Eagles Defeat Titans, 24–20: 5 Takeaways From Week 2

The Philadelphia Eagles rallied on the road to escape with a 24-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. While the Eagles certainly won’t win any style points for how they defeated the Titans, it was an odd week around the NFL. Several favorites around the league were upset, yet the Eagles held on for their second victory of the regular season. Here are my five takeaways from Philadelphia’s roller coaster of a win down in Tennessee on Sunday.

Jalen Hurts Played Quarterback

Prior to Sunday’s game, Titans All-Pro interior defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons stated that the team’s defense wanted to make Hurts “play quarterback.” Well fast forward to Sunday afternoon and Hurts did exactly that. While he wasn’t perfect, Hurts was money when it mattered most, as he consistently bailed the Eagles out of tough situations on third down and fourth down.

The box score watchers will likely point to the two interceptions that Hurts threw in Tennessee. Yet the first one was a phenomenal play by Titans safety Amani Hooker and the second one wasn’t totally his fault, as he was hit by Simmons as he tried to deliver a deep pass. Regardless of the turnovers, it was promising to see Hurts respond when it mattered most, especially given the circumstances.

Philadelphia’s offense was without starting running back Saquon Barkley and starting tight end Dallas Goedert for most of the game. The scorching hot weather in Nashville didn’t help, with player’s cleats literally melting on the reportedly 150 degree field. It was a unique situation that called for Hurts to put his cape on once again — which he did. Hurts completed 6-of-8 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown pass on the game-winning drive that ultimately lifted the Eagles to victory on the road.

Offensive Line Must Stick Together

Following a worrisome performance by the offensive line in Week 1, the Eagles placed starting left guard Landon Dickerson on injured reserve. It appeared to be a step in the right direction as Dickerson clearly wasn’t right. Philadelphia opted to make two changes along the offensive line in Week 2, as Cam Jurgens shifted over to left guard and Drew Kendall stepped in at center.

The change proved to be a bit too drastic against Tennessee’s defensive front. Hurts was consistently under duress and Philadelphia’s rushing attack was non-existent, as running backs averaged 2.8 yards per carry. The offensive line was called for three penalties and seemingly couldn’t get out of their own way. Philadelphia’s early down offense struggled to get anything going in Tennessee.

Maybe I’m crazy but the Eagles need to stick with the same starting offensive line moving forward. They can’t afford to consistently shuffle things around each week and need to let this group grow together. Continuity is key and swapping Jurgens and Kendall around or benching one of them for Willie Lampkin isn’t the answer, in my opinion. Not every team has an All-Pro like Simmons along the interior and this group could benefit from playing against a weaker defensive front like the Chicago Bears in Week 3.

Eagles Have a Top WR Duo (Again)

When the Eagles traded All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, many called the team crazy. Who was going to replace Brown and help DeVonta Smith form one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL? Well through the first two weeks of the regular season, the Eagles apparently got their answer to that question rather quickly in Dontayvion Wicks.

The 25-year-old wide receiver has quickly asserted himself as one of Hurts’ go-to targets in 2026. Wicks hauled in five of his six targets for 74 yards against the Titans on Sunday. All five of Wicks’ receptions were for a first down. When Wicks wasn’t on the field, as he was limited to just 28 snaps on passing downs, his absence was apparent as the passing game suffered mightily.

Through the first two weeks of the regular season, only two teams have two wide receivers with at least 140 receiving yards or more each. The Eagles (Smith and Wicks) and the Carolina Panthers (Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan). While many were quick to question Philadelphia’s decision to part with Brown, those same questions should be aimed at the Green Bay Packers and their decision to part with Wicks.

Missed Tackles Remain an Issue

After Philadelphia’s defense missed eight tackles against the Washington Commanders in Week 1, it was easy to blame their struggles on rust due to not playing during the preseason. Yet the team’s tackling issues were an even bigger problem against the Titans. Philadelphia’s defense missed 12 tackles in Week 2, according to Pro Football Focus.

After missing two tackles each last week, Moro Ojomo and Jalen Carter combined for three missed tackles against the Titans. Philadelphia’s safety duo also struggled, as Andrew Mukuba and Marcus Epps were each credited with three missed tackles. It was an embarrassing effort from Philadelphia’s defense that has normally been a sound unit under the watch of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

It’s Time for the Axe Man Jr.

Another concerning aspect of Philadelphia’s defense against the Titans was the play of second-year inside linebacker Jihaad Campbell. The 22-year-old was out of position in coverage far too often and seemed uncertain when attacking downhill against the run. He was consistently targeted by Titans quarterback Cam Ward, as he allowed four receptions on four targets for 52 yards. Campbell has already allowed 100 receiving yards through the first two games.

One of the main reasons why Campbell won the starting job over third-year inside linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was his size and ability in coverage. Yet following his struggles early on in the regular season, it could be time for Fangio to make a change. While he may not bench Campbell, the Eagles should consider bringing in Trotter over Epps and utilizing more base defense on early downs to help against the run.