5 Philadelphia Eagles Exceeding Expectations in 2011

The Eagles went down to Miami Sunday afternoon and gave everyone a glimpse of what this team was supposed to look like this season in a 26-10 win over the Dolphins.

The defense looked like a unit that could win a game on its own and the offense looked like it could do whatever it wanted whenever it wanted to do it.

Yes, it did come against the lowly Dolphins. But it didn't seem like this team could play that well against anyone, anywhere.

In the win, several players continued their unexpectedly good 2011 campaign.

LeSean McCoy

No one thought LeSean McCoy would contend for the NFL rushing title and break several franchise records along the way.

But that's what McCoy is doing this year.

Following Sunday's games, McCoy trails Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew by 50 yards for the league lead in rushing yards.

He is also one rushing touchdown shy of tying the franchise's single-season record for rushing touchdowns in a year (15) and total touchdowns in a year (18). Hall of Famer Steve Van Buren has held both records since 1945.

With three games left in the season it seems like a formality for McCoy to take down the records.

And given the ineptitude of Jacksonville's offense, McCoy could certainly catch MJD by the end of the season.

For those wondering, Wilbert Montgomery holds the franchise record for rushing yards in a season with 1,512 set in 1979.

Jason Peters

Jason Peters was supposed to be the best left tackle in the game.

At least that's what everyone was told back in 2009 when the Eagles traded some draft picks to the Buffalo Bills for the disgruntled lineman.

Peters was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first two years with the Eagles, but it almost felt like he earned the distinction based on reputation instead of merit.

This year everyone is starting to see Peters as one of the best tackles in the NFL and they are realizing how effective his skill set is for this team.

He gets out well on screen passes, which opens up plays for LeSean McCoy and he also shuts down the defensive end he lines up against, which gives Vick added protection and McCoy the ability to run the ball well to the left side of the line.

Brian Rolle

Most NFL teams wanted Brian Rolle to play safety according to an article on NaplesNews.com.

At 5'10", he's an undersized linebacker. But who is shocked by the Eagles going after an undersized defensive player?

The surprise has come in Rolle's ability to make plays against the run and pass with his biggest highlight coming on Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears.

In that game Rolle scored his first touchdown on a 22-yard fumble return.

It's tough to say if Rolle is a long-term solution at linebacker. But right now, the sixth-round draft pick out of Ohio State, is filling the void pretty well.

Brent Celek

Brent Celek ended the 2009 season with 76 catches for 971 yards and eight touchdowns.

He was an emerging, young talent ready to become one of the most reliable targets for the Eagles. Things went downhill in 2010 as Celek only caught 42 passes for 511 yards and four touchdowns.

Part of the problem was the ineffective play of the offensive line. Celek was asked to help out with blocking and as a result saw fewer targets.

2011 seems like it was going to be even worse as the O-line's plays was inconsistent and Celek was a non-factor in the passing game.

Through the first six games of the season Celek caught 13 passes 115 yards and one touchdown.

Following the bye week Celek got involved and the offense has improved as well.

Over the last seven games Celek has caught 36 passes for 402 yards and a touchdown. He's starting to show everyone his 2009 season wasn't a fluke and that he can be another weapon for an already explosive offense.

Danny Watkins

Wasn't Danny Watkins supposed to go belly up when the Eagles benched the rookie out of Baylor and signed Kyle DeVan a week before the season opener?

It was pretty clear the Eagles doubted him and the fans could tell Watkins was overwhelmed and not ready for life in the NFL.

In a press conference Andy Reid openly admitted Watkins' transition to the NFL was difficult.

"There were three things I mentioned to you: he moved right from college to the NFL, that's tough," Reid said. "He moved from tackle to guard, that's tough. He moved from the left side to the right side, and that's tough."

He's steadily made progress throughout the year since he got his first start against the Bills back in early October.

How can fans at home tell Watkins is making progress?

You don't hear his name mentioned during the broadcast. During the preseason all we saw was Watkins look like Raggedy Ann against everyone he faced. Now, he looks like a reliable guard who will provide stability at the position for several years.