The Philadelphia Eagles escaped Week 1 with a 24-22 win over the Washington Commanders.
It wasn't a perfect game, but the Eagles did get some nice performances on offense and defense. Surprisingly, though, there were more starters that struggled than waswho expected.
Six Eagles starters are now in the hot seat after failing to make a good first impression in 2026. For this article, 1 is the lowest on the meter, and 10 is the hottest the seat can be. Here's where each hot seat meter lands among the six starters.
Hot seat meter for Philadelphia Eagles starters after Week 1
Cooper DeJean, CB
This was arguably the worst game of DeJean's young NFL career. He allowed a passer rating of 142.1 and allowed seven receptions despite having eight tackles and a quarterback hit.
It's not the end of the world for DeJean to struggle in the first game, so he's not in trouble. Still, it's very concerning that he went from being an All-Pro talent in coverage in one game to a liability in the 2026 campaign.
Hot Seat Meter: 2
Andrew Mukuba, S
Mukuba had some nice moments laying out big hits, but he still showed signs of struggle in coverage. He finished the game with just one tackle, and Pro Football Focus only gave him a 63.7 overall grade, ranking 35th out of 75 safeties.
Mukuba is young and still developing, but the Eagles already had concerns with him and Marcus Epps starting at the safety positions. They need their young 2025 second-round pick to make the leap in 2026.
Hot Seat Meter: 3
Nolan Smith Jr., EDGE
Smith is in the same boat as DeJean, as he was able to create six pressures and six hurries, but he didn't play as well as he could. The Eagles are still seeing Smith struggle to create sacks and was a liability against the run.
It's a big year for Smith with the fifth-year option being picked up on his rookie season, so he doesn't need a slow start. He's not in danger, but he can't have more games like this.
Hot Seat Meter: 4
Cam Jurgens, C
Jurgens drew some tough penalties throughout the game as he and Landon Dickerson struggled in the middle of the line. After the game, Pro Football Focus gave Jurgens an overall grade of 60.5, ranking him 14th out of 26 centers.
Despite making the Pro Bowl the last two years, this is not the kind of start Jurgens needed. Things will need to change quickly for him if he wants to avoid losing his starting job to Drew Kendall or Willie Lampkin.
Hot Seat Meter: 6
Makai Lemon, WR
Lemon was just misused in this Eagles offense in Week 1, but he also didn't really help himself. He had three receptions for -5 yards, but did make a nice block on a long 22-yard run by Jalen Hurts, so Lemon should get some praise there.
As a first round pick, Lemon has to elevate his game. He's too good to have negative yards in his debut, so he really need to turn it up a notch in the next few weeks or the Eagles could look at Hollywood Brown getting in the lineup.
Hot Seat Meter: 8
Read more: Dontayvion Wicks' stellar Week 1 performance proved Eagles robbed Packers
Landon Dickerson, LG
Eagles fans now know that Dickerson is on IR with a knee injury, but that doesn't mean he is out of the woods. He struggled last year, and yes, he was hurt, but even in this game, he allowed four pressures and one quarterback hit, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 40.3 and ranking 136th.
Dickerson will have his chance at redemption when he returns from the injury. He will have all kinds of pressure to play well once he is back, as if Drew Kendall or Willie Lampkin play well in his absence, that will turn up the heat more on him.
Hot Seat Meter: 10
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