Now that we're at the quarter mark of the season, it's time to go inside the numbers and see where the Eagles stack up in certain areas of the game. Without further ado ...
The running game
The Eagles have started very strong in the running game, thanks to the play of second-year running back LeSean McCoy and the dynamic rushing skills of quarterback Michael Vick. As a team, the Eagles are averaging 5.5 yards per rush, which is tied with the Houston Texans for the best in the league. The Eagles' five rushing touchdowns is also tied for first. But the Eagles' total of 95 rushes is only the 20th-most attempts in the league.
Vick leads the league with his 7.2 yards-per-carry average, while McCoy comes in tied for sixth at 5.5. McCoy has also been prolific as a receiver, as his 23 catches are the second most, behind Frank Gore, among running backs.
A lot of the Eagles' success running the ball has come up the middle. Forty-five of the team's 95 rushes (47.4 percent) have gone straight up the gut (the second-highest total in the league) for an average gain of 5.93 yards (fourth-best).
Defense
On the flip side, opposing offenses have run the ball up the middle on the Eagles defense 40 times (the third-highest mark in the league) for an average gain of 5.35 yards (the 30th-best mark defensively). Overall, the Eagles have fared far better against the pass than the run. They're allowing the fifth-fewest passing yards per game (168.0) and the sixth-most rushing yards (138.8).
In terms of pass defense, there's an interesting dichotomy between the sides of the field. On passes to the offense's short left, the Eagles are allowing only 3.49 yards per play, the best mark in the league. On passes to the short right of the offense, the opposition has gained 8.4 yards per play, the highest mark in the league.
Ironmen Update
Defensive end Juqua Parker has played in 90 consecutive games, the second-highest current streak among defense ends. Defensive tackle Mike Patterson has played in 84 consecutive games, good for third among active defensive tackles.
In terms of consecutive starts, Quintin Mikell's 40-game streak is one game behind Nick Collins of the Green Bay Packers. And Trent Cole has started 66 consecutive games, good for second among defensive ends, two behind Mario Williams of the Houston Texans.
-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 6:45 p.m., October 5
