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Philadelphia Eagles: 5 players to be thankful for

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:29 p.m. ET

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Nov 13, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; NFL

Five Philadelphia Eagles players to be thankful for.

It’s Thanksgiving, which basically means it’s okay to stuff your face with food, sleep and watch football. Unfortunately, the Philadelphia Eagles aren’t playing on Turkey Day 2016, which really stinks. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be thankful for the Eagles and all of their Eagle-ness.

Without further ado, here are the five Eagles players you should be thankful for.

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) reacts to a stop against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Graham

What an incredible season Graham is having so far. In 10 games, Graham has five sacks and two forced fumbles. While those numbers aren’t necessarily elite, Graham has shined at getting to the quarterback and breaking up plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Pro Football Focus has Graham tied for the top edge defender in the NFL along with Khalil Mack of the Oakland Raiders. Without Graham, it’s fair to say the Eagles’ defense wouldn’t be nearly as effective as it’s been this season.

Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) reacts to a goal line stand against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Hicks

Hicks isn’t playing like Simba anymore. He’s playing like Mufasa’s older brother.

This season, Hicks has recorded 53 tackles, a sack and two interceptions, both of which coming in clutch situations. Hicks is quietly putting together a potential Pro Bowl season and is deservedly being recognized as one of the Eagles’ best players on defense. Hicks will be in Philadelphia for a long time if he can stay healthy and continue to play the way he has been.

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) leads his team onto the field for action against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Malcolm Jenkins

Need I say more? Jenkins is the heart and soul of the Eagles defense and may just be the best all around player on the team. Philadelphia’s secondary is questionable at best, but Jenkins has been able to step in and play just about any role the Eagles need him to, whether it be covering slot receivers running backs or tight ends. Jenkins is an All-Pro talent and with Rodney McLeod playing by his side, the Eagles could legitimately have the best safety tandem in the NFL.

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox (91) celebrates with Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (55) against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Browns, 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Fletcher Cox

This could technically be considered an “off” season by Cox, but he’s still picked up four sacks and a forced fumble in his first year back in a 4-3 alignment. Cox remains one of the NFL’s most disruptive defensive linemen and will likely receiver All-Pro honors for the third straight season.

Sep 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) reacts to his touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Carson Wentz

For the first time since the Donovan McNabb era, the Eagles finally have their long-term answer at quarterback.

Wentz has cooled down a bit since his hot start to the season, but still remains one of the top young signal-callers in the league. NFL executives are in love with Wentz and it’s not hard to see why. His patience in the pocket is elite and his arm talent is second to none. Wentz still has a long way to go before he can be considered a top quarterback in the NFL, but all signs are pointing to him becoming exactly what the Eagles were hoping he’d be when they selected him No. 2 overall in the draft.

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