Before they try to become the ninth team to repeat as Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles will try to accomplish another tough task.
Winning consecutive NFC East titles is so difficult it hasn't happened since the Eagles did it four straight seasons from 2001-04. It's also been 13 years since the New England Patriots were the most recent team to win back-to-back championships.
On paper, the Eagles are deeper and stronger than the squad that beat Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the Patriots 41-33 in February. Franchise quarterback Carson Wentz, nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters, playmaking linebacker Jordan Hicks and versatile running back Darren Sproles are returning from injuries that forced them to miss the playoffs.