As Mark Sanchez peppered the Panthers defense with completion after completion on Monday Night Football, the Eagles took another step towards the top of the NFC and a special season.

Despite the lack of a true franchise quarterback, LeSean McCoy's down year and DeMeco Ryan's season-ending injury, Chip Kelly's team has an opportunity to have a special season in Philadelphia.

Unlike last year, a dominant, nearly unbeatable team does not exist in the NFC. With Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer down for the season, the best team in the conference is hurting.

Beyond that? The race is on.

If Sanchez can continue to pilot Kelly's seemingly quarterback proof offense, points will appear in bunches. If an underrated pass rush continues to get after opposing passers, the defense will be good enough. If the best special teams unit in the league changes big games in December and January, it could shape the tenor of the postseason.

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With the best point differential in the NFC and a wide-open field of contenders, its time to start thinking about a sustained playoff run from the Eagles.

Agree? Disagree? Can the 2014 Eagles make a run to the Super Bowl?

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Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.