a top-tier team in the league this year. Their failures in the first three quarters of the season doomed them to the back half of these rankings.

In his first mock draft, ESPN.com's Todd McShay has the Eagles taking Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly:

The Andy Reid regime in Philadelphia has not used a first-round pick on a linebacker in 13 years, but this might be the time. Kuechly is perhaps the most productive linebacker in the nation, using elite instincts and anticipation to mask a lack of ideal athletic ability.

Brian Billick has the Eagles 17th in his power rankings on FoxSports.com:

Stay with me here . . . if the Eagles win out (including their head-to-head with Dallas on Saturday), the Giants lose to the Jets, and then the Giants beat the Cowboys in Week 17, then all three teams will finish with an 8-8 record. IF that happens, the Eagles win the division and will get the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoff picture. Wow!

Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com predicts a 31-28 Cowboys victory:

I know the Eagles are hot and suddenly playing the football we expected them to back in August when everyone tripped all over themselves to award Philly the Lombardi Trophy, but I like the Cowboys to finally put an end to the Dream Team's "Nightmare Season" on Sunday. Tony Romo will come up big in a huge spot.

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com has the Eagles 17th:

The Dream Team still has a chance. Their play against the Jets is what many expected from them all season long.

Michael Silver of Yahoo Sports has the Eagles 17th:

How tremendous did Brent Celek look against the Jets last Sunday – and is it DeSean Jackson's turn to go off against the Cowboys?

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has the Eagles 20th:

With two wins and a little help, the Dream Team could still have one more chance to underachieve on national TV.

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