How Eagles' success in 2026 relies on play of two OL returning from injury
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The Philadelphia Eagles had a rough 2025 season, as the offense just could not get much of anything working. But it wasn't just Kevin Patullo's fault.
Another massive issue for the Eagles was the banged-up offensive line. Lane Johnson missed some time, while Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens were also banged up. So now in 2026, the returning linemen are sure to play a big role.
For ESPN's Ben Solak, he believes that two linemen, Jurgens and Dickerson, will dictate how far this Eagles' offense goes in 2026. If they thrive, this team is back on track. If they struggle or get hurt again, things are going to go wrong for Philadelphia in 2026.
Eagles' success in 2026 relies on Dickerson, Jurgens
"No matter the new schemes and clever tricks of offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, the Eagles' offense was Super Bowl-caliber only when the running game was shredding behind an elite offensive line," Solak writes. "Dickerson and Jurgens must truly be healthy if we're to see that version of the Eagles again, and that makes them Philly's biggest X factor of all."
There are a lot of players and coaches, in the case of Sean Mannion, who will determine how far the Eagles' offense in 2026 will go.
Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, Lane Johnson, Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, and many others will play a huge role in the upcoming season.
But the health and ability of Jurgens and Dickerson are going to be the biggest issue; the Eagles need a positive answer for this upcoming season.
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If they struggle again, whether it's due to injuries or simply regression, the Eagles' offense is going to have a tough time moving the ball.
Saquon Barkley is great, but he needs much better run blocking than he had last season if the Eagles want him to put up truly elite numbers, like those he showed in 2024.
While Johnson is important for this Eagles offense, the interior of the offensive line has to be better. If they struggle once again, which is a real possibility after their injury-plagued 2025 season, then Philadelphia might have a real problem on their hands.
But if Dickerson and Jurgens are back to playing at a high level, even if they aren't Pro Bowlers, the Eagles offense should be back on track, and in store for a big 2026 season that could end in another Super Bowl title.
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