Can the Eagles Soar Again? Analyzing Philadelphia’s Super Bowl 2026 Repeat Potential

The echoes of confetti still swirl around Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs (a dominant 40-22 performance fueled by a stifling defense), now face the ultimate challenge: can they do it again? The Lombardi Trophy is back in Philly, but the road to Super Bowl LX in 2026 is paved with challenges. Let’s dissect the Eagles’ chances of repeating as champions.

The Championship Hangover: Navigating Offseason Changes

Super Bowl victories often bring about significant roster and coaching changes. The Eagles are no exception. While the core remains, Howie Roseman has been busy reshaping the team.

Coaching Carousel: The Eagles’ coaching staff has undergone a significant transformation. Kevin Patullo has been promoted to Offensive Coordinator, taking over play-calling duties. Parks Frazier joins as Passing Game Coordinator, bringing experience from the Miami Dolphins. Scot Loeffler, formerly the head coach at Bowling Green, will mentor Jalen Hurts as the new Quarterbacks Coach. Tyler Yelk has been promoted to defensive assistant. Other additions include Greg Austin as assistant offensive line coach, Montgomery VanGorder as offensive quality control, and Cole Peterson as assistant to the head coach.
Free Agency Departures: The Eagles bid farewell to key contributors like Josh Sweat (Cardinals), Milton Williams (Patriots), Avonte Maddox (Lions), and Kenneth Gainwell (Steelers). These departures create holes that need to be filled through free agency and the draft.
Strategic Additions: Roseman has been active in free agency, bringing in players like A.J. Dillon, Joshua Uche, Harrison Bryant, Adoree’ Jackson, and Terrace Marshall Jr. These additions aim to bolster depth and address specific needs.

The Jalen Hurts Factor: Can He Elevate His Game Further?

Jalen Hurts’ development has been instrumental to the Eagles’ success. While the team’s defense and running game were elite in their Super Bowl-winning season, some analysts point to the passing game as an area for improvement. Hurts ranked 23rd in PFF passing grade, highlighting inconsistency in the dropback game.

New Offensive Coordinator: The arrival of Kevin Patullo as offensive coordinator could unlock a new dimension in Hurts’ game. Patullo’s close relationship with Head Coach Nick Sirianni and his expected play-calling duties could lead to a more dynamic and efficient passing attack.
Weapons Galore: Hurts has a wealth of talent at his disposal, including A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert. If Brown and Smith can stay healthy, the Eagles’ receiving corps will remain a force to be reckoned with. The addition of Saquon Barkley in the backfield adds another dynamic weapon for Hurts to utilize.

Defensive Dominance: Maintaining an Elite Standard

The Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory was built on a foundation of defensive excellence. They led the league in total defense, passing defense, and defensive points allowed per game. However, with key departures along the defensive line, maintaining that level of dominance will be a challenge.

Youth Movement: With Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham no longer on the roster, the Eagles are counting on young players like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt to step up and provide a consistent pass rush. Smith showed promise in the playoffs, racking up 19 pressures and four sacks.
Drafting for Defense: The Eagles prioritized defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting linebacker Jihaad Campbell in the first round and safety Andrew Mukuba in the second round. These additions aim to bolster the linebacker corps and secondary.
Vic Fangio’s Influence: The presence of defensive mastermind Vic Fangio as a consultant should help the Eagles maintain their defensive prowess. Fangio’s scheme and play-calling expertise will be invaluable in maximizing the talent on the defensive side of the ball.

The Saquon Barkley Effect: A Game-Changer in the Backfield?

The Eagles made a splash by signing Saquon Barkley to a contract extension. Barkley, when healthy, is one of the most dynamic running backs in the league.

Dual-Threat Weapon: Barkley’s ability to run and catch the ball out of the backfield adds a new dimension to the Eagles’ offense. He can take pressure off Hurts and provide a reliable target in the passing game.
Offensive Player of the Year Potential: Some analysts believe Barkley could be a candidate for Offensive Player of the Year. If he stays healthy and performs to his potential, he could elevate the Eagles’ offense to new heights.

The Road Ahead: Navigating a Challenging NFC

The NFC is loaded with talent, making the Eagles’ path to Super Bowl LX anything but easy.

Tough Competition: The San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers are all formidable contenders in the NFC. The Eagles will need to navigate a challenging regular-season schedule and potentially face tough matchups in the playoffs.
Division Rivals: The Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants will be looking to dethrone the Eagles in the NFC East. The Eagles will need to be sharp in their division games to secure a high seed in the playoffs.

Early Super Bowl 2026 Odds

Despite the challenges, the Eagles are among the favorites to win Super Bowl LX. According to various sportsbooks, their odds range from +600 to +750, placing them near the top of the league.

Conclusion: Soaring Towards 2026?

Can the Eagles soar again? The answer is a resounding maybe. The team has the talent, coaching, and leadership to make another Super Bowl run. However, they will need to overcome challenges, including roster turnover, coaching changes, and a tough NFC landscape. The development of Jalen Hurts, the performance of the defense, and the impact of Saquon Barkley will be key factors in determining whether the Eagles can repeat as champions in 2026.