The 2017 Eagles are the second coming of the 2015 Panthers

History is often predictive of future success, though few would have forecast the Philadelphia Eagles steamrolling their competition to the tune of an NFL-best 10-1 record.

The Eagles are practically and philosophically emulating a juggernaut of yesteryear in the 2015 Carolina Panthers; both teams were written off as afterthoughts prior to their rise, had MVP-caliber quarterbacks who broke out of nowhere, and offered charismatic celebrations that elevated otherwise dull seasons.

To recap: the 2015 Panthers weren't considered genuine contenders, finishing 7-8-1 the previous year, while head coach Ron Rivera's risk aversion was a major topic of referendum. Many derided Cam Newton as a merely entertaining player incapable of winning at the professional level, despite a marvelous end to his college career which culminated in the Heisman Trophy and a national title. However, the 2015 Panthers emerged as surprise juggernauts; Rivera began gambling successfully on third and fourth downs at a nearly unmatched rate, and Newton became arguably the league's best and most captivating player. Carolina ultimately fell short in the Super Bowl but provided a lasting blueprint for teams to emulate.

In many regards, Carson Wentz shares similarities with Newton, although their games are dissimilar. Wentz, selected second overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, was criticized for his poor performances as his rookie year wore on, prompting some to believe the Eagles made a mistake. It's now clear he merely needed to acclimate to the professional game as he's not only proven to be the Eagles quarterback of the future, but is also a leading candidate to become the first MVP in franchise history since Norm Van Brocklin in 1960. Wentz has thrown 28 touchdowns, three interceptions, and hurled his critics into the lake. No one saw it coming, but it's easy to envision him cleaning up at the awards show while steering the Eagles into the Super Bowl this winter.

Prior to Sunday's game, the Eagles led the NFL with 32 points per game, bettering the 2015 Panthers' league-best mark of 31.3. Although both teams were lauded for their scorching offenses, each club quietly established themselves as elite defensive units. Carolina led the league with 24 interceptions, finished sixth with 44 sacks, and flummoxed teams in both the running and passing game with standout linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis.

The Eagles have built a similar blueprint, ranking second in the NFL with 14 interceptions and tied for fifth in sacks with 29 prior to Sunday's game. Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham have been dominant and are the engineers of the league's most underrated front seven, while Malcolm Jenkins, Patrick Robinson, and Ronald Darby have somehow jelled into one of the league's most potent secondaries. The Eagles don't have a flashy name like Seattle's Legion of Boom or Denver's No Fly Zone, but make no mistake - they're turning heads as the season races toward its conclusion.

Amid seasons littered by suspensions, legal battles, and other controversies, the Panthers and Eagles emerged as the league's most fun teams. Newton's patented dab added some flavor while irking some of their more conservative constituents, and the QB also orchestrated team photos.

Taking full advantage of relaxed celebration rules, the Eagles appear to be spiritual soulmates, with Alshon Jeffery bowling a strike, while posing for team photos of their own:

No one saw the 2015 Panthers or 2017 Eagles coming, but both emerged as the class of their conferences. Philadelphia could go one better than Carolina and finish off its opponent in the Super Bowl, which would cement its place in history.

In any event, the Eagles are a fun, top-tier club that emerged out of nowhere, aided by a breakout season from their MVP-worthy quarterback - history is often predictive and if it proves true, they could be in for a magical ride.