Darren Sproles will likely miss next week’s game against the Cardinals due to a leg injury. Credit: Getty Images
It’s been a week without Eagles football. Lets hope it doesn’t happen again until the bye week prior to the Super Bowl.
With 10 games (four preseason) games in the rear-view mirror and 10 more left to play, the Eagles are in good shape at 5-1. Philadelphia is historically a very good team after a bye week so Cardinals beware.
Here’s a look at the top performers in the first half of the year.
Team MVP: Jason Peters
It’s not the sexiest of picks for Team MVP, but he has anchored an at times depleted offensive line and sparked the Eagles’ comeback win over the Redskins with his defense of Nick Foles.
Best defensive player: Connor Barwin
It’s a bit of “what have you done for me lately” on defense, with Connor Barwin and his six sacks (all in the last three games) leading a defensive line that strikes horror in the Birds’ opposition.
Best offensive player: Jeremy Maclin
Based on production, Maclin is an easy pick. With LeSean McCoy having a down year (by his standards) offensively, Maclin has been the go-to guy for Nick Foles to the tune of 445 yards on 27 catches and four touchdowns. He has certainly bounced back from last year’s injury.
Best newcomer: Darren Sproles
With a lot of question marks following the Eagles’ offense this year, Sproles has done everything. From returning punts for a touchdown, catching passes and running between the tackles.
Rookie of the Year:Jordan Matthews
With a lot of question marks following the Eagles’ receiving corps coming into the year, Jordan Matthews has been a solid slot option for Foles and has caught two TD passes.
Most improved player: Vinny Curry
Curry, like teammate Barwin has accumulated a lot of sacks lately; four in the Eagles last three games (his total from all of 2013). He also had a big forced fumble against the Rams.
Least valuable player: Cary Williams
Williams’ has verbally caused a rift in the Eagles locker room (when he criticized Chip Kelly’s practices). He also causes a rift on the field when he gets beat deep as part of a sluggish secondary.
