Expectations are high for the Philadelphia Eagles every year, as they are always considered Super Bowl contenders.
Just two years ago, they won the Super Bowl over the Kansas City Chiefs, but took a big step back last year. Despite going 11-6 and winning the NFC East, losing in the Wild Card is a bad look for a team filled with talent.
The Eagles are hoping to fix that in 2026 with a repeat of 2024, but there are three scenarios that could jeopardize their Super Bowl hopes. Let's look at which ones could be the ones that end their chances at hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Saquon Barkley regresses a second straight season
Barkley went from having over 2,000 yards in 2024 to 1,140 yards in 2025, with his average yards per carry dropping from 5.8 in 2024 to 4.1 in 2025. Some of it can be chalked up to the offensive line's poor play, but Barkley didn't have the same burst and vision he had during their Super Bowl run. The Eagles can't afford to have him drop his numbers even further, or they have no chance of making a run.
Eagles' safety position holds defense back from being a top-10 unit
While many expect Andrew Mukuba to take a massive leap in Year 2, the other safety position remains the biggest concern heading into the 2026 season. It will be Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II, or someone else holding down that position as Reed Blankenship's replacement.
The Eagles' defense is a Super Bowl-caliber unit as long as the safety position doesn't hold them back. But if they struggle, nothing will change from what was seen last year: the defense is really good but not elite, as they need to be.
Read more: Sean Mannion made his feelings abundantly clear about new Eagles coach
Jalen Hurts struggles in Sean Mannion's offense in Year 1
Hurts is under a ton of pressure to succeed in 2026; if he doesn't, the Eagles could move on and bring in another quarterback. Despite being a three-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl MVP, last year was rough on Hurts as his accuracy and consistency took a dip in Kevin Patullo's offense. Patullo can't hold him back anymore as Mannion will try to unleash him in a modern style offense, but if Hurts isn't ready to thrive in Mannion's offense, his days as an Eagle are numbered, and Philly will miss the Super Bowl a second straight season.
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