By: Kylan Watson
The Philadelphia Eagles entered the start of the 2020-2021 NFL season with faster receivers and an upgraded secondary. As they entered a pivotal divisional game against the Washington Football Team to open the new season. However, injuries and two turnovers would prove to be the difference maker in this game as Washington beat the Eagles 27-17.
The Eagles came out hot to start the first half. Carson Wentz was able to hook up with Tight Ends Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert for his first two touchdown passes of the season. He completed 24 out of 72 passes for 270 yards. The Eagles were able to take advantage of the zone defense Washington was playing.
If the game would have ended at half-time the Eagles would have won, however they had to play for another 30-minutes. In the second half the Washington Football Team’s defensive line dominated the Eagles O-line and were able to sack Wentz eight times.
The pressure they created forced Wentz to take some ill-advised throws. They were able to intercept Wentz twice. In both cases Wentz threw the ball early and the Washington secondary was able to jump the routes and flip the field.
Both times they were able to score touchdowns and that changed the game.
This game slowly became a war attrition for the Eagles as the injury bug continued to bite them just like last season. Before they even took the field, they were missing right tackle Lane Johnson who had ankle surgery, right guard Brandon Brooks who tore his Achilles, and running back Miles Sanders to a pulled hamstring.
During the game they lost defensive end Brandon Graham to a possible concussion, defensive end Vinny Curry to a pulled hamstring, and running back Boston Scott.
These missing pieces especially on the offensive line hurt the Eagles, because it showed that the Eagles really do not have much depth on the O-line.
That would be the Eagles undoing along with turnovers, and poor second half adjustments.
The Washington Football Team were the healthier and hungrier team and they got their first win of the season at the Eagles expense.
The Eagles will look to get healthier and fix the problems on the offensive line as they head into a pivotal game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, September 20, 2020.
