Eagles defense posts historic seven-game struggle

The Philadelphia Eagles defense has recorded one of the poorest starts in franchise history. Through seven games, the unit has generated only three takeaways and eight sacks. This marks the first time an NFL team has posted such low numbers in that span. The eight sacks tie for the fewest in Eagles history since sacks became an official statistic in 1982.

The struggles have accumulated over the last several weeks. In the 2024 season, the team finished with four takeaways after seven games. That previous low has now been broken. The current defense has allowed 2,599 yards, ranking third in franchise history after seven games. Only the 2013 and 2014 teams allowed more total yardage during their starts.

The pass rush has remained silent. Three Eagles edge rushers or interior linemen have played at least 250 snaps without recording a single sack. Moro Ojomo has played 299 snaps, Jalyx Hunt 268 snaps, and Arnold Ebiketie 251 snaps. No other team has more than one player with this snap count and zero sacks. The team is on an eight-game streak of posting no more than two sacks per game.

The run defense has deteriorated sharply. The Eagles have allowed 100 rushing yards in nine straight games. This is the second time in the last 50 years the team has started a season with seven consecutive games allowing that yardage. They have given up 920 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns through seven games. The previous comparable season was 1998.

Quarterback Dak Prescott continues to dominate the Eagles. He threw three touchdown passes without an interception in Monday's game. This is his fourth career game against Philadelphia with three or more touchdowns and no interceptions. He has now beaten the Eagles 11 times, the most wins by a quarterback against them since Jim Hart. Prescott has thrown 250 passes at Lincoln Financial Field without an interception.

On the bright side, Dallas Goedert moved up in the franchise records. His five catches Monday brought his career total to 431 receptions. He passes Brian Westbrook for fourth place in Eagles history. Harold Carmichael, Zach Ertz, and Pete Retzlaff remain ahead of him. Goedert needs 22 more catches to become the 26th tight end with 500 career receptions.

Rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon recorded seven catches in Monday's game. Only two Eagles rookies have ever had more than seven catches in a single game. Lemon's 25 total catches through seven games rank eighth in franchise history. The team now prepares for its next fixture after a five-game losing streak in which they were outscored by an average of 11 points per game.

The Eagles have been outgained by 822 yards in their last five games. This is the largest negative yardage margin in a five-game span in 54 years. The team has been outscored by 62 points in the second half of games this year. That is the most second-half point deficit through seven games in the modern statistical era.