The Philadelphia Eagles reached the playoffs for the first time in three years in 2013, securing their first NFC East title since 2010.
Despite making few changes to the roster, the Eagles recovered from a 4-12 record in 2012 to finish the 2013 campaign with 10 wins.
Chip Kelly's side were knocked out of the playoffs in the wildcard round, narrowly losing to the New Orleans Saints.
Sports Mole recaps the Eagles' season.
Pre-season expectations:
With little separating the Eagles' three NFC East rivals in the previous season, the Eagles were considered an outside bet to reach the post-season ahead of the start of the year. However, quarterback Michael Vick restructured his contract in order to stay with the team, while head coach Andy Reid was fired and replaced with highly-rated Oregon Ducks coach Chip Kelly.
The team lost Jeremy Maclin to a knee injury during the pre-season, while Riley Cooper was embroiled in a racism scandal, leaving the team with uncertainty of the wide receiver position.
Highlight of the season:
Nick Foles, who was promoted to starting quarterback following Vick's hamstring injury, matched the league's record for most touchdown passes in a single game during the team's 49-20 demolition of the Oakland Raiders. As well as proving that Foles was capable of leading the team, the result started a run of seven wins in eight games, which ultimately secured their place in the playoffs.
Biggest disappointment
Although losing in the playoffs would have been a bitter blow for the team, their week seven loss to divisional rivals the Dallas Cowboys was probably to hardest loss to take this season. Having already lost starting quarterback Michael Vick to injury before the game, Nick Foles was forced out with a concussion, leaving rookie Matt Barkley to run the offense. Only a fourth-quarter field goal from Alex Henery prevented Philadelphia from an embarrassing shutout against one of their fiercest rivals.
Player of the season:
Quarterback Nick Foles would have been disappointed to lose the starting role to Michael Vick during the pre-season, but he proved that he was more than capable of stepping up when the veteran injured his hamstring in week five. The Eagles went on to lose just three games after Foles came in, two of which were while the 25-year-old was concussed. Foles's 10 starts, 2,891 passing yards and 27 touchdowns were also enough to earn him his first appearance in the Pro Bowl.
Unsung hero:
Rookie tight end Zach Ertz spent the first half of the season in the shadow of Brent Celek, mainly being used as a blocker, but his workload increased as the year went on, scoring his first NFL touchdown during the win over the Raiders, before having his best performance of the season against the Arizona Cardinals, finishing the game with 68 yards and two touchdowns. Ertz may not have been among the team's leading receivers statistically, but his development throughout the season played a vital role in getting the Eagles to the playoffs. If he can continue to improve at this rate, he will surely play a big role for Philadelphia in 2014.
Off-season changes:
The Eagles are set to lose a number of players to free agency next month, including Vick, Maclin and Cooper. Maclin has already been linked with a move to the New York Jets, while Vick is expected to seek a starting role elsewhere. However, Cooper became one of Foles's favourite targets in the second half of the season, so he may be able to secure a new contract with the Eagles.
Philadelphia's general manager, Howie Roseman, has indicated that the team, who hold the 22nd overall pick in the Draft, will be cautious in the free agent market.
2014 prospects:
With Nick Foles set to have his first full season as starting quarterback, the Eagles can expect to get stronger next season. Re-signing or replacing Cooper and Maclin will be crucial to ensure that the quarterback remains surrounded by capable receivers, but they should be in the race for the NFC East title again in 2014.
Sian Cowper
