Lockdown

The Philadelphia Eagles are solidifying themselves as Super Bowl contenders on the heels of eight straight wins.

On the latest episode of “Q&A” on “Inside The Birds,” former Eagles standouts Jason Avant and Quintin Mikell discussed the biggest takeaway’s from the team’s 24-19 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

GETTY IMAGES: The Philadelphia Eagles secondary has had standout performances in recent weeks.

Secondary

Quintin Mikell: “The understanding of where you need to be, understanding of route concepts, understanding of the Ravens offense was phenomenal this game. Guys getting in the passing lane, dropping where they needed to drop. When the checkdown’s there, you have three or four guys flying up making sure there is no extra yardage.”

Jason Avant: “They didn’t have Darius Slay, [but] you didn’t even notice it. Isaiah Rodgers came in and did a great job. They lose Reed Blankenship, Tristin McCollum comes in and makes a play on a fourth down, they lost Quinyon (Mitchell) for a few plays. These guys are coming off the bench and ready to go. It seems like they are doing a great job of coaching these guys up.”

Jalyx Hunt

Mikell: “This dude is an athlete. He is bringing it every single play. It is very difficult for a rookie to come in and be able to do the things he has been doing, playing special teams at a high level and playing at a high level [on defense]. He is a jewel, a diamond in the rough.”

Avant: “He set the edge extremely well. He was able to keep his pass rush despite being chipped and kept the pocket condensed.”

Jalen Hurts

Mikell: “If he’s going to throw over the middle, he’s most comfortable where it’s some type of play action where you can move those linebackers and now you have wider, more open lanes for him to throw. When he goes straight dropback game, I don’t think he’s as comfortable throwing over.”

Avant: “We’re so consistent with the run, that it makes the linebackers come up so you have the play action…it gave an easy, clear view for the quarterback. He struggles looking over the line.”

Saquon Barkley

Avant: “The Eagles never having an MVP helps his case. This team is always good and they have never had an MVP. It also helps his case that they are a game behind Detroit, so he is going to get carries. Even if Detroit loses, they are still going to have to continue to win in order to get the number one seed. Him winning the MVP is a legit shot.”

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.