The 2026 season could end up being a make-or-break season for a lot of the Philadelphia Eagles, so the motivation should be there to perform well.
In recent years, just because a team is motivated or has all the talent in the world doesn't mean they will play well throughout the year. The Athletic's Mike Jones is sending that warning out to Eagles fans, calling the 2026 team "overrated."
"The Eagles have ranked among the elite teams of the NFC for the last 10 years, making the playoffs nine times and winning the Super Bowl twice. Even with last season’s regression, they won the NFC East for the third time in four seasons.
But now they’re trying to re-tool on the fly, subtracting the disgruntled A.J. Brown and drafting Makai Lemon, rolling with their fourth offensive coordinator in as many years (rookie play caller Sean Mannion), and adding veterans Jonathan Greenard and Riq Woolen on defense while losing standouts Nakobe Dean and Reed Blankenship. The health of the offensive line is a concern, as is a tough late-season stretch. Although viewed as a bar-setter, the Eagles could hit a few snags this season."
Are the Eagles overrated entering a pivotal 2026 season?
The schedule does play a role in the Eagles being able to survive the season, but those were the same concerns last season. Philly ended up doing well against winning teams and finished with an 11-6 record, so the schedule can't be all of it.
On defense, losing Dean is a loss, but they are just fine with who they have. Jihaad Campbell is ready to be a full-time starter, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is overdue to get in the rotation at linebacker, with Zack Baun still the star of the position. Blankenship's loss is worse, leaving the Eagles to lean on Andrew Mukuba and Marcus Epps to step up, which could be a problem down the road.
Of course, the offense is the biggest mystery to this team because of Mannion and the new pieces added in the wide receiver room. Even the offensive line, which has been the best in the NFL for a long time, is starting to have doubt creep in, thanks in part to injuries and depth concerns.
Not mentioned by Jones but brought up by everyone is Jalen Hurts, who has had his seventh play-caller in seven years. Hurts has taken heat for his 2025 performance, leaving his future in question if this season doesn't go well for him.
Read more: Blame has been bluntly assigned if Eagles stumble in 2026
Things are not going to be perfect in 2026, but this Eagles team is too good to have another disappointing season, so the overrated label is being used too early. If they do fumble away the season, though, expect the Eagles to be a very different-looking team in 2027.
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