It was another Sunday and another Eagles loss.

The more impactful damaging news was the loss of quarterback Jalen Hurts for the season with blood clots in his lungs. (According to recent reports, Hurts was dealing with the situation in a hospital the night before their game in London).

It also is becoming more apparent that the Birds could be sailing toward their worst campaigns in the past 15 years when they were 4-12 in 2012, and 4-11-1 in 2020. There were also their consecutive 7-9 seasons in 2015 and ‘16.

With Hurts lost, who knows how this plot plays out? It’s up to backup Tanner McKee, offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, and the Birds’ defense, the latter which seemingly incurs injury after injury.

Some of those issues will be addressed in this week’s version of our Eagles’ roundtable column.

Sports editor Patrick Matsinko, will be joined by venerable sports writer Rich Strack, Marian head football coach and athletic director Billy O’ Gurek, and former legendary Northwestern head football coach Bob Mitchell, who posted an overall record of 177-130-1 along with three district titles in his 28-year career.

(NOTE: These questions were answered before Hurts was lost for the season.)

Can McKee continue to develop, or should the Eagles look elsewhere?

Matsinko: “I think McKee deserves more time before the Eagles start looking elsewhere. He showed some flashes against Carolina, but it’s tough to evaluate him fairly with the offensive line struggling and the running game practically nonexistent. He’s going to have to improve, but I’d like to see what he can do with a little more help around him.”

Strack: “McKee might get better, but he’ll never make the game-on-the-line plays. If Hurts is out longer, the Eagles might still have a chance in a weak NFC East. That said, they should still look elsewhere.”

O’Gurek: “At this point, I think you have to ride with him and see what he can do in Hurts’ absence. They signed Joe Milton this week, but can he really do much better in such a short time? Unfortunately, the hype around McKee has died down, and we’ve seen he’s nothing more than a depth-QB.”

Mitchell: “I think the jury is out regarding McKee. The offensive line has been decimated, no running backs and receivers are banged up. He has started four games in his career.”

Despite the injuries, can Mannion’s offense ever get on track, or is he overmatched?

Matsinko: “I’m starting to think Mannion is overmatched. Injuries certainly haven’t helped, but this offense had problems even before guys started going down. There’s very little consistency, and the play-calling hasn’t done much to put players in position to succeed. At some point, the coaching staff has to make adjustments instead of continuing to do things that aren’t working.”

Strack: “He seemed mismatched in the first two games, but because of the injuries, many at the skill positions, no verdict can be given.”

O’Gurek:” Injuries obviously aren’t helping. They were down three starting linemen from Week One and their top three running backs. But even at full strength early in the season, the offense has been a disappointment. It’s still early, but after every performance, Mannion gets closer to being a bust to me.”

Mitchell: “I’m not sure about the OC. Six weeks is a rather short time frame. To say nothing about the situation he is in with all the injuries. Tough situation to be in as a rookie play caller.”

For the second week in a row, the Eagles’ special teams have had issues. Is it a concern?

Matsinko: “Absolutely. Special teams can sometimes get overlooked, but mistakes in that phase can completely change a game. The blocked punt against Carolina was a perfect example. When the offense is already having trouble scoring points, the Eagles can’t afford to keep giving opponents those kinds of opportunities. It’s becoming a troubling pattern.”

Strack: “Sure, special teams are a concern. And player replacements are easy to do with special teams. Practice squads are loaded with those kinds of utility players.”

O’Gurek: “It has to be at this point. I wonder how the injuries are impacting special teams. They’ve churned through many back-of-the-roster type players given the injury problems. Maybe the roster turnover is affecting the core special team players, who have been called up to play more regular snaps.”

Mitchell: “Special teams have been a concern for the past few years. You had the blocked punt and two misplayed kickoff returns Sunday. And who wants to think about last week in London! It’s a problem.”

4. Are the Eagles’ secondary and pass rush a major concern?

Matsinko: “I think both are concerns, especially with the injuries continuing to pile up. The pass rush hasn’t been consistent enough, and that puts even more pressure on the secondary. When opposing quarterbacks have time to sit back and find open receivers, it’s going to expose weaknesses in coverage. They need to find a way to generate more pressure without constantly relying on extra rushers.”

Strack: “Pass rush more so than the secondary. The injuries have really decimated the edge rusher group. Greenard was the big free agent addition and has hardly played. Jalyx Hunt was out this week, and Nolan Smith went out with a concussion. No team will be successful rushing the passer without your top-three edge rushers.”

O’Gurek: “Hubbard ran for 128 yards Sunday. If a defense can’t stop the run that opens up the play action game and a lot of pressure that falls on the D backs. Pass rush has made little difference.”

Mitchell: Of the four concerns the Secondary is the least problematic. A little less time on the field would help their performance. I hope they can iron out their problems.”

My take: “With Hurts down, McKee now has the keys. Andy Dalton was picked up by the Falcons, and there is little to offer on the free-agent market. Sunday’s game looked like a preseason game with 24 total penalties and 12 combined punts. Mannion’s hire looks like a mistake, but his cupboard is pretty bare. The offense has too many three-and-outs, and it’s taking a toll on the defense.”

Thanks to Billy O’Gurek and Bob Mitchell for sharing their thoughts this week.

However, you, too, can join us. Simply send an email to tnsports@tnonline with the title “Eagles Roundtable,” and if your email is chosen, we’ll include you in our weekly discussion! It’s that easy!

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