Former GM doesn't believe in the Eagles ability to break a two-decade-long jinx
It's one of those statements that you have heard so often that, as soon as someone begins its utterance, the natural reaction is to join in and complete the sentence. No NFC East team has repeated as division champion since the Philadelphia Eagles captured the crown four consecutive times from 2001 until 2004.
Did you notice that? You did it again, didn't you? Don't worry. Familiar phrases and longstanding jinxes may finally be approaching their expiration date. Not only is Philadelphia expected to claim divisional superiority again. There are whispers of a deep postseason run. If those theories are correct, that also quells discussions about a Super Bowl hangover.
Much has happened since Andy Reid's reign as Eagles coach. He has since been relieved of his duties. He moved on to the Kansas City Chiefs. He has been coaching there for a dozen seasons and has won three Super Bowls. Sadly, he has done so for many of the reasons he never won one in Philadelphia.
Since the 2004-05 season, the NFC East has been most often won by the Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. Both have triumphed seven times. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders have both earned the division title three times.
Odds favor the Birds coming out on top this time around, but a former GM doesn't seem to believe the 20-year trend of alternating champions will end during the coming campaign.
Mike Tannenbaum worked for the New York Jets from 1997 to 2012, serving as assistant general manager and director of pro personnel from 2001 to 2005. He was also the general manager and senior vice president of football operations from 2006 to 2012.
Tannenbaum is the founder of The 33rd Team and an ESPN mainstay now. Recently, he appeared on the highly popular First Take. He believes the Commanders are the best bet to claim the NFC East title and offers the following as part of his defense.
"It's gonna be the Washington Commanders. You have a great young quarterback in Jayden Daniels, and they fortified the offensive line... You give me someone like Jayden Daniels with an offseason program, two really good tackles, sprinkle in Deebo Samuel, some more time with Kliff Kingsbury..."
Yes, friends, Philadelphia still receives little respect. Tannenbaum believes this is not true regarding his theory; he recognizes something special in Daniels.
"I like Philadelphia a lot. This is not an anti-Eagles position. I just think we're looking at an emerging superstar in Jayden Daniels."
Okay, let's see. That appears to be another vote from ESPN cast in favor of a 2025 Jayden Daniels takeover. Former Cowboys star Marcus Spears offered one of his own. While it's probably true that the NFC East is a two-team race between Philadelphia and Washington, we're going to hold serve and cast lots in the Eagles' direction.
Still, it should be an interesting season. The National Football Conference's eastern division will be featured on HBO's Hard Knocks: In Season with the NFC East and should provide fireworks all season.
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