SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - The 2026 NFL season is officially underway, and the Philadelphia Eagles certainly delivered on the drama. In a hard-fought divisional matchup, the Eagles escaped a late surge to beat the Washington Commanders 24-22.
While a win is a win, highlighting the Eagles' solid Week 1 performance can boost fans' pride and excitement for the season ahead. For a full play-by-play of the action, check out this Week 1 game recap. For now, here are the three biggest takeaways as the Eagles edge out the Commanders to start the year 1-0.
1. Hurts and the New Weapons Look Sharp
Any concerns about integrating the new offensive scheme under coordinator Sean Mannion were quickly put to rest by quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts operated with precision, throwing three touchdown passes with zero interceptions. His primary target was veteran tight end Dallas Goedert, who accounted for two of those touchdowns, including a massive 43-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter. The offense also got an immediate boost from newcomer Dontayvion Wicks, who hauled in a 64-yard deep pass and scored a touchdown in his Eagles debut. If this balanced attack continues, the Eagles will be a nightmare for opposing defenses, inspiring fans with their promising talent.
2. The Defense Held Strong When It Mattered Most
While the defense showed a bit of rust and struggled at times to contain Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, they stepped up when the game was on the line. Linebacker Zack Baun was an absolute force, flying around the field to lead both teams with 12 total tackles, a tackle for loss, and two passes defended. The defining defensive moment, however, came with just over a minute remaining. After Washington scored a touchdown to pull within two points, defensive tackle Moro Ojomo blew up a shovel pass to John Bates on the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, securing the victory.
3. Special Teams Provided the Hidden Edge
In a tight divisional game, special teams can be the difference-maker, and Philadelphia dominated the third phase of the game. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter came up massive right before halftime, blocking a Washington extra-point attempt to keep the Eagles ahead 14-9. That missed point ultimately forced the Commanders into their failed two-point scenario at the end of the game. Punter Braden Mann also had an MVP-caliber performance, flipping the field and pinning the Commanders inside their own 10-yard line three separate times.
With the 1-0 start secured, fans are already looking forward to the next home matchup. If you plan to join the masses at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex,review this tailgating guide before firing up the grill.
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