Thursday, October 1, 2026
73 ° Clear
73 ° Clear
The Eagles head into the season with the same defensive coordinator, who recently said he is “good for another two years”, which is music to fans' ears. But the offense will have a new play-caller and a much different look in 2026.
Who will be the beneficiaries of a new scheme on offense? And for a defense that is ready to unleash more complexity and trust on its starters, who has a breakout year?
Jalen Hurts
Everything still runs through Hurts. If he plays at an MVP-caliber level, the Eagles are legitimate Super Bowl favorites. Unleashing Hurts with under-center concepts and creative play-action looks, while also utilizing the middle of the field, should prove to be mutually beneficial to him and the new offensive coordinator. Hurts has proven to be at his best when he is playing under perceived pressure. He will again, despite not feeling that pressure as much as most believe.
Saquon Barkley
When Barkley is explosive, every skill position player on the offense becomes more dangerous. His ability, coupled with the offensive line, to control games on the ground changes the way opposing defenses defend the Eagles. He is determined to get back to his 2024 playmaking ability, and I would not put it past him to achieve it. He is as hungry as ever as he enters year nine.
DeVonta Smith
Another obvious candidate offensively, but not without merit. Smitty has been a WR1 all of his career, since college and before, and now he may have the targets and numbers to quiet the doubters. His route-running and efficiency have already proven he can dominate when being featured. Smith has the skill set and chemistry with Jalen Hurts to put up strong production in 2026.
Zack Baun recently stated how Vic Fangio is unleashing more of the defense this season. That is a scary thought for offenses in the NFL, and a testament to how much more Philly's DC believes they can achieve.
Jalen Carter
Carter has the talent to become the most dominant interior defender in football. If he wrecks pockets consistently, the Eagles defense reaches another level. Philadelphia is looking for him to become a leader, a team captain, and a decade-long force for their franchise. He has been working out relentlessly this offseason. Will this be the year he becomes one of the NFL's best players?
Quinyon Mitchell
Q does not have a single interception during the regular season, but he does have 3 in the postseason; I think he bests that total in 2026. In his second year, he has already been an All-Pro and a player that QBs avoid. He may be tested more in 2026, as the newly signed Riq Woolen will be working across from him. Opposing QBs will not have any easy throws downfield and will be forced to throw into tight coverage. Mitchell should be the beneficiary.
Jonathan Greenard
His speed and energy flash every week, and if he becomes a double-digit-sack player in addition to his disruptive pressures, the Eagles suddenly have the edge in presence that changes games and dictates how far a team can go in the postseason. Working opposite Greenard will likely be Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith. Both of whom have a lot to prove and will demand attention in their own right. Whenever JG has one-on-ones, he is going to punish the lineman. I would expect to see Jonathan in opposing backfields early and often.
Jalyx Hunt
Speaking of Jalyx Hunt, a guy who led the team in both sacks and interceptions a year ago, having a higher plateau to reach sounds crazy. But that is exactly what he is looking to do. The formula that the Philadelphia defense has been built on should set him up perfectly. A heavy rotation designed to keep the pass rushers fresh and hungry. Another pass rusher with double-digit sack potential in addition to heavy havoc every snap.
As always, thank you for reading!
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