How Eagles’ Lost Possessions Have Led to Lost Games
Darius Cooper #80 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after making a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field on October 04, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
It goes without saying that the start to the 2026 season has not been a pretty one for the Eagles. In four games, the Eagles are 2-2, with both wins coming by the skin of their teeth. A lot of factors have led to these failures, including offensive stalling, defensive breakdowns, and the NFL’s premier offensive line failing to produce.
The Eagles have had just one game in which they controlled the possession time, and this came against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. This starkly contrasts with the biggest power of the Eagles from years past, who often nearly doubled their opponent’s possession time.
This issue is what strongly contributed to the Eagles’ collapse in Week 4, as they had just two drives lasting more than 1:40 throughout the last 40 minutes of the game, with both resulting in a turnover on downs.
Now, with the Eagles’ offense stalling, the defense cannot catch a break. The NFL average plays per game for a team is approximately 60. By this point in the loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, the Eagles’ defense had only allowed 17 points and forced two takeaways. For a whole game, that is an extremely strong defensive performance; however, this came with half of the fourth quarter remaining. On top of that, more than half of the touchdowns allowed by the Eagles’ defense have come after Eagles’ offensive drives that lasted less than three minutes.
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The Eagles lost their identity as a team that benefits their great defense with strong offensive performance. Now, when the offense stalls, the defense suffers. The Eagles have been stellar in the second quarter, outscoring opponents 13-4.75 on average; however, outside of that, they have been horrible, being outscored, on average, 18.5-5.75. Almost no defense can maintain strong performances when their offense scores, on average, less than two points per quarter in the first, third, and fourth quarters.
The offense losing its strength in possession has had detrimental effects on the defense.
The Eagles slowly enter games, connect in the second quarter, then halftime hits, and they collapse. If this season is going to turn around, the locker-room presence will need to step up. The Eagles suffer the most offensively fresh out of a locker-room break, and whether this is due to shaky leadership or coaching is up for debate.
Nevertheless, almost 70% of your points coming in one quarter is not sustainable, and if it does not change soon, this season will be as forgettable as the one before it.
Isaac Baranski
Isaac is a high-school senior who currently attends the Hun School of Princeton. In his free time, he has many interests, but most of all is his love for Philadelphia sports. He has watched the 76ers since the days of Sam Hinkie and hopes to watch the process be completed. He has also watched the Phillies since the days of Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and the great crew, and hopes to see Red October finally achieve its goal. Along with that, he picked up a love for the Philadelphia Union shortly before the pandemic and has seen them win multiple Supporters’ Shields in person. Lastly, and most importantly, he is a major football lover and an even bigger Eagles lover. Since developing his love for The Birds in elementary school, he has made it his goal to never miss a game.
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