Eagles’ 2026 Outlook: Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley Lead

Eagles’ 2026 Outlook: Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley Lead

Philadelphia Eagles Look to Reset for 2026

Eagles Offense Struggles in 2025

A season that might have been labeled a success with 11 wins and a division crown fell short for Philadelphia. The offense stalled in the middle of the year, culminating in a 19‑point Wild Card loss to San Francisco. Even with a win‑now roster, the 2025 output left the franchise searching for a clean slate. The struggles set the stage for a major overhaul heading into 2026.

The numbers tell the story of a team that ranked poorly in several key categories. Philadelphia averaged 22.3 points per game (19th), 311.2 total yards per game (24th) and ran 59.4 plays per game (24th). Their dropbacks per game were 36.1 (28th) with a dropback EPA per play of 0.09 (15th). The rushing side posted a slight negative EPA of –0.05 (13th) despite 26.3 designed rush attempts per game (13th). These rankings highlighted a stagnant attack that couldn’t capitalize on its talent.

  • Points per game: 22.3 (19th)

  • Total yards per game: 311.2 (24th)

  • Plays per game: 59.4 (24th)

  • Dropbacks per game: 36.1 (28th)

  • Dropback EPA per play: 0.09 (15th)

  • Designed rush attempts per game: 26.3 (13th)

  • Rush EPA per play: –0.05 (13th)

New OC Sean Mannion Takes Charge

After a turbulent year that saw Kellen Moore walk to become the Saints’ head coach, the Eagles promoted Kevin Patullo only to fire him mid‑season. Patullo’s tenure was marked by a dip in Jalen Hurts’ yards per attempt (down to a career‑low 7.1) and a negative shift in EPA. The locker room even introduced a “Positivity Rabbit” that lasted a single game before being removed. Philadelphia responded by bringing in Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion to redesign the passing attack.

Mannion arrives with a reputation for dialing up more varied looks, especially on under‑center and play‑action routes. The 2025 Packers ranked 12th in under‑center usage and 12th in play‑action, while the Eagles lagged behind the league average in those areas. Mannion’s background suggests he will push the Eagles away from their historically run‑heavy, low‑tempo approach. If the new system clicks, Hurts could see his efficiency rise without sacrificing the ground‑oriented floor that keeps him in QB1 territory.

Passing Game Outlook

The receiving corps will be a focal point under the fresh offensive design. Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee are listed as the primary quarterbacks, while DeVonta Smith, Hollywood Brown, Makai Lemon, Johnny Wilson, Dontayvion Wicks and Darius Cooper round out the wideout room. Smith has shown he can dominate when given a high target share, posting 34, 29 and 50 percent in three games without A.J. Brown. Lemon, a former USC slot star, brings elite down‑field drafting capital and a 15th‑ranked Power 4 target rate for passes of 20+ yards.

Wicks, who was acquired with a fifth‑ and sixth‑round swap and later extended, may lean on his familiarity with Mannion’s concepts to earn early snaps. However, competition from Lemon and Smith makes a high target share for Wicks unlikely. Goedert remains on a one‑year deal after a dip in efficiency, while rookie Eli Stowers, a Vanderbilt production machine, could carve out a receiving niche and further limit Goedert’s volume.

Running Game Realities

Saquon Barkley’s 2025 campaign marked a steep decline, with his yards per carry dropping after a record‑setting prior season. The Eagles’ run‑blocking slide—falling from a ninth‑best win rate to 16th—forced Barkley into more hits behind the line, where he averaged just .9 yards per carry. In contrast, Tank Bigsby, a mid‑season trade acquisition, posted a 5.9‑yard per carry average on a limited volume and ranked third in yards after contact among backs with 50+ attempts. Will Shipley remains a specialty back for passing situations but is too fragile for regular fantasy consideration.

Injuries to Lane Johnson (Lisfranc) and Landon Dickerson (knee) further hampered an offensive line that was already trending downward in run‑blocking metrics. With the line expected to heal and a new OC potentially improving play‑calling, Barkley’s floor could be protected while his upside rides on any overall offensive resurgence. The backfield lacks depth beyond Barkley, making Bigsby the sole handcuff despite a lack of standalone value.

Denver Broncos v Las Vegas Raiders – NFL 2025

2026 Win Total Projection

DraftKings sets the Eagles’ over/under at 10.5, with the consensus leaning toward the under at -140. The roster has shed several contributors in free agency and drafted mostly for future value, indicating a short‑term sacrifice for long‑term construction. A.J. Brown’s departure has not been fully offset by rookie Makai Lemon, and the rest of the draft class is not projected to become immediate starters. Given the mix of roster changes and the offensive overhaul still in its infancy, the numbers favor a modest 2026 campaign.

The Eagles’ front office, led by Howie Roseman, appears willing to accept a lower win total now in exchange for building a more sustainable core. If the new offensive concepts under Mannion begin to click, the team could exceed expectations, but the current market price reflects a cautious outlook. Taking the under at -140 presents value for those who trust the front office’s rebuilding timeline.

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