It looks grim in Philadelphia after Lane Johnson’s sudden retirement and the surprise trade of Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens to Baltimore. Two years after their second Super Bowl title, Eagles supporters who hoped for a triumphant follow-up are instead facing something more like a Rocky V than another Rocky IV.
With 13 games left in the season, things could get ugly. The moves make it clear, intentionally or not, that GM Howie Roseman is beginning to reset the roster — contending teams don’t typically move Pro Bowl talent in October just for future picks. The trade has already reshaped Philly’s long-term draft picture: by 2028 the Eagles are projected to hold two first-rounders and two second-rounders, with the extra second coming via the Jurgens deal.
That future-focused strategy might help down the line, but the present looks bleak. On the field, the Eagles aren’t the force that toppled the two-time defending champion Chiefs in the Super Bowl two years ago, particularly offensively. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley have slipped from their peaks, the offensive line is in disarray, and the retooled receiving group hasn’t compensated for AJ Brown’s exit.
Beyond Xs and Os, something about the team’s mentality feels off. Take Week 3 against the Bears: midway through the second quarter Hurts took a hard, penalized hit from D’Marco Jackson that drew an unnecessary-roughness flag. Instead of sparking a reaction, that sequence exposed a concerning lack of fire — only DeVonta Smith seemed visibly upset, and the club failed to respond, getting repeatedly pushed around rather than fighting back.
That night’s subdued response raises questions about leadership and culture, and naturally puts coach Nick Sirianni under scrutiny. Sirianni, like Doug Pederson before him, delivered a championship, yet there are signs his message may not be sticking. Pederson was ultimately fired three years after winning it all following a 4-11-1 season and accusations the team had tanked; Philly’s history shows success can be followed quickly by upheaval.
Roseman’s previous rebuild produced a title once before, which should comfort fans anticipating another long process. For now, though, Eagles followers might be better off spending Sundays revisiting the Rocky movies or highlights from past championship runs while Philadelphia braces for what could be the beginning of another roster overhaul.
Fan Take: This matters because moving core veterans midseason signals a franchise pivot that can reshape competitive balance and roster-building strategies across the league. If more contenders follow suit, we could see a shift toward quicker, draft-driven rebuilds and greater volatility in who remains a perennial playoff threat.
Source: www.cbssports.com
