Monday Night Football is serving up a Week 3 clash with two high-profile teams, and for the Philadelphia Eagles, snagging that second win against the Chicago Bears is suddenly looking like a tougher climb than expected. While their big stars like Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and a potentially hobbled Saquon Barkley will be under the primetime lights, some Eagles players just outside the spotlight are flashing rough early season grades that could spell major trouble.
The Tight End Hole Is Wider Than It Looks
With Dallas Goedert out of the picture and Zach Ertz just 11 catches shy of the franchise record, the Eagles are facing a real depth issue at tight end. That means Johnny Mundt has to step up, especially since Philly loves those multiple-tight-end formations. Mundt’s been valued for his willingness to do the dirty work, particularly as a blocker, but Week 2 definitely wasn’t his finest moment. Pro Football Focus slammed him with a 41.6 offensive grade, including a 75.3 pass-blocking grade but a weak 43.9 run-blocking grade. The pass protection has been solid, sure, but Philly needs him to make his presence felt with more consistency in run blocking to establish that ground game and keep their preferred offensive structure humming.
Back-End Blunders Against a Tricky Offense
Safety Marcus Epps was one of the most heavily criticized Eagles after that Week 2 heart-stopper against Tennessee, and the numbers absolutely back it up. PFF hit him with a brutal 44.9 overall grade, the lowest among all Philadelphia players, plus a 26.3 tackling grade, 46.4 against the run, and 52.2 in coverage. It’s not a death sentence after one game, but against Ben Johnson’s offense, which can put safeties in tough spots with formations and motion, it creates an obvious opportunity for Chicago. Epps doesn’t need to suddenly become a defensive star on Monday night. He just needs to cut out the mistakes and provide the dependable play this team needs from its secondary.
The $68 Million O-Lineman Who Needs to Settle In
Philadelphia invested heavily in Cam Jurgens with a four-year, $68 million contract extension in April 2025, but they aren’t seeing the return they’d like this season. Jurgens has earned a miserable 35.6 overall PFF grade through two games, with a 43.9 run-blocking grade and an even worse 21.9 pass-blocking grade. He allowed three pressures, including a sack, against Tennessee as the offensive line adjusted its configuration. Jurgens has already moved to left guard, and this Monday night is another massive test. Chicago has serious talent up front, and they’re capable of exposing any lingering communication or protection issues Jurgens might have.
The Eagles are chasing that crucial second win of the campaign, while a Bears loss would drop Chicago to a sub-.500 record at 1-2. If these three players can’t clean up their act and start performing, it could be a long night for Philly and a big win for Chicago. All eyes are on them to see if they can finally step up when it matters most on Monday Night Football.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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