The year the NFC East achieved total championship dominance
In short: In 2017, the NFL witnessed a historic shift in geographic power. The Philadelphia Eagles secured their first Super Bowl title by defeating the New England Patriots, completing a feat that left one specific division as the only one in league history where every single team has won a championship.
The 2017 season served as a landmark for the Philadelphia Eagles. By defeating the defending champions, New England, with a score of 41–33 in Super Bowl LII, they secured their fourth franchise title. This victory was significant not just for the team's trophy case, but for its impact on league geography. It solidified the NFC East as the first and currently only division where every participating team has reached the pinnacle of the sport.
The season also highlighted extreme ends of the competitive spectrum. While Philadelphia reached the summit, the Cleveland Browns endured a historic collapse, finishing with a 0–16 record. This marked only the second time since the league adopted a 16-game schedule that a team failed to win a single game, following the Detroit Lions' winless run in 2008.
Beyond the field, the league underwent structural and regulatory shifts. The salary cap rose to $167 million per team, while new rules were implemented to protect offensive lines during kicking plays—specifically prohibiting defensive players from leaping over linemen on field goal or PAT attempts. These changes, alongside a massive free agency period involving 496 eligible players, underscored a year of significant transition for the NFL.
The league also saw a notable geographic expansion in the Los Angeles area. For the first time since 1994, two teams occupied the metropolitan region simultaneously, following the San Diego Chargers' announcement to relocate. This era was defined by high-stakes movement, including major trades involving players like Brock Osweiler and various draft picks between powerhouse franchises.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2017 NFL season
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