Thursday, October 1, 2026
79 ° Clear
79 ° Clear
The Philadelphia Eagles offense has been moving in the direction over the last few weeks. They installed more of the offense, and the growth was obvious.
The players' understanding and development are starting to show up on the field, with the offense looking more confident, more varied, and more in sync, despite the turnovers.
The Eagles ran their offense under center far more. It was not just talk during the offseason; there was action. I expect a lot more motion than has been previously used during the Sirianni era as well. The outside zone runs were evident both in practice and during pre-season games.
Saquon Barkley was more involved in the passing game. He appears fresh and hungry; I am excited for 2KSA in 2026. An uptick in receptions is an exciting part of the new offense to look forward to.
Tank Bigby has been used out of the backfield as well. I have been bullish on the role and impact that Tank can have as RB2 this season, and I am even more convinced that his snaps will increase. He has been one of the better players that has not received the shine.
Will Shipley had a really good game versus the Patriots, and I believe he locked up RB3. Unless there is an injury, it would be surprising to see an increase in snaps offensively, but there has been growth in his game, and he is a reliable weapon if they need him on the field.
Jalen Hurts has been criticized by some for the interceptions, but that is not an issue from what I have seen. They are working on implementing a new scheme, installing plays one day, then working over the next couple to get the details down. From Saturday to Wednesday, turnovers decreased and production increased. The offense has been a work in progress throughout the summer; I have seen improvement. Jalen using the middle of the field and utilizing running backs in the passing game has been exciting. The bumps in the road are pretty meaningless.
Tanner McKee and Andy Dalton battled to a draw by most estimations, and unless McKee is dealt, I still believe he is the better as QB2.
Eagles rookie QB Cole Payton had an exciting moment, like the TD to Eazy E against the Ravens, where he showed his athleticism, mobility, and escapability coupled with a nice touchdown throw while on the move. I believe he stays as QB3.
DeVonta Smith has worked out of the slot and seems comfortable creating space over the middle prior to a camp hamstring issue. He is confidently WR1, as everyone knew he would. Despite missing some time, he is ready to go for the regular season.
Makai Lemon, learning from the route master, DeVonta Smith, has an invaluable resource evident in his footwork and study habits. There might not be a better player for him to learn from. Lemon’s feet are exceptionally quick, allowing him to change direction effortlessly while maintaining balance and control. Every movement has a purpose. Does that remind you of Smitty?
Dontayvion Wicks has some juice. He has been making plays, and his hands have been reliable! His ability to create separation and come down with explosive plays could be in the plans for the Eagles offense more than many originally thought.
WR Darius Cooper has been impressing all camp. Health has been his biggest obstacle thus far in his young career. If the Eagles keep five receivers, he clearly has the edge over everyone else in the field.
Elijah Moore was very effective for the Eagles while both DeVonta and Makai were out. His release and ability to get open fast over the middle have been welcomed, and his twitchy body movements create space. Many will have him as a roster bubble, but I believe his production all summer, coupled with his ability to return punts, likely has him on the 53.
Hollywood Brown is quick and impressive. He has showcased that speed by stretching the field and creating space from the defenders covering him. He could be involved in a couple of shot plays every week. That threat is going to open up the middle of the field underneath, which the offense has been so focused on. Did he do enough to make the roster? I am not so sure. They would have to keep 6 receivers or let Elijah Moore go.
Erik Ezukanma fights for contested balls and is a physical player with play strength and speed. He needs the opportunity to show more but seems destined for the practice squad.
Britain Covey handles most of the punting duties and doesn’t seem to be challenged for the role, as of now. He could also be elevated weekly from the practice squad for a few games.
Dallas Goedert’s athleticism and hands stand out, as always. He is on a one-year deal again, and seems ready to be the leading receiver-by-tight-end on the roster. Many observed that his blocking was not up to par compared to previous seasons, but his production increased, and they added a TE with a clear role to pair with him.
Johnny Mundt, primarily known for his blocking, has made a couple of catches, including from the shotgun formation this summer. The Eagles offense has not totally abandoned that. Mundt appears to understand the offense and his role. His ability to sustain blocks in the run game could carry this offense back to 2024-level dominance.
Eli Stowers has been browbeaten for most of the summer, but I have seen a guy who stays after practice working on routes, blocking, and learning the offense. He was always going to be limited in his rookie season given the depth chart, but he should provide production on situational passing downs. Fellow Eagles second-round picks: Zach Ertz had 36 receptions for 469 yards in his rookie season and Dallas Goedert 33 for 334. Eli’s rookie year was always going to be a work in progress, and there should not be as much negativity or concern for his development.
Markel Bell has played at right tackle with the second team, and that grooming could be the tell for his long-term positional outlook. He has looked like he belongs at camp and in the preseason games. The Eagles seemed to have drafted a dominant eventual replacement for Lane Johnson.
Willie Lampkin repeatedly shows the quickness that makes him such an intriguing prospect. He gets downfield and creates space, consistently putting much larger defensive linemen on skates as he drives them back. He has shown that ability in practice and in games. He has been one of three standout backup OLs this summer. Bell and Kendall are the two others.
Drew Kendall has often worked at guard and has not only shown his versatility but also his ability to control the trenches. He showcased what he can do as a guard. His athleticism is similar to Jurgens, who filled in at RG very well for the Birds. If one of the starting guards goes down or struggles, Drew should be the first man up.
Michael Jordan had guard reps as expected. He was signed to be a valuable trench backup who can eat snaps without a large dropoff, if called upon. I am unsure whether he makes the roster given the progress of the younger OLs.
Micah Morris has the size, power, and physical approach to compete on the line. He showed a lot of physicality throughout camp and held up in pass pro better than most expected during the preseason games. His dominance in the run has been evident throughout the summer.
