Eagles' 2-5 Record Exposes Structural Failures in Roster Construction
Philadelphia's collapse to its first losing season under Nick Sirianni stems from specific personnel errors and the loss of AJ Brown.
By Madison Lewis ·
The Philadelphia Eagles are 2-5, a record that signals a historic decline for a franchise that lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy less than two years ago. That 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in early 2025 marked the peak of an era that now appears to have ended abruptly. The team finished the 2025 season with a loss in the NFC wild-card round and is now facing its first losing campaign since Nick Sirianni took over as head coach.
General Manager Howie Roseman faces the sharpest criticism for his offensive personnel decisions. He is credited with building two championship rosters, yet he failed to establish a proper succession plan for Lane Johnson or to pair Saquon Barkley with a reliable backup running back. Roseman attempted a data-driven approach to replace star wide receiver AJ Brown, trading for the former Tennessee Titan in 2022. The strategy backfired after Brown was traded to New England, and the replacement package, which included first-round pick Makai Lemon, has not yet produced the desired impact.
Head coach Nick Sirianni shares the burden of accountability for the offensive stagnation. Following the departure of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to the New Orleans Saints, Sirianni hired two inexperienced coordinators in succession. Kevin Patullo, who had never served as an NFL offensive coordinator, guided the unit through a regressive 2025 season. Sirianni then appointed Sean Mannion, also a first-time NFL coordinator, for the 2026 campaign. While the offense shows slight improvement, it remains unproven against top-tier defenses.
Injuries have compounded these structural issues, particularly for quarterback Jalen Hurts. The team’s handling of Hurts’ medical situation drew scrutiny, though the NFL has not issued a penalty. Hurts’ absence, combined with a hamstring injury for Barkley, has forced the Eagles to rely on a backup quarterback. Barkley played in Monday night’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys before being shelved in the second half, a recurring concern given his history of wear and tear after his 2,000-yard season.
The loss of key players in free agency further weakened the roster. The Eagles retained wide receiver DeVonta Smith and linebacker Zack Baun but lost pass rusher Josh Sweat and defensive lineman Milton Williams. These departures stripped the team of the depth that powered its previous success. The absence of Brown has left a void in the receiving corps that new players have struggled to fill. Even when Hurts was healthy early in the season, the offense underperformed, indicating that the gap left by Brown’s trade remains the central problem.
The Eagles’ situation reflects the parity of the NFL, where successful teams often struggle to sustain momentum. The team’s inability to adapt to the loss of its core offensive weapons has left it vulnerable. With the season progressing, the roster built by Roseman and Sirianni has not demonstrated the resilience needed to overcome adversity. The current record stands as a definitive marker of the team’s current state.
