Fans probably knew how big a priority the kick and punt units were already; in fact, before the contract extensions came up, this was going to be a story about the Birds' kickoff return unit, which is averaging an NFL-best 33.7 yards per return, 6.2 yards better than the second-best team, Miami. The Eagles are tied for third in punt returns, averaging 14.1 yards, and they lead the league in starting field position after kickoffs (29.8) and opponent starting field position after kickoffs (22.5). Thirteen of the 18 kickoffs the Birds have returned have gone 20-plus yards, the highest rate of such returns in the league.