The Philadelphia Eagles are in a deep hole after losing six straight games, and the blame lands squarely on the offensive line. This unit is falling apart, leaving the team with no way to move the ball or protect the quarterback. Per NBC Sports Philadelphia, the biggest issue starts up front where the group has lost its identity. The team was trampled over, 27-10, by the Washington Commanders on Sunday night. That loss marks the sixth defeat in a row for a squad that used to look unstoppable.
Broken Front and Missing Veterans
The numbers show a team that has lost its way since Week 3. The Eagles have been outscored 160-89 since the blowout to Chicago. They have also been outgained in total yardage by a wide margin of 2,352 to 1,463. Per PhillyVoice, the offense has gone above 300 total yards just once in the past six losses. They have only scored 20 or more points twice all season. A gimmick run play to Saquon Barkley produced the single touchdown against Washington. The rest of the game was a struggle to get out of the first quarter.
Personnel changes have torn the unit apart. Lane Johnson has retired, taking his experience with him. The starting lineup thrust Rookie Markell Bell into action before he was ready. Cam Jurgens is currently in Baltimore, adding to the chaos. A position group responsible for establishing the identity for any offense faces this considerable amount of turnover. When you add in an overhauled system and a backup quarterback, there is plenty working against the group. But circumstances can only explain so much.
Tanner McKee Has No Chance
Backup quarterback Tanner McKee is caving under constant pressure because the line cannot hold up. “Missed assignments and poor communication are leaving Tanner McKee with little chance to succeed,” according to NBC Sports Philadelphia. Jordan Mailata is at wit’s end regarding how to guide the offensive line because the situation is so bad. Jalen Hurts’ season ended due to blood clots progressing to his lungs, yet the current struggles extend further than just injuries. “Sunday night was ugly. Last Monday was ugly, too,” noted the reporting from NBC Sports Philadelphia.
The team cannot function with this level of inconsistency. The Eagles have not scored beyond the first quarter in the loss to Washington. They need to fix the line before they can fix anything else. The next game is Sunday, Nov. 8, against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. If the front five does not step up, the streak will continue.
