Sports

Eager Eagles have raised the bar in Chip Kelly's first season in Philadelphia

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin, left, and defensive tackle Bennie Logan bring down Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris during an NFL football game in Philadelphia, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/The News-Journal, Andre L. Smith) NO SALES (The Associated Press)

Philadelphia Eagles' Brent Celek fights for the extra yard during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Philadelphia, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/The News-Journal, Andre L. Smith) NO SALES (The Associated Press)

For a team that was supposed to be rebuilding this season, the Philadelphia Eagles have raised expectations.

A three-game winning streak that vaulted the Eagles (6-5) into first place in the NFC East at their bye has everyone thinking playoffs in Philadelphia. Fans now expect the team to complete their worst-to-first journey, win the division title and already are looking ahead to first-round opponents.

Not so fast.

"Just because we're in first place right now doesn't mean that we're automatically in the playoffs," linebacker DeMeco Ryans said. "We still have a lot of work to do and we're not going to let that allow us to relax as a team. If anything, we are just going to push to get better."

The Eagles return from their bye with consecutive home games.