The Philadelphia Eagles' troubles are even deeper than we knew. It was one thing when we thought the offense might be a problem, with a declining run game and an inconsistent quarterback. But now it appears the defense might not be all that good either.
What other conclusion am I supposed to draw when a Case Keenum-led offense puts up 27 points on you... in 2026! The 38-year-old third-stringer was unexpectedly thrust into his first start in three years and proceeded to light the Eagles up for 247 yards on 24-of-34 passing, with three touchdowns (one rushing). That's concerning, to say the least.
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Defense was supposed to be Philadelphia's strength this year; the unit that makes the Eagles a threat in the NFC in spite of an offense that can't be trusted.
However, there were signs in the first two games the defense wasn't quite as good as it was the last two years when it ranked top-five in points allowed.
In the opener, they allowed two fourth-quarter touchdown drives of 60-plus yards to the Commanders, who might've won if Jalen Hurts didn't squeeze in his own long drive between those scores -- or if Stefon Diggs didn't get so carried away with his celebration. The Eagles again escaped by the skin of their teeth in Week 2 when Hurts led a game-winning drive against the Titans after the defense allowed Cam Ward to drive 69 yards for a go-ahead field goal.
If anything, the team's biggest scapegoat, Hurts, had actually been one of its biggest heroes through the 2-0 start.
However, another slow start to Monday's game, including Andy Dalton's inexcusable goal-line interception after Hurts was forced into the blue tent, spiraled into a scoreless, 62-yard second half. They fell behind, and Hurts wasn't up to the task this time.
The more concerning part, though, is the defense wasn't up to the challenge either. Games like this were expected from Hurts and the offense -- especially early on as players adjust to yet another coordinator. But not the defense, which needs to be great for this team to succeed. If there was any game to show it can be that great and carry a bad offense, it was against Case Keenum in prime-time. The Eagles failed miserably.
WNBA, MLB, NHL all in action today
🏀 The WNBA playoffs continue tonight with the No. 1 overall seed Minnesota Lynx facing elimination in Game 2 of their series against the New York Liberty (8:30 p.m. ET). But first, the Indiana Fever will attempt to extend their best-of-three series against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces (6:30 p.m.)
⚾️ The MLB playoffs begin today with all four Wild Card series, including two heated division rivalries: Phillies vs. Braves (2 p.m.), White Sox vs. Astros (5 p.m.), Red Sox vs. Yankees (8 p.m.) and Cubs vs. Padres (10 p.m.).
🏒 Also, hockey returns tonight with five games to get the season started, including the champion Carolina Hurricanes against the 2025 champion Florida Panthers (5 p.m.) and the runner-up Vegas Golden Knights against the Chicago Blackhawks (10:30 p.m.)
More hockey
- Yes, the NHL season is beginning earlier than usual... because it'll also be longer after the schedule was expanded for the first time in decades.
- Mary Clarke breaks down the return of the NHL's jersey tuck rule that players have strong feelings about.
- Take a look at who's wearing the captain's "C" on their jersey for every team this season.
- On the eve of the season, the Blue Jackets and Maple Leafs swung a trade for Kirill Marchenko, and Mary has grades for how each team did in the deal.
Quick hits: J.J. McCarthy haters live on ... MSG LeBron ... and more
- FTW's NFL Week 4 power rankings see the Rams take another dip as they continue to underwhelm as a so-called Super Bowl contender.
- J.J. McCarthy is now a New York Giant, but don't expect the former first-rounder to prove the haters wrong with his new team. If anything, his Minnesota exit might mean the end of the "Nine" meme.
- Anyway, Cory Woodroof graded the deal between the Giants and Vikings.
- Broncos all-pro guard Quinn Meinerz received a convenient "random" drug test by the NFL after pancaking Aaron Donald on Sunday night.
- LeBron James said at Sixers media day he nearly joined the Knicks, but changed course for one reason.
- Ollie Gordon is one of the hottest names on the fantasy football waiver wire for Week 4.
- Ex-Mariners manager Dan Wilson announced his own firing in an awkward press conference.
- Dante Moore shared an encouraging update after his scary injury in Oregon's win over USC.
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This article originally appeared on For The Win: The Eagles losing to Case Keenum in the year of our Lord 2026 is concerning
