This time around, it likely hit rock bottom.

Dallas’ 38-21 victory over Philadelphia at the Linc Monday night was the Eagles’ fifth straight defeat, and it was quite distressing.

The offense was adequate but the defense arguably had a disgraceful performance being shredded for 416 yards of total offense, specifically 204 yards rushing. Dallas was ranked 30th in rushing averaging 78 yards per game, and Cowboys’ running back Javonte Williams had a career 155 yards rushing.

Eagles’ quarterback Tanner McKee had a better showing than last week, and the offensive line showed plenty of cohesiveness. Saquon Barkley had two opening game bursts - a 29-yarder and an eight-yard touchdown scamper - before he eventually left the game bothered by his hamstring and a back injury.

In this week version of our Eagles’ roundtable, Lehigh Valley Press sports editor Scott Pagel will be joined by former Northampton quarterback and Catasauqua quarterbacks coach Cooper King, former Whitehall and current Widener University running back Dalton Wickel to discuss issues surrounding the Eagles’ pass rush, McKee, Barkley, and the offensive line.

Has the lack of the Eagles’ pass rush exposed issues in the secondary?

Pagel: Yes, I feel like I’ve been saying this every week. The secondary wasn’t very good last night either, but I still believe it starts up front. That’s where the team invested money coming into this season and they were exposed against the Cowboys, who ran the ball at will while Prescott seemed to never be rushed. A pass-rush won’t fix everything but it will certainly help, and maybe keep the Eagles in games.”

King: “Yes, but the blame is shared. The Eagles recorded neither a sack or a quarterback hit against Dallas, making the secondary’s job much harder. Still, coverage problems, Woolen struggled but cannot all be excused by the lack of pressure. The front and back end are failing to help each other.”

Wickel: “Yes, I think the Eagles’ defensive line needs to bring a lot more pressure to the quarterback to make him get the ball out quick.”

Moeller: “The overall performance of the defense was disgraceful. Their defensive line was manhandled, but Cooper DeJean and Riq Woolen looked terrible. Woolen has consistently been flagged for penalties, and he should be pulled.”

Did McKee show enough that he can be the quarterback the rest of the way?

Pagel: “McKee looked better this week and it makes some sense since he was able to take all the reps heading into Week 7. I would like to see McKee play a game 1) that’s not in Week 18, 2) with a full week of preparation and 3) with healthy offensive weapons. I don’t believe that’s ever happened in his career. He missed some throws, like late in the first half, and had a bad interception that iced the game, but there were some bright spots for him and I think he can get better.”

King: “He did enough to keep starting, not enough to say the position is settled. His 23-of-35, 211-yard performance and a 17-play touchdown drive showed he can operate the offense. But one touchdown, one interception and inconsistency suggest he needs a dependable running game and protection if they want to win.”

Wickel: I think he showed some flashes of a good quarterback. But I think that Joe Milton should be the starter.”

Moeller: “McKee had a great first series and solid overall first half. He was seven-for-nine during their second-half touchdown drive. Overall, he was adequate, and the interception hurt. He’s probably the best option they have, and he should continue to develop and grow.

Can Barkley be an effective back the rest of the way?

Pagel: “Barkley looked good. Obviously it’s going to depend on his health. Given the season isn’t going very well, I fear it makes the most sense to trade him as he approaches 30 (but I think it wouldn’t make sense from a salary cap standpoint). The way he looked last night he could really help a team on a Super Bowl run.”

King: “The ability is still there, his availability is the concern. Sixty-two yards and a touchdown on seven carries showed his explosiveness hasn’t disappeared. But injuries again limited his workload, so expecting him to carry the offense every week is difficult.”

Wickel: “Yes, he can be very effective if he stays healthy. His first big run last night looked like he hurt his hamstring even more.”

Moeller: “Barkley may be coming to the end of his Eagles’ career. I believe he will be dealt at the trading deadline or possibly before it. He can still fetch a second- or third-round pick.”

Did the offensive line show signs of getting back on track?

Pagel: “I thought the O-line took a nice step forward last night. I had mentioned the other weeks about the need for them to get healthy and begin to jell as a unit. I think last night we saw that, at least a little bit. It takes time, but I do think that was one of the positives from the game.”

King: “Yes, especially in run blocking. 121 yards, and the line created more consistent openings, particularly on outside-zone runs. That’s meaningful progress, but two sacks and protection that worsened as the game continued make this a step forward, not proof the problems are fixed. Also the Cowboys run defense is one of the worst in the league so hard to say if their run blocking will compare to a more challenging front.”

Wickel: “Yes, I think they showed some good signs. With the loss of Lane Johnson, it’s going to be hard to be as productive as they once were.”

Moeller: “They looked crisp and fluid at the start, but faded a bit before the half. They rebounded with the long scoring drive. However, they began to lose the battle against the Cowboys’ D-line. If they can stay healthy, they will get better.”

Thanks to Cooper King and Dalton Wickel for sharing their thoughts this week.

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

Your thoughts are always welcomed and will be published; email them to spagel@tnonline.com