Iggles Blitz

by Tommy Lawlor

Excited to See

Posted September 4th, 2026 | No Comments »

The start of the 2026 season is just around the corner. We spent much of the summer talking about the roster and player development. Let’s now focus on the guys who are going to be the key players. Here is what I’m excited to see this season.

Jalen Hurts will be in the new offense. He was up and down this summer, as I expected. While there will be ups and downs in the regular season as well, I expect him to be better. He’ll have a true gameplan to work with instead of installing plays or running them for the second or third time. He’ll have a full complement of starters around him. Throwing to DeVonta Smith with Lane Johnson blocking for you is better than throwing to Hollywood Brown with Fred Johnson at RT. Hurts feels like a man on a mission. I’m excited to see how he does.

Saquon Barkley had a great summer. He was disappointing last year, for a variety of reasons. Like Hurts, Barkley seems really locked in. I think we could see a monster season from him.

DeVonta Smith gets a chance to be WR1 after the departure of AJ Brown. Smitty isn’t physically dominant, but he is a top talent. Don’t forget that he was a Top 10 pick and won the Heisman Trophy in college. He’s not exactly chopped liver. Smitty could have a big year.

This may seem a bit crazy, but I’m excited to see Johnny Mundt blocking. The Eagles TEs were bad blockers last year. Mundt is a proven veteran who will help the run game. He could be a big help when the Eagles are trying to protect a lead late in games. The defense knows you’re going to run. You have to be able to block them and win with toughness.

Speaking of blocking, it will be good to see a healthy Eagles OL in action. Landon Dickerson is the only guy with issues right now. We’re still curious to see him in game action. Will that bring out the best in him? If he struggles, Drew Kendall will be ready to step in. Kendall had a strong showing this summer, in practice and games.

Jalen Carter was a difference-maker in 2024. Injuries hurt him last season, leading to a more erratic performance. Carter is healthy, wealthy and in great shape this year. I’m excited to see him get back to being a full-time wrecking ball.

I think we’re all excited to see Jalyx Hunt this season. He was good last year and then had a great summer. Hunt was the star of the defense in camp and practices. Now we finally get to see him in action.

Jihaad Campbell is the Eagles second best LB. I know a lot of people are excited about Jeremiah Trotter Jr, but he’s not nearly as good in space/coverage and that’s a critical part of the modern game. Campbell played the run well in the preseason opener and was also good in coverage. He had a good overall summer and should be ready for a breakout season.

People spent much of the offseason trying to figure out what the Eagles would do at safety. The team stuck with Drew Mukuba and Marcus Epps as the projected starters. Both guys looked good at times last season. I’m excited to see how they do going into a full season with starting experience in the scheme. Mukuba is the playmaker and Epps is the hitter/tackler.

The Eagles knew they needed an upgrade at CB2 so they signed Riq Woolen back in March. He was great in the spring and then a bit more up and down in the summer. He finished well, making some big plays in the joint practices with NE. I’m excited to see how Woolen plays this year and how he can impact the overall defense. Fangio has a loaded defense that could be special.

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