By Paul Macrie, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 
Many NFL writers and experts during the preseason had the Eagles sporting a losing record at the end of the campaign. Three games into the 2016 season, and there is reason for those August outlooks to change.
Yes, the positive results are a small sample size, but at the same time, they can't be ignored — whether you are critic or a believer. After Sunday's 34-3 demolishing of the Pittsburgh Steelers, there are several points to make why this team will "overachieve."
Through three games, rookie quarterback Carson Wentz has displayed qualities that first-year signal callers seldom do. Wentz's poise, smarts, athleticism and accuracy are all makings of a franchise QB at the NFL level. His pre-snap reads have drawn comparisons to Peyton Manning, while his post-snap play is more comparable to Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger and Andrew Luck.
Putting a comparison label on Wentz is unfair at this time, but that is the age we live in with an abundant of sports talk radio shows, television broadcasts and social media networks. Regardless of who you think Wentz reminds you of, the stats can tell part of the story.
He is seventh in the NFL in passer rating (103.8), and most importantly he hasn't committed a turnover yet. Despite average receiver play, the North Dakota State product is making all of us forget he went to an FCS school.
Defensively, Jim Schwartz's unit has made tremendous improvements from the last three seasons under Billy Davis. The personnel isn't that much different compared to 2015, but the scheme and coaching across the board is, plain and simple, better. Through three weeks, the Eagles' defense is first in points per game allowed (9.0). They are second in the league in rush yards allowed, and eighth in passing yards allowed. Short sample sizes, yes, but there was hints of this type of play during the preseason.
Several defensive players that are excelling in the return of the 4-3 scheme to Philadelphia are Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox. The duo has three sacks apiece, and are playing at All-Pro levels so far in 2016. Safety Malcolm Jenkins is making a significant impact on the defense, too.
A final reason why many critics shouldn't ignore the early results is the coaching. Head coach Doug Pederson, despite underwhelming fanfare when he was hired in January, has been impressive as a play caller and motivator. His first head coaching job at the NFL level is off to a scintillating start, thanks to a great supporting cast of assistants as well.
Pederson, along with offensive coordinator Frank Reich and quarterbacks' coach John DeFilippo are getting major credit from Wentz for his fast development in the early goings of 2016. Kudos to all of them for putting the rookie signal caller in the best position to succeed. The play calling has been great. The commitment to the run and the ability to earn the time of possession edge has been refreshing.
Also, the Eagles have returned to being one of the best screen teams in the game. Andy Reid would always know when to dial up that screen play to Brian Westbrook and the exciting running back would produce a big gain, or better yet, scamper in for a long touchdown. We have seen modest gains in the screen game so far, but it is only a matter of time before Darren Sproles or any of the other offensive weapons take one of those passes to the house.
Three games doesn't make a season, especially when there are 13 games left to play in the regular season. However, the early returns are very positive. It is probably too premature to consider the Eagles an NFC or Super Bowl contender. The much maligned NFC East is up for grabs, as always, and Philadelphia will be right in the thick of the race right to the end.
As the Eagles are in the midst of their bye week, the chatter of their 3-0 start will not be subsiding. They have the attention of the entire NFL now. The task ahead after the bye will only get more difficult. It is up to them to stand up to that challenge.
The detractors will be rooting against them every step of the way. The excuses for why they are playing well will remain. All the Eagles' players can do is ignore the noise. After a relaxing week with friends and family, next week is back to the practice field as they will look to continue to prove the preseason predictions wrong.
With a budding star at the quarterback position and a top-five defense, anything is possible in 2016. It is too early to tell if this is a mirage or how this Eagles will play moving forward, but the city and its fans are enjoying the early season ride.
