Eagles Defeat Commanders, 24–22: 5 Takeaways From Week 1

It wasn’t pretty but the Philadelphia Eagles held on for a 24-22 win over the Washington Commanders in Week 1. While Philadelphia’s defense was mostly lights out, there were uncharacteristic lows. The offense struggled for most of the game, yet Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts put on his Superman cape when he had to. Here are my five takeaways from Philadelphia’s victory in the regular season opener.

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Jalen Hurts!

The final box score doesn’t do any justice for Hurts’ performance against the Commanders in Week 1. In a game that felt entirely too hard for the offense (we’ll get into the main reason why in my next takeaway), Hurts was able to carry the team when he was needed the most. The former Super Bowl MVP only completed 56% of his passes, yet he averaged 8.1 yards per pass attempt.

Hurts connected on deep passes that went for 30 or more yards with three different pass catchers. He also threw three touchdown passes, split between Dallas Goedert and Dontayvion Wicks. While Hurts was able to connect on explosives through the air, he also showed flashes with his legs. After many said that Hurts was too hesitant to run last season, that wasn’t the case in Week 1.

Hurts ran seven times for 46 rushing yards, including a key 22-yard run on 3rd-and-18 on Philadelphia’s final touchdown drive of the game. While the offense mostly sputtered in the debut of first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, Hurts was able to make plays when it mattered most. It was a Superman-esque performance from an accomplished quarterback that many continue to doubt, despite all of his success.

Offensive Line Remains Offensive

When many were pointing the finger at former Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo for last season’s struggles, I was quick to point out the subpar play of the offensive line. Unfortunately, Philadelphia’s offensive line continued to be offensive in Week 1. It quickly became clear that the team’s once dominant offensive line simply isn’t the same unit anymore.

Eagles starting left guard Landon Dickerson was the biggest problem of them all. After failing to look healthy last season, Dickerson’s struggles have seemingly continued in 2026. The 27-year-old was consistently beaten by Washington’s defenders, as both a run blocker and a pass blocker. He looked far too slow and proved to be a legitimate liability as the game progressed.

Dickerson allowed five total pressures against the Commanders, including one sack, according to SūmerSports. Yet he was far from the only issue along Philadelphia’s offensive line. Each starter made a mistake at one point or another, as Jordan Mailata and Tyler Steen also each allowed one sack. It was a worrisome performance from the offensive line that they’ll hopefully learn from moving forward in a new scheme.

Defensive Front Lived up to the Hype

While Philadelphia’s offensive line underwhelmed, the team’s defensive front lived up to the hype. Many believe that the Eagles have one of the best defenses in the NFL and they were able to put that on display in Week 1. Despite running out of gas late, the Eagles limited Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels to just 4.8 yards per pass attempt and a completion percentage of 52.9%.

The Eagles were able to pressure Daniels on 14 of his 34 pass attempts, according to SūmerSports. Daniels completed just 4-of-14 pass attempts when under pressure for 41 yards. Meanwhile, he completed 14-of-20 pass attempts for 123 yards when kept clean. Eagles third-year edge rusher Jalyx Hunt led the team with four total pressures and a pressure rate of 16%.

Eagles linebacker duo of Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell also made plays throughout the game. Baun was all over the field, while Campbell recorded Philadelphia’s only sack. Yet the biggest play of the game came from Eagles interior defensive lineman Moro Ojomo, who spun off a block and shut down a shovel pass to Commanders tight end John Bates on the game-tying, two-point conversion attempt.

Too Much on Cooper Dejean’s Plate?

Eagles All-Pro slot cornerback Cooper DeJean has thrived in that role during his first two seasons in the NFL. Yet following the departure of Reed Blankenship and the arrival of Riq Woolen, DeJean has stepped in at safety in Philadelphia’s base defense this season. Yet following DeJean’s performance against the Commanders, it’s fair to wonder if he now has too much on his plate.

DeJean uncharacteristically struggled in Week 1, as the 23-year-old was consistently beat by Washington’s wide receivers, primarily across the middle of the field. He allowed seven receptions on nine targets against the Commanders. DeJean especially struggled against veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who hauled in four receptions on five targets for 55 yards and one touchdown, according to SūmerSports.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time that DeJean has struggled against a savvy veteran wide receiver. In 2024, DeJean had arguably the worst performance of his NFL career against the Carolina Panthers and then 34-year-old wide receiver Adam Thielen. Therefore, this performance could certainly just be another blip on the radar for DeJean. But it’s fair to wonder if his added responsibilities at safety are making things a bit more difficult in 2026.

Special Teams Matters Too!

After Philadelphia’s performance last season, many blamed the team’s offense. Yet Philadelphia’s special teams unit was a mess. Eagles veteran kicker Jake Elliott made 74.1% of his field goal attempts, while also missing two extra point kicks. Eagles punter Braden Mann struggled at times and the return game was an inconsistent (sometimes embarrassing) mess.

Yet that wasn’t the case for Eagles special teams coordinator Michael Clay and his unit in Week 1. Elliott made all three of his extra point kicks and nailed his only field goal attempt of the game. Mann was also able to consistently flip the field as he averaged 51.6 yards per punt and the team downed four of his seven punts inside the 20-yard line. The returners managed to field everything cleanly and actually looked like they’ve done the job before.

One of my favorite takeaways on special teams was the play of wide receiver Darius Cooper and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Both players made a legitimate case to start for the Eagles during training camp. Yet they each remain backups and realize that they’ll have to make an impact on special teams. Cooper recorded four tackles, while Trotter recorded two tackles. While they weren’t the flashiest plays, I appreciate when players embrace their roles and set the tone on special teams.