Eagles' new biggest threat in NFC is still not in the same league as them

Ever since the Green Bay Packers traded with the Dallas Cowboys for Micah Parsons, there is a growing feeling within the media that the Packers are the biggest threat to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC.

CBS Sports' Garrett Podell created a tier list of the top teams in the NFC, separating them into contenders and bottom teams. The Eagles and Packers were two of the four teams, along with the Los Angeles Rams and the Detroit Lions, that were in Tier 1 titled "Real-deal contenders."

"The Philadelphia Eagles' claim to being a top-tier contender is obvious: they're the reigning Super Bowl champions, and they're one of the most dominant champions in recent memory. The 2024 Eagles became the second team since the 1970 AFL/NFL merger to have the NFL's rushing champion (2024 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley with 2,005 yards) and No. 1 total defense (278.4 total yards per game allowed) along with the 1992 Dallas Cowboys, who were also Super Bowl champions. Philadelphia's entire starting lineup returns from last season, which is more than enough to offset the youth movement on defense to remain a true contender."

Should the Packers be in the same breath as the Eagles in the NFC?

Let's face it, the Packers did get better. To get a once in a generational pass rusher like Parsons for just two first round picks and Kenny Clark is a great deal. That defense did improve.

Eagles fans can be grateful to the Packers for getting the job done and making Dallas worst, but to claim they are on the same level? Hard to believe.

People forgot legit starting cornerbacks are needed to cover top receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Who will the Packers lean on for that when they don't have Jaire Alexander anymore? Green Bay had to convert a wide receiver, Bo Melton, to a cornerback just to get depth at the position. Ouch.

Not enough questions are being asked about Packers quarterback Jordan Love. Does anyone remember Love's stat line against the Eagles in the NFC Wild Card game? He completed 20 of 33 passes for 212 yards and three interceptions. Not exactly glamorous numbers for the most important game of the season for them.

The Eagles beat the Packers twice last year. People can give them their flowers all they want, but they aren't quite ready for Philly. There are other teams to focus on first, like the Washington Commanders.