Philadelphia Eagles fans are begging and praying for a miracle in the 2026 season, but it certainly doesn't look like one's coming anytime soon.
The Eagles suffered a rough 24-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4 action, marking their second loss in the last six days. Philly gained just 172 yards of offense, didn't convert a single third down on 12 attempts, and was shut out in the second half for the second straight game.
This franchise hasn't started 2-2 since the 2024 season, which ended with a 14-3 record and a Super Bowl win. Eagles fans want that, but it isn't going to happen. Not even close, as there are way too many differences between the two.
Eagles' 2026 season is too different from the 2024 team to hope for that
Let's start with the five million injuries this franchise has. Nine starters either did not play in the Eagles-Rams game or got hurt during the contest. That doesn't even include the 10 players on the injury report for Week 4 who were good to go (some of them got hurt in the game too, shocker).
Philly's biggest injuries during that 2024 run were Bryce Huff, A.J. Brown, and Jordan Mailata. Huff ended up being a bust, and Nolan Smith and Josh Sweat stepped up and replaced him well. Brown and Mailata each missed about three or four games due to injury, but that happened while the Eagles were winning, so it was fine.
Another key difference is the offensive play-caller. Kellen Moore was experienced when the Eagles brought him in during 2024, and while he struggled right away, he did a great job of adjusting his style. He wanted to make Jalen Hurts throw the football, but he knew he had to get Saquon Barkley the ball, and Barkley rushed for over 2,000 yards en route to an Offensive Player of the Year award.
Sure, Mannion kind of stopped the screen passes with rookie Makai Lemon, which is good, but this offense actually managed to get worse. This offense is averaging 18.7 points per game, while that 2024 offense averaged 21.5 points per game despite its struggles.
Lastly, though, this roster is just less talented than the Eagles' 2024 team. Sure, that Eagles team didn't have the best pass rushers either, but they had far more weapons on defense in 2024.
One key difference? C.J. Gardner-Johnson at safety. Remember, he had six interceptions and made a difference there with so many young corners and safeties, and he carried that unit. This year's safety position has mostly been a mess and inconsistent at best.
Read more: Nolan Smith Jr. at least gave Eagles fans a reason to cheer in ugly Week 4 loss
Everyone is praying that something will change with this team, but the 2026 Eagles were worse than the 2024 squad, and the schedule isn't going to get any easier. It may be time to accept that, at best, this might end like 2018, but probably prepare for the worst.
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