Eagles Talk #2b — One Last Look: The Good, the Bad, and What's Next

🦅 Eagles Talk #2b — One Last Look: The Good, the Bad, and What's Next

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Well, here we are. Wednesday already, and I think it's time to take one last look at that Washington disaster before we turn our attention to the Giants.

We've already beaten up the offense enough. I'm not going to spend another thousand words explaining how bad it was.

We watched the game. We know! 😂

But there are a few things I still want to talk about, starting with a defense that has me scratching my head.

What Happened to This Defense?

I was looking at some statistics from Reuben Frank of NBC Sports Philadelphia, and they are downright depressing.

Last year, even during what we considered a disappointing season, the Eagles still had the fifth-ranked defense in the NFL.

This year? At the seven-game mark, they ranked 29th in yards allowed and 27th in points allowed.

And the pass rush?

Oh boy!

Frank pointed out something that really caught my attention.

Take six returning defensive players:

Jalyx Hunt, Moro Ojomo, Jordan Davis, Zack Baun, Jalen Carter, and Nolan Smith.

Here's what those six combined for:

Now, obviously, we're comparing a full season with seven games. But even allowing for that, the decline in production is remarkable.

And remember, these aren't six random guys.

They're supposed to be the foundation of this defense!

I understand injuries happen. I understand personnel changes can affect a team.

But I don't understand how virtually the same defensive core can go from one of the better units in football to this.

Is it the players? The scheme? The coaching? Have opposing teams figured out Fangio's defense?

Probably some combination of all of it.

Whatever the answer, something has gone terribly wrong.

And I have no idea how they fix it before the season ends.

The Trade Deadline Is Coming

November 10 is approaching, and I have a feeling Howie Roseman is going to be busy.

Now, before anybody gets excited, I have absolutely no inside information!

These are just my gut feelings after watching this team for a very long time.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Moro Ojomo traded. Riq Woolen is another player I think could be on the move, possibly to Detroit.

And what about Landon Dickerson?

I doubt that one happens. The financial implications of moving his contract could be pretty significant.

But who knows?

At 2–6, I think Howie has to seriously consider any trade that makes the Eagles better in 2027 and beyond.

I don't want to see a fire sale.

But I also don't want us hanging on to players simply because we hoped this season would turn out differently.

Sometimes you have to admit the train isn't going anywhere and start salvaging the parts! 🚂

What Happens to the Coaching Staff?

This is where things get interesting.

My gut tells me offensive line coach Chris Kuper could be gone after the bye week.

The offensive line has been such a disappointment that I have a hard time imagining the Eagles simply accepting what's happening.

Could Sean Mannion go with him?

Maybe. I'm less certain about that one.

And then there's Nick Sirianni.

I know he has accomplished a lot in Philadelphia, including taking us to two Super Bowls and winning one.

But I would be very surprised if he returns as head coach next year.

Again, that's just my opinion.

I suspect he'll finish the season, and then Lurie and Howie will make their decision.

Of course, I could be completely wrong. I've been wrong before!

Apparently, I thought we were going to beat Washington! 😂

What About Fangio?

This might be the most interesting question of all.

I suspect the Eagles would like Vic Fangio to return next season.

But does Vic want to come back?

He's 68 years old, has spent decades coaching football, and already has his Super Bowl ring.

Earlier this year, he indicated he expected to coach at least two more seasons.

But that was before this entire season went off the rails.

If Sirianni is gone, will Fangio want to start over with a new head coach and possibly a significantly different roster?

I would certainly welcome him back.

Despite this year's struggles, I still believe Fangio is an outstanding defensive coordinator.

But I wonder whether that decision might ultimately be his.

Looking Ahead to 2027

If the Eagles do move on from Sirianni, I know what kind of head coach I'd like to see.

Give me an offensive-minded coach who calls his own plays.

And I don't mean somebody who has simply worked with a good offense.

I want somebody who has actually called plays at the NFL level and has demonstrated that he can do it successfully.

Most importantly, I want someone who can build an offense around Jalen Hurts.

We've watched Hurts deal with offensive coordinator changes year after year.

Every new coordinator brings a different philosophy, different terminology, and different expectations.

How is a quarterback supposed to develop consistency when the offense keeps changing around him?

An offensive head coach who calls his own plays could provide some stability, even when assistants leave for other opportunities.

A name worth considering is Drew Petzing, Detroit's offensive coordinator.

And I'd certainly be interested in Shane Steichen returning to Philadelphia if he becomes available.

We already know what Steichen was able to accomplish with Hurts.

But who knows who else might be available in January?

There's no guarantee that any coaching hire will work out. We've certainly seen enough examples of that around the league.

I just want the Eagles to find somebody who can give Hurts a consistent offensive identity before we waste any more of his career.

And while we're dreaming, how about bringing Jeff Stoutland back?

I'd certainly welcome that reunion!

Finally, A Couple of Bright Spots!

Before we put Washington behind us, I want to recognize two youngsters who actually gave us something to smile about.

And there haven't been many of those lately!

Makai Lemon

Six catches for 57 yards.

Not exactly earth-shattering numbers, but I liked what I saw.

Lemon was getting open, running good routes, making defenders miss, and playing hard.

But here's something else I noticed.

The kid was blocking!

Even on running plays where he wasn't going to touch the football, he was getting involved and doing his job.

I love seeing that from a young receiver.

He's got some talent, and more importantly, he looks like he wants to play football.

Give me more of that!

Eli Stowers

Now here's a young man who caught my attention for a completely different reason.

Stowers finished with three catches for 53 yards, although 34 of those came on a pretty meaningless play toward the end of the game.

But it wasn't his receiving that impressed me.

It was his blocking!

One of the big knocks on Stowers coming out of college was that he couldn't block.

And let's face it, being a tight end in the NFL means doing more than catching passes.

Well, I watched him getting involved, engaging defenders, and showing a willingness to do the dirty work.

Was every block perfect? Of course not.

But the willingness was there, and that's where it starts.

As a former tight end myself, I appreciate that.

Sometimes the most important thing you do on a play never shows up in the statistics.

And Stowers looks like a kid who's willing to learn that part of the job.

Way to go, Eli!

These two youngsters aren't going to save the 2026 season.

But they might just give us something to look forward to in 2027.

And you know what?

After everything we've watched over the past six weeks, I'll take it!

That's enough looking backward.

Bring on the Giants!

FLY EAGLES FLY! 🦅💚

Let's Talk Football!

What happened to the Eagles defense?

Who do you think Howie will move before the deadline?

Will Fangio return? And if the Eagles make a coaching change, who would you like to see running the team next year?

Most importantly, are you as encouraged by Lemon and Stowers as I am?

Let's hear it!

Eagles Talk #2b — Finding a little hope in a season that's given us precious little to celebrate.

Sources & References

• Reuben Frank — Roob's Eagles Observations: Has Vic Fangio Lost His Magic?
• Reuben Frank — Eagles Stats as the Losing Streak Continues
• NBC Sports Philadelphia — Eagles Position Grades Against Washington

Trade predictions, coaching speculation, and player evaluations are my personal opinions, not reports of inside information.