Eagles Stand Out over NFC East Rivals Cowboys And Commanders In One Key Area

It has been a long time since the NFC East has seen a repeat division winner. The division has seen four Super Bowl victories since 2004, but even with the great teams that have been assembled in this division, there hasn't been a back-to-back East winner since the Philadelphia Eagles won four consecutive titles from 2001 to 2004.

Could 2025 be the year that changes?

While the Eagles have turned the page from their Super Bowl title, they are seen as early favorites for a repeat championship, and for the division.

There's a reason for that ... outside of just their talented roster.

Philadelphia walks into training camp without any major distractions. That's the result in part of something the organization learned from the last time they were mounting a title defense.

"I think, when I look back at that moment, some of the lessons – and there were a lot of lessons – and we've talked about it (learning from them) over the course of the year," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said.

Luckily for the Eagles, while they walk into training camp without any distractions, the same cannot be said for their rivals the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders.

Washington has yet to sign wide receiver Terry McLaurin to a long-term deal. Because of that, the All-Pro has chosen to hold out from the start of camp. Dallas, meanwhile, is happy o have edge rusher Micah Parsons at camp, but hasn't given their defensive star a long-term deal, either.

Washington and Dallas choosing not to take care of their business before the start of camp creates distractions and maybe major issues in the future.

That is something that the Eagles haven't had to worry about; they have takeen care of their own well ... in some cases very proactively.

"I think from our perspective, when people understand that when they start here, they can continue and get rewarded," Roseman said. "It's incredibly important. If you do the right thing on and off the field, we're going to do what we can to keep you here.

"We're trying to draft, develop, sign."

Philadelphia's method of retaining its young players is a big reason why the team has found a way to stay in contention through the years. It's why they stand out more than any of their other division rivals heading into 2025 ... and why a repeat NFC East team is very much in play this year.