Bleacher Report Reveals 1 Reason Eagles Fans Should Have Hope for 2026 Season

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton revealed the one reason Philadelphia Eagles fans should have hope for the 2026 season. 

Here is what he said: "New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion will carry over play-design concepts from Sean McVay and Matt LaFleur, whose offenses emphasize the ground game—a promising sign for Saquon Barkley behind a high-level offensive line."

The Birds won the NFC East last season. However, Jalen Hurts and Co. lost to the San Francisco 49ers at home in the wild-card round.

The Eagles traded A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots this offseason. Sean Mannion is the new OC, replacing Kevin Patullo. He's a former NFL QB, so he's bonded well with Hurts.

A talented runner and thrower, Hurts finished the 2025 season with 3,224 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 421 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He completed 64.8% of his passes.

The Eagles signed Hurts to a five-year, $255 million extension in April 2023. However, there is little guaranteed money left on Hurts' deal after the 2026 season.

Hurts enters this season with 17,891 passing yards, 110 passing touchdowns, 3,554 rushing yards and 63 rushing touchdowns in his career. He's made the Pro Bowl three times and won Super Bowl LIX MVP against the Kansas City Chiefs.

If Hurts plays well in 2026, the Eagles will make the playoffs again and contend for a Super Bowl. However, if the QB struggles in Mannion's system, Philadelphia will crumble and Hurts may get traded next offseason. 

The Eagles open the 2026 season at home against the Washington Commanders. All eyes will be on Hurts and Mannion to see how they do in their first real game together. 

Hurts could become the third quarterback with at least 75 career rushing touchdowns this season, per ESPN. The QB has 63 rushing TDs. He would join Josh Allen (79) and Cam Newton (75) as the only signal-callers to reach 75.

Last season, Hurts had a career low since becoming the full-time starter in rushing attempts (105), yards (421) and touchdowns (eight). But he looked faster this summer when breaking from the pocket and executing designed runs.

Barkley had 1,140 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns in 2025. The three-time Pro Bowler put up 2,005 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns in his first season with the Eagles in 2024.

Since 2024, Barkley ranks second in 100-plus-yard rushing games (14) behind Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry (17). Barkley helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs in his first season with the Birds. 

It will be fascinating to see how Philadelphia's offense performs under Mannion's play-calling. Barkley looked like the best player in the NFL during the 2024 season. He came back down to earth in 2025 in Patullo's system.