Good again, not elite

Kempski's bottom line before the openers: Philadelphia bounces back from a disappointing 2025, but this is not a juggernaut.

“The Eagles will be good again in 2026. But probably not elite.”

The run game comes back

After finishing 17th in rushing yards per game and 24th in yards per attempt in 2025, the ground game should climb back toward its 2024 form.

Everything starts on the ground

The broken run game was the first domino in 2025, and the passing game fell with it. Run the ball and the offense is fine. Don't, and no scheme saves it.

“If the Eagles can run the ball this season, the offense will be fine.”

Why the run fixes itself

A healthier offensive line with real depth, an explosive-looking Saquon Barkley in camp, and a Jalen Hurts who should welcome more designed quarterback runs.

The passing game will wobble

Sean Mannion's offense runs on timing and precision: matched run and pass looks, exact route pacing, Hurts working play action with his back to the defense.

“Run plays must look like pass plays and vice versa.”

Camp absences cost them

DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon missed most of training camp, so expect choppy stretches and possessions where nobody is on the same page.

But real upgrades arrive

Faster to the line, far less predictable, better route concepts, receivers schemed open instead of winning contested iso balls, and plays that set up later plays.

A top three defense

The roster is loaded, with continuity and a legendary coordinator in Vic Fangio. This unit should be among the league's three best.

“That is an extremely talented group... They're going to be great.”

Best trenches, best corners

Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo may be the NFL's top interior line trio. Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and Riq Woolen may be its best cornerback group.

Depth at every level

Zack Baun is a top linebacker with Jihaad Campbell rising. Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith and Jonathan Greenard give the edge punch. Andrew Mukuba steadies a once-weak safety room.

The rookie class disappoints

Howie Roseman was overdue for a draft clunker after a generational run. Three of eight picks, all seventh rounders, did not even make the roster.

“Howie Roseman was on a generational half-decade heater in the draft, and was due for a clunker.”

Top picks are not ready

Second-rounder Eli Stowers did nothing as a receiver or blocker in camp and projects as TE5. First-rounder Makai Lemon lost camp to a hamstring and did not impress when healthy.

One rookie who can play

Third-round tackle Markel Bell is the only rookie ready for real snaps, and he may not even be the first lineman off the bench.

Five breakout candidates

Right guard Tyler Steen heading into a contract year, safety Andrew Mukuba, linebacker Jihaad Campbell, interior lineman Drew Kendall and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.

Three going next level

DeVonta Smith becomes the target hog and focal point, Jalyx Hunt has star pass rush upside, and Moro Ojomo keeps improving at just 25.

A deadline trade is coming

Roseman sat out cutdown day while other teams dealt. Expect a significant move by the deadline, most likely for a wide receiver.

“His hands have to be shaking.”

The Tush Push fight returns

Nobody bothered to ban it this offseason because the Eagles ran it badly in 2025. Make it work again and the league tries again in 2027.

Three-peat in the East

Washington is trash, the Giants are still far off, and Dallas went 7-10 with a minus 40 point differential and a historically bad defense that will still be bottom half.

“Put me down for an Eagles NFC East three-peat.”

11-6 and out in round two

Good enough to win a playoff game and maybe make noise, but the divisional round feels like the ceiling.

The pattern says otherwise

Under Nick Sirianni it has been all or nothing: wild card exits in 2021, 2023 and 2025, Super Bowl trips in 2022 and 2024. Follow that rhythm and 2026 is a Super Bowl year.

“So, we'll see.”