The Philadelphia Eaglesdidn't just lose to theChicago Bears on Monday Night Football. They exposed several issues that have been brewing beneath the surface through the season's first three weeks.
Some concerns are fixable. Others may require patience. All of them contributed to a disappointing 27-7 lossthat dropped Philadelphia to 2-1 and sent the Eagles home searching for answers before a Week 4 showdown with theLos Angeles Rams. Here are four critical observations from Monday night's loss.
What happened to the rushing attack after halftime?
The Eagles entered the game with a clear plan. Philadelphia leaned heavily on split-zone and outside-zone concepts against a Bears defense that has struggled to stop the run. For much of the first half, the strategy worked. Saquon Barkley consistently found
running lanes, and the Eagles appeared committed to establishing the ground game. Then it disappeared.
Barkley was stuffed on consecutive carries inside Chicago's five-yard line during the second quarter. He never seemed to get back on track after that. From there, however, the rushing attack became almost nonexistent. Barkley finished with 82 rushing yards, but 73 came in the first half.
Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba remain works in progress
The Eagles are counting on both young defenders to play meaningful roles. Unfortunately, they've had growing pains. Campbell and Mukuba have flashed their athletic ability at times, but both continue to struggle in coverage.
Campbell's numbers are particularly concerning. Over three games, opposing quarterbacks have posted a 138.9 passer rating when targeting receivers he covers.
Jihaad Campbell has allowed a 138.9 passer rating as the primary defender in coverage through three games.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrPHL) September 29, 2026
10-of-12, 128 yards, TD #Eagles
Development is rarely linear, especially at positions that demand quick processing and communication. The Eagles still believe in both players' long-term upside, but Monday night reminded them that neither is a finished product.
The Eagles made history for the wrong reason.
Some records are worth celebrating. This one isn't. Philadelphia has yet to force a turnover through its first three games, marking the first time in franchise history that has happened.
The last time the Eagles started the season with zero forced turnovers through three games was 1945.
— Tucker Bagley (@TBagleySports) September 29, 2026
However, interceptions weren't considered a turnover until the following season.
So this is the first time in Eagles history they haven't taken the ball away from their…
Vic Fangio's defense has generated pressure at times, but it hasn't produced game-changing plays. That's a dangerous formula in today's NFL, where turnovers often decide outcomes.
What do we make of Case Keenum looking this comfortable?
The Eagles knew there was a legitimate possibility they would face Case Keenum. Unfortunately, they still looked completely unprepared for what followed. Keenum looked like Caleb Williams at times and prime Jim McMahon at other times. He consistently found open receivers, diagnosed coverages, and operated the offense with surprising ease.
At various points, he looked less like a 38-year-old backup quarterback and more like a player in complete command of the game plan. That's the most troubling takeaway from Monday night.
The Bears didn't beat Philadelphia with a superstar performance from an elite quarterback. They beat the Eagles with a veteran backup making his first significant appearance in years. If the Eagles hope to contend in the NFC, they can't allow quarterbacks like Keenum (or any other quarterback) to look this comfortable, this confident, and this efficient. That's especially true, since Philadelphia's offense can't carry this team consistently.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 4 alarming developments from the Eagles’ loss to Bears
