Three wins in six weeks. That's what has the Eagles miraculously in first place in the NFC East.
It hasn't been close to pretty. Week in and week out, the similar struggles have been there.
But that doesn't make the Eagles a bad team.
This is a team with glaring issues on offense. But since giving up a game-winning touchdown drive in Washington in Week 4, the Eagles defense has been a well-oiled machine.
The first drive of Monday's game would have indicated otherwise. The Eagles allowed Eli Manning to charge up the field and the Giants to get the quick score to open the game.
It looked like it would be a long night for the defense and that the only way to win would be consistent offense.
The Eagles offense was anything but consistent. And yet, they won by 20.
Upgrades on defense was the focus, and the Eagles did make some. But it seems that more of the success on defense is coming from familiar faces.
DeMeco Ryans was dynamic in the first half before exiting with an injury. He had five tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery.
Connor Barwin, Vinny Curry, Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham seemed to just be in the picture on every play. The pass rush and run defense has been superb and that's without Kiko Alonso and Mychal Kendricks in the lineup.
Nolan Carroll had a huge game, coming away with an interception, returned 17 yards for a touchdown, and had seven tackles.
It was a total team effort defensively, and it has helped the Eagles establish one of the better defenses in the NFL. Following Monday's win, the Eagles defense ranks 10th in the NFL and tied for ninth in points allowed.
As they prepare to face a undefeated Carolina Panthers team on Sunday, this team has many problems to fix. Sam Bradford's struggles continued. Receivers are still having issues reeling in passes. The offensive line, while improving, still has occasional lapses in communication.
That will not help the Eagles win on Sunday.
But the defense, which is as good as it has ever been under Chip Kelly, has been helping the Eagles stay in games, overcome the struggles and win.
That kind of improvement and success is why the Eagles are in first place again following a huge win.
The questions remain on offense, but make no mistake about. The Eagles defense is here to play with the big boys. And they are succeeding.
And if the offense every becomes as good as advertised or gets clicking the way a Kelly offense can, look out NFL.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
