# Eagles' third down issues not biggest problem

> Eagles' offense struggles on first down, not third.
- Title: Eagles' third down issues not biggest problem · PhillyVoice
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: eagles, nfl, third down, sean mannion, vic fangio, darius cooper, zack baun, willie lampkin, news, local, Eagles', third
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/5-eagles-thoughts-third-down-sean-mannion-vic-fangio-scheme-personnel-formations
- Published: 2026-10-14T16:21:37.218+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: eagles, nfl, third down, sean mannion, vic fangio, darius cooper, zack baun, willie lampkin, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Eagles' third-down conversion rate isn't their biggest issue; poor first-down performance leads to more third-and-long situations.