From PhillyVoice · · 2m
Eagles' third down issues not biggest problem
Eagles' offense struggles on first down, not third.
In brief
Eagles' offense struggles on first down, not third. Eagles' third-down conversion rate isn't their biggest issue; poor first-down performance leads to more third-and-long situations. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Eagles' early crossroads
Five weeks into a 2026 season with Super Bowl aspirations, the Eagles face a critical decision after beating the Panthers.
Third down isn't their biggest issue
The Eagles' third-down conversion rate is 22nd in the NFL, but their first-down offense is worse, leading to more third-and-long situations.
First-down struggles
The Eagles have the NFL's fewest total yards on first down, with 87.8 yards in Week 1.
Third-and-long problem
The Eagles are in 3rd-and-long 37 times, sixth-most in the NFL, including 10 times in Week 2 and 10 against the Jags in Week 5.
Third-down conversion rate
The Eagles' third-down conversion rate is 27 percent on 3rd-and-long, ranking in the NFL's upper half.
New offensive scheme
Sean Mannion tried to reduce predictability by passing from under center 40 percent of the time in the last game against the Jaguars.
Pass success rate
The Eagles' pass success rate from under center against the Jaguars jumped 10 percentage points from their season average.
Zack Baun's role
Vic Fangio turned to Zack Baun as the fourth rusher in SIM pressures, with a pass-rush win rate of 27.3 percent.
Darius Cooper's performance
Darius Cooper caught 62 yards in a touchdown with four receptions despite only 13 targets and seven catches.
Willie Lampkin's start
Willie Lampkin played left guard in his first start, showing improvement against Jacksonville's pressure schemes.
Eagles' injury concerns
Jalyx Hunt is out for the week, and Jonathan Greenard is still battling injuries and lack of conditioning.
Fangio's blitz strategy
Vic Fangio increased blitz rate to 27.3 percent against the Panthers, higher than his season average of 20 percent.
Eagles' offensive outlook
The Eagles' offense may improve with better first-down performance and reduced predictability.
What happens next
The Eagles face a critical three-game stretch against NFC East teams before the bye week.
What it means
Eagles' third-down conversion rate isn't their biggest issue; poor first-down performance leads to more third-and-long situations.
