Last season, the Eagles started off 3-1. They proceeded to lose eight of their next 10 games, en route to a 7-9 season. The 2017 club is now 4-1, tied for the best record in the NFC, with its lone loss to an undefeated Chiefs team. Two good starts in consecutive seasons, so what's to make us believe that 2017 won't end in flames the way 2016 did?

Carson Wentz
Wentz's numbers are solid in his sophomore season, ranking in the top 10 in passing yards, touchdowns and quarterback rating. And his third-down conversions are off the charts (see Roob's stats). He's completed 37 of 52 passes (71 percent) with six touchdowns and one interception for a passer rating of 137.8. Wentz's growth from Year 1 to Year 2 cannot simply be measured by metrics. Wentz is a leader in every sense of the word. He's first in and last out of the building, and that is not lost on his teammates. They want to play for him. You also see his development in the things he doesn't do. Like throwing ill-advised interceptions or challenging a linebacker in the open field to gain two more yards. He's smarter because of experience, and that bodes well as we head down the stretch.

Doug Pederson
Head coaches can be stubborn creatures, and Pederson certainly had his moments in his rookie season and into the early portion of the 2017 campaign. But since the Chiefs loss, we've seen a coach much more willing to adapt and be balanced (see story). The result: three straight wins, less heat on his quarterback and an offensive line that has rediscovered its mojo. The fact he played at the NFL level gives him a built-in cachet with his players. And unlike his predecessor, Chip Kelly, he has a good feel for when to take his foot off the pedal during the week in practice with his veteran players.

Lane Johnson
It's no secret Johnson's 10-game suspension was a crushing blow last year. Because of a concussion, Johnson's status is up in the air for the Panthers game, but his presence in the early going and having him for the long haul is a major boost for this team.

Depth
Nowhere has the Eagles' depth shone through greater than on the defensive side of the ball. From a deep and talented rotation along the front four to having rookies or free agents that can step in when players go down in the secondary, the front office has given Jim Schwartz more tools. The Eagles are 4-1 despite missing No. 1 corner Ronald Darby most of the season and Fletcher Cox the last two weeks. This unit will only improve as it gets troops back.

NFC Least
Let's be honest, the division isn't what we thought it would be. The Giants haven't won a game and resemble a MASH unit. I think Ben McAdoo's mustache is day to day at this point. The Cowboys are not getting the production out of Ezekiel Elliott they did his rookie year. He's averaging less than four yards per carry. After a Week 6 bye and a Week 7 game vs. the 49ers, their next four games see them go to Washington, home against the Chiefs, at Atlanta, then in Jerry World against the Eagles. Not easy by any stretch. Washington is still a bit of a mystery, but the Birds beat the Redskins in their barn and are 2-0 in division and 3-0 in conference. Better team and weaker competition should make the road to avoiding last year's collapse much easier.