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Examining assumptions: Why the Eagles haven’t been as good as expected

Eagles running back Darren Sproles runs with the football with teammate offensive tackle Jason Peters against Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Dee Ford on Sunday, September 17, 2017 in Kansas City, Mo. YONG KIM / Staff Photographer

Yong Kim

Six months ago, most observers thought the Eagles would do better than 4-4 through the first half of their 2018 season. As the team comes out of its bye week on Monday and looks ahead to a daunting second-half schedule, why aren't the defending Super Bowl champions in a better position to retain their crown?

"Injuries" is a good explanation, but not a complete or satisfying one, given that the thing that made the 2017 Eagles unique among Super Bowl winners was the way they overcame seemingly devastating losses and still won it all.