Dave Weinberg’s Mid-season Grades for the Eagles 2026 season

By DAVID WEINBERG

Eight games into a 17-game season, the Eagles are pace for one of the worst performances in recent franchise history.

Last Sunday’s 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders – their sixth straight defeat – dropped their record to 2-6 and left them in last place in the NFC East.

It marks the first time the Birds have started a season at 2-6 since 1999, when coach Andy Reid was in his first season and quarterback Donovan McNabb was a rookie.

The 1999 Eagles team wound up finishing 5-11. Judging by the recent results, this season’s version might not win another game.

Midseason grades

Quarterback: Jalen Hurts got off to an OK start, competing 89-of-154 passes (57.4 percent) for 933 yards with eight touchdowns against three interceptions. But as every fan knows, his season is over after being diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs. Tanner McKee has done little to suggest he’ll be able to handle the starting role going forward, though to be fair he hasn’t received much help from his supporting cast.

GRADE: D-minus.

Running back: Injuries have ruined this group. Saquon Barkley has shown impressive leadership while trying to play through back and hamstring issues, but he’s not been able to stay on the field for very long. Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley and Dameon Pierce are all also hurt.

GRADE: C-minus

Wide receiver/tight end: This is yet another group hurt by injuries. Their best offensive player, wide receiver DeVonta Smith, has missed four of the last five games with a hamstring injury. Dontayvion Wick has started to emerge as a nice complement to Smith, but he’s missed two straight games. Rookie Makai Lemon, their first-round draft pick, has started to show promise after a rough start. Tight end Dallas Goedert has been a non-factor in most games. Rookie Eli Stowers caught his first three passes of his career against the Commanders. Zach Ertz’s comeback has been a disappointment.

Grade: C-plus.

Offensive line: It’s been one setback after another for a unit that was supposed to be among the best in the NFL. Right tackle Lane Johnson’s retirement and the trade of guard/center Cam Jurgens created two holes. Right guard Landon Dickerson is a shadow of himself. Rookie Markel Bell is learning on the job as Johnson’s replacement. Even left tackle Jordan Mailata has been inconsistent.

GRADE: D.

Defensive line: This is another segment of the team that has fallen far short of expectations. Defensive tackles Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis have been huge disappointments. They have not stopped the run or pressured the passer. The Eagles have now allowed 100 rushing yards in all eight games, the first time that’s happened since 1968. Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith have eight of the team’s 10 total sacks. Newcomer Jonathan Greenard was hurt early in the season and has been a non-factor

Grade: F

Linebacker: Zack Baun has been the only standout. He leads the team with 58 tackles. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has supplanted Jihaad Campbell as the other starting linebacker.

GRADE: C.

Secondary: Another underwhelming group, save for outstanding cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. The Eagles have just three interceptions this season, one apiece by Mitchell, cornerback Cooper DeJean and safety Andrew Mukuba. DeJean has been among the most disappointing players this season. Riq Woolen has been the starting cornerback opposite Mitchell and has struggled. The safeties – Mukuba, Marcus Epps, Michael Carter II and Kenny Moore II – have not reminded anyone of Brian Dawkins and Quintin Mikell.

Grade: D.

Special teams: Finally a bright spot. Place-kicker Jake Elliott is 6-for-7 o field goals and 17-for-17 on extra points. Punter Braden Mann might be the best in the league. He’s averaging 47.4 yards per punt with a 41.5 net and has placed 22 punts inside the 20-yard line. Punter returner Britain Covey broke off some nice runs, but is now hurt.

GRADE: B-plus.

Coaching: Nick Sirianni, offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio have all endured rough seasons. Sirianni, known for his motivational skills, appears to be fresh out of pep talks or even strategy for that matter. Mannion, in his first season as OC, might be one-and-done. Fangio has also come up short in trying to get the defense figured out.

Grade: F.

Midseason Awards

Offensive MVP: Smith

Defensive MVP: Baun
Special teams MVP: Mann