As the 2026 NFL season kicks off on September 5, the Philadelphia Eagles find themselves in an unfamiliar position: the middle of the pack. Recent rankings from The Ringer and NFL.com have placed the Eagles' offense at 16th overall, a far cry from the elite status they enjoyed just a few seasons ago. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, this ranking feels fair given the uncertainty surrounding a unit that has undergone significant transformation.
A Season of Change in Philadelphia
The Eagles' offense bottomed out last year under former coordinator Kevin Patullo, finishing 19th in EPA per drive and posting the fifth-highest three-and-out rate in the NFL. A combination of run blocking regression and a predictable passing game led to a wild-card exit and one of the most disappointing 11-win seasons in franchise history. Now, new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, a first-time play caller who previously coached under Matt LaFleur in Green Bay, is tasked with revitalizing the unit.
Mannion inherits an offense that must replace A.J. Brown, who was traded in the offseason. The Eagles plan to fill the void through a committee approach, featuring Dontayvion Wicks and rookie Makai Lemon. The scheme is expected to incorporate more snaps under center and more throws over the middle, asking quarterback Jalen Hurts to throw with anticipation more frequently. How well Hurts adapts to these changes will be the defining factor of the Eagles' season.
"It could be a breakout year for DeVonta Smith if things break right—and he's been elite without Brown on the field—but there may well be growing pains for the Eagles as they attempt to adjust to a new offensive scheme and face sky-high expectations." – The Ringer
Jalen Hurts: The Key to Unlocking the Offense
Jalen Hurts is entering his sixth NFL season with a new offense and new receivers, a combination that could lead to inconsistency. As highlighted on Vulius, Hurts has historically bounced back from bad games, but the cumulative changes could turn a single poor performance into a slump. The passing game was erratic during training camp, raising concerns about the team's readiness.
Despite the uncertainty, Hurts is on the cusp of several milestones. He needs just seven rushing touchdowns to pass Steve Van Buren for the franchise record and 446 rushing yards to become the seventh quarterback in NFL history to reach 4,000 career rushing yards, joining the likes of Lamar Jackson, Michael Vick, and Josh Allen. These achievements would cement his legacy, but they won't matter if the offense struggles.
Young Playmakers Ready to Step Up
The Eagles' receiving corps is undergoing a youth movement. DeVonta Smith, now the undisputed No. 1 receiver, has shown he can thrive without Brown, but he needs consistent production from the rest of the group. Rookie Makai Lemon, selected 20th overall after averaging 3.04 yards per route run in college, is competing with Dontayvion Wicks for the No. 2 role. Lemon's ability to beat out Wicks will be crucial for the offense's ceiling.
On the offensive line, Tyler Steen has emerged as a consistent force after a shaky start to his career. Offensive line coach Kuper praised Steen's camp performance, noting his power and athleticism. Steen's development could be a bright spot in an otherwise uncertain season.
Defense Remains a Bright Spot
While the offense undergoes its transition, the defense looks poised to carry the team. The cornerback trio of Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Riq Woolen has drawn preseason praise, but secondary coach Mike Pellegrino remains cautious. "Preseason expectations are great, that's nice, but let's see how we do when the ball is snapped," Pellegrino said. The defense's performance will be vital if the offense struggles early.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles open the 2026 season with Super Bowl expectations, a standard that comes with playing in Philadelphia. Sean Mannion and Jalen Hurts will be under a microscope, facing rabid fans and intense media scrutiny. The path to the playoffs is clear: the offense must find its rhythm by midseason, and the defense must remain elite. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk sees it, the Eagles are a wildcard—capable of a deep run or a disappointing finish. The next few months will reveal which version of this team shows up.
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