By: Kylan Watson
The Philadelphia Eagles faced the Washington Commanders in their opening game of the 2026-27 NFL Regular Season. Despite a sloppy game by both teams, the Eagles were able to make enough big plays and outlast Washington in a tight game 24-22 to earn their first win of the season.
Coming into this season all eyes were on the offensive unit for the Philadelphia Eagles and even though the first game of the season turns into the unofficial fourth preseason game for most teams in the NFL. Philly looked explosive in the pass game and was able to connect with Dallas Goedert for two touchdowns, and Dontayvion Wicks for one touchdown for a total of three in this game, the running game left a lot to be desired. Every time the Eagles got an explosive running play a holding penalty took it away. The offensive line needs to cut down on the foolish penalties, and when the run game was successful it was plays under center. However, it does not matter who the running back is if your offensive line cannot block anybody. Getting the O-line into rhythm should be an emphasis throughout this week for Sean Mannion and the offensive coaches.
The Eagles offense will look better as the season goes on but they cannot continue to rely on their talent to win them games and need to find a play calling balance if they want to make it back to the super bowl, they have to find a balance between the run and pass game.
Washington was the team that found their balance as they were able to use their run game to wear the Eagles defensive unit out and that opened up the short to medium passing game and they carved them up like steak pieces being cut on the grill for a cheesesteak. Combine that with multiple members of the secondary being beat on the pass by Stefon Diggs and you have a recipe for a victory for the Commanders. However, thanks to multiple miscues by the Commanders and a miss two-point conversion Philly got the victory over Washington.
Jalen Hurts (completed 14/25 passes for 203 yards and threw three touchdown passes) looked like the best player on the field today and looked extremely comfortable in this new offense, despite the O-line giving up multiple sacks in this game. He made a 20-yard scramble to get the first down in a crucial drive in the fourth quarter and set up a game clinching Dallas Goedert touchdown reception which sealed this game for Philly. We saw shades of the Jalen of old as he looked explosive using his legs and if he continues to balance using his arm and his legs like he did tonight the Eagles will be a dangerous team this season.
The Eagles will now prepare to face the Tennessee Titans and while Philly will be the more talented team on paper, anything can happen on Sundays and Sean Mannion must find the plays that will get this run game going. Philly’s offense is predicated on an efficient run game to open the passing game if that happens next Sunday then the Eagles will be able to control the time of possession and will be able to keep their defensive unit fresh and win their second game of the season.
