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Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Reasons they’ll make the playoffs in 2018

By Carl Naimoli

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Jeffrey Lurie owner of the Philadelphia Eagles and head coach Doug Pederson celebrate their teams 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Jeffrey Lurie owner of the Philadelphia Eagles and head coach Doug Pederson celebrate their teams 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Head coach Doug Pederson and Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate their teams win over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Minnesota Vikings 38-7. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Head coach Doug Pederson and Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate their teams win over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Minnesota Vikings 38-7. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

5. Doug Pederson

Through only two years as a head coach in the NFL Doug Pederson has shown that he has what it takes to succeed in this league. Winning a Super Bowl already legitimizes him as one of the best coaches out there. And winning that Super Bowl against arguably one of the best coaches of all time, Bill Belichick, puts Pederson on another level.

His play-calling abilities are second-to-none among head coaches. For two consecutive seasons the Eagles have led the NFL in fourth down attempts. His aggressiveness has paid off when it matters most. Everyone remembers a certain fourth down play in the Super Bowl called the “Philly Special.” That play alone showed the aggressive style that Pederson employs, and how it can pay off when it matters most.

His aggressiveness is one good characteristic, but it’s his ability to adjust that’s more impressive. Last season, when MVP frontrunner Carson Wentz went down with a season ending injury in Week 15 there was no panic from the head coach. Inserted was Nick Foles, and while there were some growing pains the team never faltered.

Most NFL coaches would have sent their backup quarterback in to run the offense and hope for the best. But Pederson changed up the whole offense to suit it to Nick Foles’ skillset. He inserted a college-type offense with RPOs and quick passes to keep the defense on their toes. It paid off with the ultimate prize.

This year shouldn’t be much different for Pederson, he will still be calling the plays and there doesn’t appear to be anything stopping him and the Eagles from having great success. With Pederson is at the helm he’ll guide the Eagles to another playoff appearance this year.

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