The Eagles survived – again. This time, instead of holding on for dear life as they did in their opener against Washington, the Eagles came from behind in the final minutes to pull out a gutsy win at Tennessee, with their quarterback leading the way. With the Eagles 2-0, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and Mike Sielski examine Jalen Hurts’ promising performance through two games, and dig into the uneven play of the defense.
00:00 A version of Jalen Hurts “we’ve never seen”
16:05 Giving offensive coordinator Sean Mannion the benefit of the doubt
21:50 The Eagles’ defense hasn’t delivered as advertised
30:35 Revisionist history: Nakobe Dean
unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Jalen Hurts tossed two costly interceptions. The first was returned 92 yards and converted into a touchdown, while the second came late in the fourth quarter and allowed the Titans to take a 20-17 lead.
And yet, Hurts wasn’t asked a single question about the picks postgame. His performance in rallying the Eagles past Tennessee, 24-20, in nearly every other moment, including a masterful two-minute drive, far overshadowed his two throwing errors.
But there was something unique about Hurts carrying the offense at the scorching Nissan Stadium on Sunday. He’s strapped the Eagles onto his back before. He’s had better games against better opponents when the stakes were much higher. He’s been clutch on many previous occasions.
Video: Jalen Hurts lauds the Eagles’ perseverance after win over Titans
No, this was a different Hurts. This was the 2.0 version. This was Hurts evolving as a quarterback in a new scheme that gives him more freedom as a passer. We saw glimpses of it in Week 1 vs. the Washington Commanders. He took another step in Week 2.
If the narrative entering this season was that the 28-year-old faced a make-it-or-break-it tipping point, after another offensive coordinator change and a seemingly unresolved contract situation, Hurts has shown through two weeks that he’s making it.
He’s been that instrumental in the Eagles’ 2-0 start despite the schematic hiccups and struggles on the offensive line.
“I don’t even think words can describe how much you’ve got to manage as a quarterback in this league from a responsibility standpoint, and the weight that comes with the position and the responsibility,” Hurts said when asked about his calm amid an otherwise stormy offensive day.
“Ultimately, you gotta keep the main thing the main thing throughout that. You gotta keep your poise and keep your focus.”
An early injury to Saquon Barkley was one more thing Jalen Hurts was forced to overcome on Sunday. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Third down after third down, Hurts and his receivers bailed out the early-down malaise. The Eagles have long needed an offense that establishes the run game. Hurts’ limitations as a dropback passer have partially made that necessary, but it’s also been a byproduct of coach Nick Sirianni’s conservatism.
The Eagles just might not have the pieces to be a run-based unit this season. There were likely to be some early bumps with the new wide-zone blocking scheme. But for as much as Sean Mannion needs the outside-zone runs to set up play action, he can’t keep calling early-down runs or quasi-runs that are passes that fail.
The Eagles have been wretched on first down. They averaged just 0.9 yards in the first game of the season. They were a little better in the second, but the running backs managed just 2.7 yards on 15 first-down rushes vs. the Titans.
The Eagles shuffled the O-line after Landon Dickerson went to injured reserve last week, moving Cam Jurgens to the vacant left guard spot and inserting Drew Kendall at center. There were going to be miscues with Jurgens having never played guard on that side, especially with Jeffery Simmons lining up over him.
But Mannion kept calling runs even if they often were away from the All-Pro defensive tackle.
“It’s more to do with execution, but then also you know the moving pieces that we had in,” tackle Jordan Mailata said about the run-blocking issues. “This is our first game together as the starting five for us. And I’ve always emphasized the continuity of having the same O-line guys.”
Sirianni wouldn’t divulge whether he’ll stick with the same configuration, but keeping the same core for at least the next three games — or more, depending upon Dickerson’s health — seems likely.
Cam Jurgens (51) and the offensive line has been slow to adjust to the Sean Mannion scheme. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
“I’m a soldier,” Jurgens said. “I march to my orders, and whatever I’m asked to do, I’m going to do it to my best abilities.”
There were other missing parts. Running back Saquon Barkley left early with a stinger (although he returned), while tight end Dallas Goedert was sidelined with a knee injury. Sirianni said he wouldn’t grade on a curve because of the new faces and scheme changes.
“We want to be able to run it more efficiently,” Sirianni said. “I haven’t seen any of the numbers, but everything comes off of the run and the play action. And so, the guys battled though. That’s what you’re so proud of there. … But there’s definitely room for improvement, as we all know.
The pass protection wasn’t much better, although when the O-line needed to stand tall on the last drive, Hurts mostly had enough time in the pocket. But getting sacked three times, hit an additional three times, and having to Houdini out of pressure isn’t likely sustainable.
According to the advanced analytics site Sumer Sports, the Eagles have the largest difference in early-down offensive success rate vs. late-down offensive success rate to start a season since 2022, with an early-down success rate of 31.5% in the third percentile, and a late-down rate of 60.6% in the 96th percentile.
Hurts kept facing long third downs and kept hitting receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks downfield. He converted nine third downs of more than 4 yards, three of which were third-and-12.
Jalen Hurts helped facilitate a big day for DeVonta Smith (6) and completed passes to nine different targets on Sunday. David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
But both his interceptions also came on third-and-longs. He kept bouncing back.
“Jalen’s able to flush it and lead us down the field in a critical situation,” Sirianni said. “Just proud of the way he played and the way he had his resolve, but that’s who he is, right? That doesn’t surprise me. He’s that on a daily basis.”
Whether it’s by design or not, Sirianni has had to entrust his 28-year-old quarterback with more responsibility, and that may require accepting a few more interceptions than either has become accustomed to.
If the Kyle Shanahan-type parts of Mannion’s under center, play-action scheme haven’t yet taken hold, the implementation of more full progression reads has. Hurts completed passes to nine receivers for only the fourth time in his NFL career, and the first since 2022.
He got late into his reads on several throws, including the game-winning 3-yard touchdown toss to Darius Cooper. Earlier, he found Cooper for a 23-yard gain when the receiver was beyond his first two reads.
“I think it’s just a byproduct of our approach in our offense,” Hurts said. “I’ve really embraced and enjoyed the teaching progression and how things are taught.”
Hurts has heard the noise about his not being able to diagnose defenses, dating back to his second season when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers said as much in an Eagles wild-card playoff loss. Simmons said the Titans wanted to make Hurts “play quarterback” in the lead-up to the game.
“I heard it,” Hurts said.
He let his play do the talking, though.
“I’m happy we won,” Hurts said when asked for a response.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni (left) and assistant to the head coach Cole Peterson (right) dance off the field after beating the Tennessee Titans 24-20 in Nashville, Tenn. on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles head coach Nick Sirianni celebrates after the Eagles beat the Tennessee Titans.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley after throwing the game-winning touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles wide receiver Darius Cooper catches the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper catches a touchdown with 9 seconds left in the fourth quarter.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni celebrates after they beat the Tennessee Titans.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerHappy Philadelphia Eagles fans after the Eagles scored a touchdown with seconds left in the fourth quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens lifts up Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper after Cooper makes the winning touchdown with seconds left in the fourth quarter. David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles fan holds up a Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith jersey with seconds left in the fourth quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts throws the football late in the fourth quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter gets help coming off the field in the fourth quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles fan is sweating it out with the Eagles trailing 20-17 in the fourth quarter.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon gets stopped by Tennessee Titans cornerback Marcus Harris.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches first down pass against Tennessee Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen defends Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate with 12:50 left in the fourth quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts scrambles out of trouble and throws an incomplete pass with 8 seconds left in the third quarter.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Johnny Mundt is brought down by Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton in the third quarter.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni while the Tennessee Titans are driving in the third quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun stop Tennessee Titans running back Nicholas Singleton in the third quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley pushed out of bounds by Tennessee Titans linebacker Cedric Gray in the third quarter.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith hauls in a pass, but it was incomplete during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott watches his long field goal in the third quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley running with the ball in the third quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles defensive tackle Ty Robinson (left) and Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (right) try to block a field goal as time runs out in the first half against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tenn.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun brings down Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor after Titans’ drive to the end zone late in the second quarter.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith celebrates a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley runs along the sideline with Tennessee Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor defending.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles fans cheer as the Eagles drive towards the end zone.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles head of security Big Dom DiSandro stops Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts as he is running out of bounds so he doesn’t hurt himself in the second quarter.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby runs with the football during the second quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby celebrate Bigsby’s touchdown in the second quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks gets a first-down catch passed Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton and Tennessee Titans linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. in the first quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerTennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker intercepts the ball from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in the first quarter and runs it just short of the end zone.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith gets a first down pass with Tennessee Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor defending in the first quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey returns the first punt of the game, defended by Tennessee Titans safety Erick Hallett, in the first quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles fans get ready for the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Hurts can still do the athletic and mobile things that separate him from many other quarterbacks. He ran twice on designed runs, scrambled two times for 11 yards, and used his lower-body strength to convert on the return of the Tush Push.
But he’s quieted some doubts about how he would adapt to the biggest scheme change of his NFL career, and about how last season ended. In Week 1, he hit Goedert for a touchdown on a four verticals concept similar to the fateful last play in the playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers. In Week 2, he bested the opposing defensive coordinator in that game — Titans coach Robert Saleh.
It’s early, of course. If the problems on Chris Kuper’s O-line are going to be waved away with the same reason, then Hurts’ strong start should be taken with a grain of salt. The same could be said about the climate — both teams had to suffer through it — even if Eagles players were melting through cleats.
“Was like a NASCAR pit crew helping me get ready for the second half,” said Jurgens, who said he went through two pairs.
It may be another Eagles victory, with agony and outside voices thrilled to complain about it. But Hurts knows better. The work was done. The task at hand remains.
“We’re still progressing,” Hurts said. “Think there’s a lot for us to continue to improve on, to align toward. But you want to do that and find ways to win.”
He’s done that as much as any quarterback over the last five seasons. But he may have to shoulder more than he ever has before.
NASHVILLE — Instant grades on the Eagles’ performance in their 24-20 win over the Tennessee Titans:
Quarterback – B+
Jalen Hurts was excellent. Yeah, he tossed two bad interceptions. But good far outweighed the bad and Hurts ultimately drove the Eagles to victory with his two-minute, touchdown scoring drive. He threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns on 26 of 37 passing. Hurts also had some key moments on the ground. He did all of this despite the schematic and execution issues with the offensive line.
Aside from the interception, Hurts was nearly flawless in the first half. He kept bailing the offense out on third-and-longs and converted five first-downs of four yards or more. He also did it with his legs once, running for a first down on third-and-4. Hurts has a 7-yard scramble that set up a fourth-and-2 he would subsequently convert with a throw to Wicks.
Video: Jalen Hurts lauds the Eagles’ perseverance after win over Titans
Hurts looked comfortable in the pocket despite some pressure. He hooked up with Wicks for a 27-yard pass over the middle with a rusher in his face, and later got the ball out to Wicks for a 15-yard gain on third-and-12 — just before Simmons hit him. His 22-yard touchdown pass to Smith before the break came on second-and-19.
There was the costly interception on third-and-goal, of course. The pass to Smith was undercut by safety Amani Hooker, who went 92 yards the other way. The Titans converted the turnover into a touchdown.
Saquon Barkley left on the first play when he suffered a stinger. He returned to the sideline after a brief stay in the locker room, but didn’t play until the second half. Barkley caught an 11-yard swing pass on third-and-5. As a rusher, he finished with just nine yards on four carries.
With Barkley out for most of the first half, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley shouldered the load in the backfield. They ran hard and had some nice moments, but the blocking up front was mostly porous. The duo rushed 17 times for a combined 51 yards (3.0 average) before the break.
Tank Bigsby (8) found the end zone in relief of an injured Saquon Barkley. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Bigsby kept churning on a 9-yard carry down to the 2-yard line early in the second quarter, and went into the end zone on the next play for the Eagles’ first touchdown. He slipped and lost two yards on his first carry of the second half.
Shipley got the nod on the Eagles’ last drive. He helped pick up the blitz on Hurts’ 20-yard throw to Wicks.
Video: Gameday Central: Initial reaction to the Eagles’ comeback win vs. Titans
Receiver / Tight end — A-
Receiver DeVonta Smith did all could do. He made one tough catch after another and led the Eagles with 10 catches for 117 yards. He caught a 22-yard touchdown on a corner route in the second quarter. Smith converted an early third down on an 8-yard slant. He also had a key lead block on Hurts’ third-down conversion on the ground in the second quarter. He made a difficult toe-dragging grab near the sideline and then a 19-yard snag down to the 3-yard line on the final drive.
Dontayvion Wicks was just as reliable when targeted. He caught a 27-yard pass over the middle on third and 12 on the Eagles’ first drive. Wicks converted fourth down with a 5-yard catch in the second quarter. He finished with five receptions for 74 yards, but left late with an injury. Rookie Makai Lemon is still finding his NFL legs.On his first career first down, he pulled in a 14-yard grab on third down late in the first quarter. Another screen pass, though, resulted in Lemon getting dropped for a loss in the second quarter. He had nowhere to go.
Dontayvion Wicks continued to add value for the Eagles passing game. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Darius Cooper made the game-winning touchdown catch when he went up for Hurts’ lob and kept both feet inbounds. Earlier in the fourth quarter, he got open and picked up 23 yards.
Tight end Dallas Goedert got upended while run blocking in the second quarter and didn’t return because of the knee injury. Johnny Mundt had more receiving responsibility with Goedert out. He drew an illegal use of the hands penalty in the second quarter. Mundt seemed to miss his assignment on an outside zone run that netted few yards just before the half. He held on a Hollywood Brown end around in the fourth quarter.
After not playing a snap in the first game, Brown was featured at times on offense. He ran nine yards on a sweep play in the second quarter.
To some surprise, the Eagles made changes at two spots when they only needed to replace Landon Dickerson. They moved Cam Jurgens to left guard and started Drew Kendall at center. It was often ugly. But it was another shaky outing from new O-line coach Chris Kuper’s entire group. The run blocking just wasn’t sound. The pass protection was only a little better.
There was the matter of containing Jeffery Simmons. The All pro defensive tackle owned Kendall on the Eagles’ opening drive and forced Hurts to burn a throw into the ground. Kendall appeared to miss a block. The second-year O-lineman had a tough assignment, but it was a grind.
Drew Kendall (66) and the Eagles offensive line had its struggles on Sunday. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Jurgens struggled vs. Simmons and others. He got spun around by the defensive tackle on a run play in which Bigsby was stretched out for no gain. Jurgens also got knocked off balance by Titans D-tackle John Franklin-Myers in the second quarter. He was a turnstile on edge Jacob Martin’s third-down sack of Hurts in the third quarter.
Right guard Tyler Steen didn’t hold up either. He got beat by D-tackle Nazir Stackhouse and later by Simmons on late second quarter runs that resulted in losses. He committed a holding penalty to open the second half. Steen got beat again on a third-down rush in the third quarter in which Hurts had to escape.
Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata were decent in pass protection, but they had breakdowns, too. Johnson struggled with his block on the play in which Barkley got hurt. He also lined up illegally early in the second half. Mailata got surprised by an outside twist by Simmons, and landed on his rear on Hurts’ touchdown throw to Smith.
Defensive line — B-
The front looked gassed at times, and understandably so. It was hot. There were a lot of D-linemen with hands on their hips at the end of the Titans’ 12-play touchdown drive late in the third quarter. The run defense was leaky at times. There wasn’t enough pressure on the few times quarterback Cam Ward dropped on obvious pass downs. They did stand tall and force a field goal at the end.
Jalen Carter, playing with a soft cast on his wrist, was relatively quiet for the first three quarters. He did bust through on a run play in the third quarter and sacked Ward late in the fourth. Jordan Davis didn’t dominate in the run game like he normally does. Moro Ojomo had a big tackle for loss in the fourth quarter.
Nolan Smith Jr. (3) had a sack of Cam Ward on Sunday. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Edge Jonathan Greenard (pectoral) was out for a second straight week. Jalyx Hunt got things started with a tackle for loss on Pollard’s first carry. Hunt later squeezed into the backfield to force running back Tyjae Spears into Davis’ arms. As a pass rusher, he drew a face mask when he penetrated on an inside stunt in the second quarter.
In the second half, his edge setting contributed to a Pollard run for no gain. Nolan Smith Jr. got home for a sack with an inside rush late in the second quarter. Smith also had a tackle for loss on a run in the fourth quarter.
Defensive tackles Byron Young and Ty Robinson got some snaps in the heat.
Linebacker — C+
There was just too much leakage against a Titans offense that looked near-pathetic in the first week, and the off-ball linebackers were just as responsible. Zack Baun appeared to over-pursue on Pollard’s 13-yard run on third-and-1 in the second quarter. Baun also missed an open field tackle on a dump pass that sprung Spears for 27 yards just before the half. He did stop Titans running back Nick Singleton for a loss in the third quarter.
Jihaad Campbell didwell to shed a block and stop a screen for no gain on the Titans’ first possession. He was targeted through the air several times. Both linebackers bit on a play fake and Ward hit receiver Calvin Ridley for a 25-yard catch in the third quarter.
Riq Woolen and the Eagles cornerbacks had their share of challenges against a nondescript Titans receiving corps. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Cornerback — B
Ward didn’t drop to throw much downfield, but when he did he was more efficient than he should have been. Quinyon Mitchell and Riq Woolen did keep Titans receivers from winning often on the outside. Receiver Calvin Ridley hauled in a first down on a slant in front of Mitchell. His run defense on Spears’ 27-yard run was not ideal.
Cooper DeJean rebounded from last week’s rough outing. He tackled rookie receiver Carnell Tate short of the sticks on third down in the third quarter. Mitchell and Cooper were victimized by a soft zone on third and 13 when Ward hit receiver Elic Ayomanor for 28 yards on a slant route.
Safety — C-
The tackling at the safety spot just wasn’t good enough. Andrew Mukuba played despite being questionable after suffering a knee injury in practice. He drilled Tate over the middle early on. Mukuba appeared to lose receiver Wan’Dale Robinson on a third-and-5 conversion in the third quarter. It came when DeJean blitzed off the edge.
Mukuba made a strong run stop at the goal line in the third quarter. But he had a weak tackle tackle on a Pollard 18-yard bolt up the middle in the fourth quarter.
Marcus Epps was in the vicinity over the top on Ayomanor’s 28-yard catch in the middle of the Eagles’ Bermuda Triangle. Epps got hurdled over in the fourth quarter. Later in the drive, he totally overran the play on Spears’ 27-run on third-and-22.
Jake Elliott (4) nailed a 58-yarder in the Nashville heat. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Special teams — A
Kicker Jake Elliott nailed a 58-yard field goal in the third quarter. It tied the fourth-longest kick of his career.
Braden Mann averaged 50.5 net yards on two punts. His first punt didn’t come until the third quarter when he booted a 57-yarder that was fair caught. Britain Covey averaged 15.5 yards on two punt returns and had a 23-yarder. He was also back on kickoffs, along with Shipley, given Titans kicker Joey Slye’s ability to hit knuckleballs. Alas, Slye never tried one.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni (left) and assistant to the head coach Cole Peterson (right) dance off the field after beating the Tennessee Titans 24-20 in Nashville, Tenn. on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles head coach Nick Sirianni celebrates after the Eagles beat the Tennessee Titans.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley after throwing the game-winning touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles wide receiver Darius Cooper catches the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper catches a touchdown with 9 seconds left in the fourth quarter.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni celebrates after they beat the Tennessee Titans.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerHappy Philadelphia Eagles fans after the Eagles scored a touchdown with seconds left in the fourth quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens lifts up Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper after Cooper makes the winning touchdown with seconds left in the fourth quarter. David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles fan holds up a Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith jersey with seconds left in the fourth quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts throws the football late in the fourth quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter gets help coming off the field in the fourth quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles fan is sweating it out with the Eagles trailing 20-17 in the fourth quarter.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon gets stopped by Tennessee Titans cornerback Marcus Harris.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches first down pass against Tennessee Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen defends Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate with 12:50 left in the fourth quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts scrambles out of trouble and throws an incomplete pass with 8 seconds left in the third quarter.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Johnny Mundt is brought down by Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton in the third quarter.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni while the Tennessee Titans are driving in the third quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun stop Tennessee Titans running back Nicholas Singleton in the third quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley pushed out of bounds by Tennessee Titans linebacker Cedric Gray in the third quarter.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith hauls in a pass, but it was incomplete during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott watches his long field goal in the third quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley running with the ball in the third quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles defensive tackle Ty Robinson (left) and Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (right) try to block a field goal as time runs out in the first half against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tenn. David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun brings down Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor after Titans’ drive to the end zone late in the second quarter.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith celebrates a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley runs along the sideline with Tennessee Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor defending.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles fans cheer as the Eagles drive towards the end zone.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles head of security Big Dom DiSandro stops Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts as he is running out of bounds so he doesn’t hurt himself in the second quarter.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby runs with the football during the second quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby celebrate Bigsby’s touchdown in the second quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks gets a first-down catch passed Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton and Tennessee Titans linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. in the first quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerTennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker intercepts the ball from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in the first quarter and runs it just short of the end zone.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith gets a first down pass with Tennessee Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor defending in the first quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey returns the first punt of the game, defended by Tennessee Titans safety Erick Hallett, in the first quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles fans get ready for the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Coaching — B-
Coach Nick Sirianni ended the Eagles’ streak of forgettable trips to the Music City. It looked like they might exit Tennessee with another nasty loss. But Hurts carried his team to victory and a 2-0 record despite the sloppy game against an inferior opponent. Real tests are forthcoming.
We saw the return of the Tush Push for the first time this season. It led to a Titans offsides penalty on the first try and Hurts converted on the second.
Video: Nick Sirianni greets Eagles players outside of locker room after win vs. Titans
Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is still feeling his way in the new job. The new stuff he brought from the Kyle Shanahan scheme just hasn’t clicked enough. Hurts had more success when he was in shotgun on third downs. Mannion’s play-calling had more rhythm than it did in the first week, but the issues on early downs continued. There just wasn’t a good plan nor execution on first- and second-down run plays.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s unit held the Titans to just 20 points, but it’s not like Ward and Co. were considered a top offense. Fangio had some suspect calls on third down and probably played it too passive on third-and-13 before the half.
Landon Dickerson has made a career of fighting through injuries and pain, last season being the latest instance. But after the left guard looked like a shell of himself Week 1 vs. Washington, the Eagles decided to shut him down – at least for now. With Dickerson landing on injured reserve, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane explains why, this time around, he and the Eagles are taking the cautious route. Jeff also shares what he’s heard about how the Eagles might fill Dickerson’s void on the offensive line, and takes listener questions in this week’s mailbag segment.
00:00 The Landon Dickerson dilemma: injury history, replacements, long-term outlook
17:40 Why isn’t Makai Lemon lower on the depth chart?
19:40 Should we be worried about the defensive line?
unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.
The Eagles travel to face the Tennessee Titans at 1 p.m. Sunday at Nissan Stadium. Here’s what you need to know about the matchup:
When the Eagles have the ball: All eyes will be on Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons when he lines up over whoever is charged with replacing the injured Landon Dickerson at left guard. All indications point to Drew Kendall being the guy, despite the Eagles’ attempt at subterfuge at open practice portions (see: having Fred Johnson take individual offensive line repetitions at the position). Kendall assuaged some of the interior O-line concerns heading into training camp, but facing Simmons in his first career start will be a challenge. The All-Pro lines up at multiple spots inside, but it’s likely Titans coach Robert Saleh will concentrate his efforts vs. Kendall.
All eyes will be on Drew Kendall (66) Sunday … wherever he lines up. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer
The Eagles will likely counter by sliding protection to the left, but that will place additional pressure on right guard Tyler Steen. Simmons’ counterpart John Franklin-Myers can be a handful at times. Saleh and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, upon their arrival, altered the defensive front from a 3-4 to a 4-3 “under” base. That led to the departure of run-stuffing nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat, now with the New York Jets. It’s early, but the Titans allowed 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns to the Jets in the opener, although Tennessee allowed only two total rushing yards over expected. It wasn’t as bad a performance as the numbers suggest.
Nevertheless, the Eagles should have the opportunity to get the ground game going. Saquon Barkley’s 42-yard bolt vs. the Commanders did a lot of heavy lifting in the run game. He was hit at or behind the line of scrimmage on 7 of 15 carries with 78 of his 82 rushing yards coming after contact. Washington was aggressive and blitzed safeties off the edges, but Sean Mannion’s blocking scheme needs to come up with better answers vs. pressure, especially if he wants to establish outside zone runs. Kendall, who’s more athletic than Dickerson, could allow Mannion to lean more into wide-zone blocking concepts and counter runs.
Aside from Simmons, the Titans aren’t especially imposing up front. Defensive end Jermaine Johnson was acquired in the offseason and he’s a good fit for wide sets. But he’s three years removed from the only season in which he truly delivered on being a first-round draft pick. Tennessee didn’t record a sack in the opener, but did generate pressure a third of the time. The Titans also allowed the Jets only two trips inside the red zone. Saleh doesn’t yet have the players he needs in the secondary to effectively employ the Pete Carroll-type base Cover-3 zone. The coverages looked uncomplicated in Week 1, and yet, there were multiple busted assignments.
Jeffery Simmons (98) is a handful but the Titans’ defense is otherwise nondescript. David Richard
Mannion’s offense produced explosive plays in the opener. But it was terrible on first and 10 and averaged just 0.9 yards. The Eagles had four three-and-outs on 11 possessions and managed just 10 first downs. It was only a one-game sample, but the scheme was fairly static with little misdirection. Jalen Hurts, surprisingly, threw off play-action only twice. Some of that had to do with getting “behind schedule,” as Mannion noted. But there were still carryover issues from last season’s underwhelming offense — bleeding too much of the play clock down being one. Hurts bailed the offense out with his legs and deep-ball accuracy, but the scheme has to give him more time in the pocket. The Titans should be just what the doctor prescribed.
When the Titans have the ball: Cam Ward appears to have carried over some of his rookie-season struggles as a passer. He holds the ball too long and doesn’t take advantage of opportunities to escape pressure. New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll took the Titans job after he interviewed with the Eagles, so maybe he saw something in Ward to develop. But the early signs weren’t promising. Vic Fangio and his defense should be able to get to a hesitant quarterback behind a suspect O-line. Tackles Dan Moore and JC Latham allowed a combined 16 sacks last season and a combined four pressures against the Jets. Center Austin Schlottmann and right guard Fernando Carmona, a fifth-round rookie, could also be exploited.
The Eagles’ pass rush was solid, if not spectacular, last week. They played some containment against the elusive Jayden Daniels, but given the opportunity to pin their ears back with the lead late in the game, they struggled to get home. Edge Jonathan Greenard is out for a second straight week as he recovers from a pectoral injury. Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr. were solid on the edge, but they’ll need to start finishing soon. Jalen Carter started strong, but finished meekly. He played 94% of the snaps and might have been gassed, but it was revealed during practice this week that he has a wrist injury. It looks like he’s going to wear a soft cast, which could affect him.
Jalen Carter (right) looked gassed down the stretch against Washington and could be playing with a soft cast this Sunday. David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
The Titans hardly ran the ball in Week 1. Tony Pollard, who is a capable running back, had just seven carries. But he averaged five yards on some nicely designed runs. You have to think Daboll will emphasize the ground game more to offset the load on Ward. The Eagles will make it tough, as defensive tackle Jordan Davis and Co. often do, but I could see Daboll attacking the outside and trying to make the Eagles’ edge defenders tackle in space. Still, when you have Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell capable of reaching sideline to sideline, I don’t think Fangio is going to have to devote more bodies in the box.
The Eagles are a little banged up in the secondary. Cooper DeJean has abdomen and calf injuries, while safety Andrew Mukuba tweaked his knee in practice. DeJean had one of his worst games last week. Was it just a blip or has the move to safety in base personnel affected his play in the slot? He’ll mostly see receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, but Calvin Ridley will also line up inside. No. 1 draft pick Carnell Tate has immense talent, but outside corners Quinyon Mitchell and Riq Woolen should keep him in check with Ward at the controls. Fangio doesn’t like to blitz more than necessary, but simulated pressures could work well against the Titans. Ward will take sacks, but he avoids turnovers. He’s tossed only eight interceptions in 18 games.
Extra point: A lot would have to go wrong for the Eagles to lose. The Titans just don’t match up well on paper. Maybe there’s a special teams flaw the Titans can expose. Kicker Joey Slye has the knuckleball kickoff in his arsenal. Tank Bigsby lost one of the kick returner jobs last season when he struggled to handle the Rams’ unpredictable kicks. He’s back at the position alongside Will Shipley. Could the Titans target him?
This is the second of the Titans’ two season-opening games at home. They’re used to the climate, of course, but having one game in immense heat under their belts could give them a slight edge. The Eagles traveled to Tennessee a day early to get acclimated. They did the same a year ago in Tampa and beat the Buccaneers. I don’t think it will matter much, but it can’t hurt. The Eagles have lost in each of their three previous trips to Nashville. The names Kenny Britt and Corey Graham probably conjure up bad memories for fans. But it’s likely to take more than just one notable performance for the Eagles to exit the Music City without a victory.
The Eagles are placing left guard Landon Dickerson on injured reserve, NFL sources told The Inquirer on Monday.
Dickerson will miss at least the next four games with a knee injury after his struggles in the season-opening 24-22 win over the Washington Commanders. The 27-year-old offensive lineman was on 94.1 WIP when the news broke and while he said he had yet to be told he was going to injured reserve, he said it was “the plan.”
“Honestly, I played like s— yesterday,” Dickerson said on the radio. “I was a complete liability. It was my fault. I should not be out there until I feel healthy. A few weeks ago, someone rolled up on me in practice. We got some imaging on it today. Really the best plan going forward is to put me on IR so I can have a good stretch at the back end of the season.
“I don’t think anybody wants to see that again. That was ugly. That was [bull]. This is not related to last season.”
Dickerson underwent knee surgery prior to last season after suffering an injury during training camp. He rushed his return in time for the opener, but said recently that he wouldn’t have come back so soon in retrospect.
He struggled all season and there was concern inside the Eagles that he may retire. Dickerson later said he never contemplated retirement.
“I wouldn’t have spent seven figures in the offseason,” Dickerson said on WIP.
Second-year offensive lineman Drew Kendall is expected to replace Dickerson, unless the Eagles decide on another configuration that could shift center Cam Jurgens to guard. Willie Lampkin is also in play for either job, although Kendall is the likely first interior lineman up.
Drew Kendall (66) had a good training camp and appears in line to start on Sunday in Tennessee. Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer
Kendall played center exclusively in college, while Jurgens’ first season as a starter in the NFL was at right guard. Jurgens also struggled against Washington on Sunday.
Like Dickerson, he played through injury during the Super Bowl LIX run in 2025 and returned the following season following back surgery. He never looked 100%.
Dickerson’s career, dating back to college, has been injury-plagued. He had multiple ACL tears, ankle surgeries, and other ailments during his time at Florida State and Alabama. The Eagles drafted him in the second round despite the medical red flags.
He quickly became one of the NFL’s best interior linemen, though, and earned three straight Pro Bowl nods from 2022-24. But the injuries mounted, and while Dickerson missed only a handful of games in his first five seasons, it increasingly affected his performance.
The Eagles’ changes to their offensive scheme this offseason were expected to affect Dickerson the most out of the starting five O-linemen. The wide-zone blocking requires more athletic and agile blockers.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni was asked earlier on Monday if Dickerson was healthy enough to compete at a high level.
“I think what you see with Landon is his extreme power,” Sirianni said. “He’s a big man who’s able to move guys off the spot. If you go back and you look at, OK, so he gives up some pressures, all right. But he also caved in the side on Saquon [Barkley]’s long run on that third down.”
Dickerson underwent meniscus surgery during training camp last year but returned to practice approximately two weeks later.
“Probably shouldn’t have gone out there and played, but you live and you learn,” Dickerson said after the third practice of training camp this summer. “You do stupid stuff when you’re young. I learned that mistake.”
Landon Dickerson is injured and walks off the field in the second quarter against the Chargers on Dec. 8, 2025.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
A player placed on injured reserve with a designation to return is required to be out for a minimum of four games. Dickerson will miss road contests against the Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears over the next two weeks, in addition to a home game against the Los Angeles Rams and the team’s Oct. 11 trip to London to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.
He would be eligible to return on Oct. 18 against the Carolina Panthers.
General manager Howie Roseman admitted last month that the Eagles’ interior O-line depth was a chief concern heading into camp. Kendall and Lampkin had very little NFL experience, but Roseman said their performances in camp and the preseason assuaged his worries.
Kendall, a fifth-round pick out of Boston College in 2025, played mostly special teams in seven games last season — including a start in the season finale against the Commanders when the Eagles rested most of their starters — and also appeared on special teams in Sunday’s win against Washington.
The Eagles signed the 5-foot-11, 290-pound Lampkin after the Rams released him with an injury designation last August. He was inactive all of last season, but showed promise immediately this summer despite his below-average size.
The Eagles eked out a season-opening win over the Washington Commanders thanks, in large part, to Jalen Hurts channeling the elements of his game that make him so dangerous. But when it comes to other areas of the offense, concerns from last year still linger. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane and David Murphy assess Hurts’ performance, Sean Mannion’s debut as offensive coordinator, and warning signs on the offensive line.
00:00 Shades of 2022 Jalen Hurts???
12:56 Concerns about Landon Dickerson and the offensive line
20:38 Sean Mannion’s first game, and thoughts on Makai Lemon and Eli Stowers
30:46 Did the defense live up to expectations?
unCovering the Birds is a production of The Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW Newsradio Original Podcasts. Look for new episodes throughout the season.
Jalen Hurts did the famous Michael Jordan “I don’t know” shrug after his first touchdown pass and expressed the same whimsy when asked about the gesture after the Eagles’ 24-22 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
But it didn’t take an expert in the art of understanding Hurts to interpret why the stoic quarterback shrugged toward the Eagles sideline after he strung a 17-yard rope to Dallas Goedert.
“It’s a great play. A great play,” Hurts said to reporters. “Y’all [are digging]. Y’all trying to figure something out.”
The figuring had already essentially been done. The touchdown came on a four-verticals route concept similar to the fateful play that resulted in the season-ending incompletion from Hurts to Goedert in the playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers in January.
There had been nine months of controversy over the play. Some ridiculed former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo for making the call. Various reports said it was Hurts who suggested it and that it exemplified his imperious influence.
But on this day, four verts worked because new play-caller Sean Mannion made the right call at the right time — or was it Hurts? — and the pass was executed flawlessly. The quarterback made several big-time throws against Washington, and at times looked like the explosive runner that had made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL.
Hurts also answered some doubts about how he would adjust to yet another change in coordinator and scheme — at least for one week. But the game plan didn’t quite represent the dramatic shift that was anticipated with Mannion implementing a Kyle Shanahan-Sean McVay-type system as his base offense.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts after winning the season opening game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts celebrates a touchdown with Keyshawn James-Newby (center) and offensive tackle Lane Johnson during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo celebrates a two-point conversion stop late during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles stop the two point conversion attempt during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles tight end Dallas Goedert scores a fourth quarter touchdown past Commanders cornerback Darius Rush during the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles tight end Dallas Goedert catches the football for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts first down run during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerWashington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs hugs the goalpost after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia. Unsportsmanlike penalty was called pushing the Commanders back.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerWashington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs scores in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches the ball for a big first down during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts gains fourteen yards on a run in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles place kicker Jake Elliott kicks a third quarter field goad during the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles cornerback Cooper DeJean stops Commanders wide receiver Jaylin Lane during the third quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches the ball against Commanders cornerback Darius Rush during the third quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts sacked in the third quarter by Washington Commanders linebacker Odafe Oweh at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts scrambles on a third down during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles head coach Nick Sirianni racts during the third quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts passes to tight end Dallas Goedert late during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter celebrates a blocked extra point late during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts hands off to Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert congratulates Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks after a second quarter touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni congratulates Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks after his second quarter touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith tries to block Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo goes after Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks celebrates a touchdown with Darius Cooper (left) and DeVonta Smith (right) during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles linebacker Zack Baun celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun stops Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt for a loss, Washington punts on the drive, at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley with a big run in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun sandwich Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles running back Saquon Barkley gains 42 yards during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert celebrates second quarter touchdown with Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert spikes the ball after a touchdown in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles tight end Dallas Goedert catches a touchdown against Commanders safety Quan Martin during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.nYong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles fans cheer in the first quarter of the season opener against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts reacts during the first quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles wide receiver Makai Lemon catches the ball against Commanders cornerback Amik Robertson during the first quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley misses a pass in the first quarter, defended by Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles, at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts during a moment of silence before the start of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley runs out of the tunnel at the season opener against the Washington Commanders in Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts runs out of the tunnel during player introductions before the season opening game against the Washington Commanders in Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerGreg Gorski, of Elkins Park, poses for a portrait while tailgating before the Eagles play the Commanders in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
The under-center, play-action game was certainly there. Hurts, for instance, connected with new receiver Dontayvion Wicks for 64 yards after a decent Saquon Barkley outside-zone run set up the first-quarter bomb.
But Washington’s aggressive defense mostly took away the Eagles’ perimeter rush. And Mannion was never really able to consistently marry the run with the pass.
A blending of the old and new was always to be expected. There was just too much more of the old bad than the good in Week 1. And that meant too many three-and-outs — three straight to open the second half — and too much of Hurts under pressure.
“We’re going to have some work to do,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said of how the Eagles handled Washington’s blitzes and simulated pressures. “We’ll look at the tape, but we’ll see. You never want to have a free runner.”
Hurts was sacked three times, hit five times total, and was forced out of the pocket and into several throwaways. He also made some clutch throws under pressure — including hitting Wicks for a 9-yard touchdown with a rusher in his face — and scrambled five times for 48 yards.
His most impressive moment on the ground came on third- and-18 at the Eagles 31-yard line with about eight minutes left in the game. Hurts actually had a clean pocket. But Washington was in a deep zone and the quarterback decided to take matters into his own legs.
Jalen Hurts looked more elusive in Week 1 than he did at times in 2025. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Hurts scooted 22 yards up the middle and picked up the first down. And on the next third down, he laced another dart to Goedert — this time in between the hashes where Hurts had previously struggled to throw the ball — and the tight end took care of the rest for a 43-yard touchdown.
“It’s just playing ball,” Hurts said initially about his 22-yard tote. Later on, he said it was a situation that required him to take over. “But it’s not something that’s forced,” he said.
We’ve seen this early version of Hurts before. He’s had some of his best running performances in openers (see: at the Detroit Lions in 2022 and vs. the Dallas Cowboys in 2025). But the latter outing was a fleeting moment. Hurts hardly ever seemed completely comfortable last season on designed runs, or when he took off.
“You can see that he worked himself into shape to get back to how we know he can run the ball,” Barkley said, “and his legs came up big for us.”
Vic Fangio and some Eagles defenders said he looked faster in camp, although Hurts said he didn’t feel any different nor had he done anything new in regard to his conditioning. Of course, after a season of often having interior pass rushers in his lap, maybe it was just prep work.
Despite the narrative that left guard Landon Dickerson and center Cam Jurgens were healthy this offseason after playing through injury a year ago, the issues up the middle returned. Dickerson was especially porous in pass protection.
Eagles guard Landon Dickerson (69), here making a block on a Jalen Hurts run, did not play well on Sunday and must continue to show growth in the Sean Mannion offense. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
He was gone by the time the locker room opened, and in fact, left tackle Jordan Mailata said Dickerson had already disappeared by the time he got back to his locker stall post-shower. But Mailata took the blame for the sack when Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu split the two offensive linemen in the first half.
“There were times where I could have helped him a lot more, just on my set angle,” Mailata said. “Some of the games they were running. They got home on that one sack … and I just sat over the board too much.”
All parties played a role in allowing too much pressure, with Hurts near the top of the list. He helps set the protections and only the quarterback can check out of bad plays. And there were many runs and drops that were D.O.A. That’s also on Mannion.
“Sometimes they just get you and you have to figure out a way to execute the play when it might not be the best call for the play,” Eagles right guard Tyler Steen said. “It just happened with that defense.”
Washington had first-time play callers on both sides of the ball. Coordinator Daronte Jones came from the Brian Flores school of pressure defense, so it wasn’t as if the Eagles weren’t prepared for the Commanders to crowd the line and change the picture for Hurts post-snap.
But there were multiple times when the O-line and the blitz pickup crew weren’t on the same page in terms of blocking responsibilities. The new scheme under new O-line coach Chris Kuper has altered some of the rules. So there’s going to be a learning curve.
And that applies to Mannion’s play calling, as well. Screens are a good way to offset interior pressure, but the Eagles seemed to force short passes to rookie receiver Makai Lemon just because of his first-round draft stock.
Sean Mannion ran his scheme in Week 1 but mixed in concepts the offense has a track record of executing well. David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
To his credit, the 34-year-old coordinator made adjustments. He went with an old bread-and-butter inside-zone concept to help spring Barkley for 42 yards on third-and-2. And there were other power runs with duo blocking that gained positive yards.
But Eagles running backs averaged just 2.8 yards on carries other than the 42-yarder.
“We were so close on hitting on some of those,” said Jurgens, who had two first-half holding penalties.
Jurgens wasn’t the only Eagle to struggle. As dominant as Fangio’s defense looked through three quarters, there were cracks in the fourth quarter as Washington mounted a comeback. But the unit was on the field for 14 more plays and almost seven more minutes than the offense.
It felt like a 2025 redux against an opponent beset by injuries and low outside expectations.
Jalen Hurts’ big throws and leadership helped the Eagles start 1-0 for a sixth straight year. David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
But there might have been a little Week 1 uncertainty in the outcome. Hurts didn’t know exactly what to expect with Mannion in his ear, but he said he tried to block out the variables outside his control.
“I fixed my mind to not put stock into the minutiae,” Hurts said.
There is little an individual can control in football. It takes a village. But Hurts plays the one position with the most power. He acknowledged as much when he referenced his Saturday production meeting with Fox analyst and quarterback G.O.A.T. Tom Brady, one of the best ever pre-snap.
“A lot of it is about making sure you’re in the right play, when you’re doing the right thing that takes no talent,” Hurts said. “Are we in the best run? Are we protecting ourselves in protection? Is everybody aligned doing those little things first? That is the most important thing.
“It’s more of an operation and being able to set the table and manage the things you’re tasked with managing as a quarterback and then all the other things that are to come. I ended on the note of it taking all 11 [players]. It takes all 11.”
Sometimes it takes just one. The 28-year-old Hurts still has the ability to take over games with his athleticism. And he may have to do more of it as Mannion grows into his job and the offensive line adjusts to the changes.
But he wants to be like Brady, even if he still idolizes Jordan.
Jalen Hurts answered some questions about how he’ll adjust to maybe the most significant scheme and play-caller change of his NFL career. It wasn’t always pretty, particularly when Washington pressured him or changed the coverage picture post-snap. But Hurts delivered when needed with his arm and legs.
Overall, he completed 14 of 25 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns. He scrambled five times for 48 yards before game-ending kneels. In the fourth quarter, he found Dallas Goedert over the middle and the tight end did the rest for a 43-yard touchdown. Earlier on the drive, Hurts had a huge 22-yard scramble on third-and-18. There weren’t any designed quarterback runs, but Hurts looked more mobile than he has in a few years.
In the third quarter, Hurts tear-dropped a 31-yarder to DeVonta Smith on a third down. Until that moment in the second half, the offense looked ugly. Hurts and his protection struggled vs. Washington’s blitzes and simulated pressures.
Jalen Hurts (right) completed 14 of 25 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Hurts was mostly excellent in the first half when he had time to throw. He heaved a deep dime to wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks on a 64-yard corner route. He hit Goedert down the seam for a 17-yard touchdown. And he was on time with Wicks on an out route that resulted in a 9-yard touchdown.
After the Eagles guarded the identity of their No. 2 quarterback like it was a state secret, Andy Dalton got the nod ahead of Tanner McKee.
Saquon Barkley did the best he could. There were several rushes in which Barkley was met in the backfield just after the handoff. It looked like last year’s leaky run game at times as he was dropped for a loss on at least four carries. It could have been worse if not for Barkley’s spins, jukes, and strength.
He converted third-and 2 in the second quarter when he broke a tackle and chugged 42 yards. Barkley finished with 83 yards rushing on 15 carries. In blitz pickup, he might have missed an edge pressure in which Hurts was decked in the second quarter. He had a few pickups that gave the quarterback time, but got steamrolled by rookie linebacker Sonny Styles, who recorded a third-quarter sack.
Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley weren’t given much of a workload. Shipley had two carries for 4 yards and caught an 8-yard pass out of the backfield before the half, while Bigsby finished with one carry for 3 yards.
Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (center) finished with 73 yards.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Receiver / Tight end: B-
It was a new world for Smith being the No. 1 receiver that drew cloud coverage. He didn’t see the ball much in the first half. But Smith stayed patient and caught two big passes in the second half, including a 31-yard over-the-shoulder grab in which he got both feet inbounds. He made it look easy.
Goedert picked up where he left off last season, catching two touchdowns a year after he had a team-high 11. His first touchdown came on the 17-yard seam route and then he scored from 43 yards out when he reversed field after an over-the-middle grab that sealed the game. Goedert led the Eagles with four catches for 77 yards.
Makai Lemon has a ways to go before he’s a steady contributor. The Eagles forced several passes to the rookie receiver on short passing concepts. He finished with three catches for minus-5 yards. The first catch of his career was a 3-yard dump, the second a 5-yard loss on a screen after Wicks missed a block, and third was another bubble in which he was dropped behind the line. Lemon was hardly at fault for the latter two negative plays. The blocking just wasn’t there.
Makai Lemon had a quiet NFL debut with minus-5 yards on three catches.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Wicks had a solid Eagles debut. He broke free over the top on a corner route on his 64-yard reception. Wicks ran a wicked stem route in which he beat cornerback Mike Sainristil on the 9-yard touchdown catch. There was some confusion at times. Smith had to signal to Wicks a few times for him to motion in the second quarter.
Eli Stowers was placed on injured reserve with hamstring and quadriceps injuries. The rookie tight end was unlikely to play much, if at all. Johnny Mundt had some solid moments as the main point of attack blocker on the run side, but no one had a great day trying to open holes in the ground game.
Offensive line: C
The pressure Hurts faced wasn’t all on the quarterback, just as it wasn’t all on the O-line. But there were multiple breakdowns up front, especially vs. left guard Landon Dickerson. He looked like a turnstile at times. Was Dickerson solely at fault? Of course not. But the oft-injured guard who’s as tough as they come appeared slower than even a year ago when he returned too early after knee surgery.
It was downright ugly in the third quarter when Dickerson got toasted on back-to-back rushes, one of which led to a holding penalty. Earlier, the Commanders’ Javon Kinlaw beat the guard for a run tackle for loss in the first quarter. Dickerson was late to help on a third-down stunt in which Hurts was hurried in the second quarter.
Center Cam Jurgens struggled, as well, particularly in the first quarter. He had a holding penalty when Barkley was nearly dropped in the backfield and then another when it was all on him after he grabbed defensive tackle Shy Tuttle. Right guard Tyler Steen had a tough time getting to the perimeter on a pull block, but he seemed to hold up much more than the other two interior O-linemen.
Tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata were far less at fault in the run blocking. But the O-line unit failed to work as a cohesive unit and everyone was affected. Mailata did turn linebacker Frankie Luvu around on a Barkley 5-yard tote in the first quarter. Johnson and Mailata were much better in pass protection, particularly in one-on-one situations.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts after winning the season opening game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts celebrates a touchdown with Keyshawn James-Newby (center) and offensive tackle Lane Johnson during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo celebrates a two-point conversion stop late during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles stop the two point conversion attempt during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles tight end Dallas Goedert scores a fourth quarter touchdown past Commanders cornerback Darius Rush during the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles tight end Dallas Goedert catches the football for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts first down run during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerWashington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs hugs the goalpost after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia. Unsportsmanlike penalty was called pushing the Commanders back.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerWashington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs scores in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches the ball for a big first down during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts gains fourteen yards on a run in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles place kicker Jake Elliott kicks a third quarter field goad during the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles cornerback Cooper DeJean stops Commanders wide receiver Jaylin Lane during the third quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches the ball against Commanders cornerback Darius Rush during the third quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts sacked in the third quarter by Washington Commanders linebacker Odafe Oweh at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts scrambles on a third down during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles head coach Nick Sirianni racts during the third quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts passes to tight end Dallas Goedert late during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter celebrates a blocked extra point late during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts hands off to Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert congratulates Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks after a second quarter touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni congratulates Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks after his second quarter touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith tries to block Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo goes after Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks celebrates a touchdown with Darius Cooper (left) and DeVonta Smith (right) during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles linebacker Zack Baun celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun stops Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt for a loss, Washington punts on the drive, at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley with a big run in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun sandwich Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles running back Saquon Barkley gains 42 yards during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert celebrates second quarter touchdown with Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert spikes the ball after a touchdown in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles tight end Dallas Goedert catches a touchdown against Commanders safety Quan Martin during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.nYong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles fans cheer in the first quarter of the season opener against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts reacts during the first quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles wide receiver Makai Lemon catches the ball against Commanders cornerback Amik Robertson during the first quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley misses a pass in the first quarter, defended by Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles, at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts during a moment of silence before the start of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley runs out of the tunnel at the season opener against the Washington Commanders in Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts runs out of the tunnel during player introductions before the season opening game against the Washington Commanders in Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerGreg Gorski, of Elkins Park, poses for a portrait while tailgating before the Eagles play the Commanders in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Defensive line: B+
The sacks weren’t in the stat sheet, but the Eagles’ front pressured Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels throughout the game. They should have against a suspect offensive line. Nevertheless, defensive tackle Jalen Carter pushed the pocket on many occasions. He had a third-down pressure that forced Daniels outside and unable to complete a pass downfield in the second quarter. Carter was too aggressive on a Jacory Croskey-Merritt 9-yard rush up the middle.
Jordan Davis was superb as a run defender and finished with eight tackles. Moro Ojomo made the game-sealing play when he wasn’t fooled by Washington’s shovel pass on their two-point try to tie the game.
With Jonathan Greenard (pectoral) still not cleared to return, Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith shouldered most of the load on the edges. They didn’t get to Daniels, and lost him at times when he scrambled, but they kept him from escaping when it mattered the most.
Zack Baun celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs during the second quarter.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Linebacker: A-
Zack Baun was the defensive player of the game. He was all over the field. Baun was a beast on back-to-back plays in the second quarter, breaking up a pass over the middle and notching a tackle for loss on a screen pass. Earlier, Baun lowered his head to stuff Rachaad White on third-and-1 in the first quarter. Carter chipped in for the stop. He nearly had a downfield interception before the half, but was out of bounds. He led the Eagles with 12 tackles.
To open the second half, Baun made an open-field stop on third down. Jihaad Campbell was the first to meet running back White when he was stopped on a third-down run on Washington’s first possession. Croskey-Merritt ran through his arm-tackle attempt on a 9-yard run. He got beat by tight end Chig Okonkwo’s 15-yard catch in the third quarter.
Cornerback: B
Cooper DeJean had a rough outing in the slot with outside corners Quinyon Mitchell and Riq Woolen having the boundary sides on relative lockdown.
DeJean appeared to get dinged late in the first half after he allowed a catch over the middle. He got up and winced, but stayed in. Daniels was wise to go back at the slot corner and connected with rookie receiver Antonio Williams on in-breaking routes to the 1-yard line. Washington scored a touchdown on the next play.
Earlier, DeJean got turned around on a third-and-10 conversion. He committed an illegal-contact penalty in the third quarter. His blitz in the third quarter forced Daniels into an incompletion. And he made a tackle short of the sticks later in the quarter.
Mitchell made a stop on a short pass in the second quarter, while Woolen nearly got his hands on multiple balls in the first half.
Eagles safety Marcus Epps (right) makes a run stop in the first quarter.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Safety: B
The Eagles had some leaky moments in the middle of the field as Daniels was forced to throw between the numbers. But Andrew Mukuba, Marcus Epps and DeJean more than acquitted themselves. Mukuba might have been a touch late to help Campbell on Okonkwo’s 15-yarder.Epps came up from deep to make a run stop near the line in the first quarter. Epps left briefly with a shoulder injury, but returned in the second quarter.
There was no deep-middle help on Williams’ 33-yard grab in the fourth quarter.
Special teams: B+
Punter Braden Mann was fantastic. He averaged 51.6 yards on seven punts and dropped four inside the Washington 20. Mann pinned Washington deep at the 6-yard line on his first punt. Just before the half, Mann spun a six-iron down at the 2-yard line.
Kicker Jake Elliott split the upright all three of his kicks — a 35-yard field goal and two extra points.
Carter blocked the extra point after the Commanders’ first touchdown. Darius Cooper had some impressive moments as a gunner.
Britain Covey averaged 9.3 yards on four punt returns. Bigsby and Shipley averaged 25 yards on three returns combined.
Nick Sirianni moved to 6-0 in regular season openers with Sunday’s win.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Coaching: B
Coach Nick Sirianni moved to 6-0 in openers. He found a way to get it done despite some offensive sloppiness and late defensive letdowns. Still, Sirianni just knows how to win.
New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion will need time as a first-time play-caller. He had some rough calls, particularly in forcing the issue to Lemon. There were too many run calls that resulted in losses. The Eagles also didn’t look quite prepared for Washington’s simulated pressures.
Mannion had some solid calls in the first half, though, in which multiple receivers were open. He dialed up the Hurts-to-Wicks 64-yard bomb out of “13″ personnel and off play-action. Goedert was also wide-open underneath. Mannion’s four-verticals call that led to Goedert’s 17-yard score was also timely vs. Cover 2. Was he throwing shade as his predecessor with the call? Probably not, but it was ironic justice after last season’s fateful end. Earlier on the drive, tempo helped spring Barkley on the 42-yard inside zone run.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio got his players to mostly dominate. They had some rough turns, but they were also on the field far too much in the third quarter because of the offensive inefficiency. Fangio had a rough call when Campbell got matched up against a receiver downfield and the Commanders converted third-and-14 in the fourth quarter. Ultimately, his guys got the job done.
Sirianni defends Makai Lemon for doing the ‘little things’
Eagles rookie receiver Makai Lemon caught three passes in his first regular season game — for a total of -5 yards.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Things went from bad to worse for rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon on Sunday.
Let’s recap his summer: He was injured for most of training camp and he recorded just 3 yards on three catches (plus a drop that led to an interception) in his lone preseason appearance.
His Week 1 stat line was even uglier: He caught 3-of-4 targets for minus-5 yards.
“There’s a lot of things that Makai did in that game that don’t reflect on the stat sheet,” Sirianni said. “We constantly talk about that: What are you doing to help this team win the game, particularly if you’re a skill guy?
“That might not be able to be seen from the stat book or to the naked eye. What he’s always done a good job since he’s been here [is] blocking, doing the right things, being in the right spots. Obviously the ones that went to him yesterday didn’t equal out to a big yardage game, right? But he did little things to help us win the football game that sometimes are unseen.”
Sirianni went on to say that he still “trusts” Lemon, whom the Eagles took with the No. 20 pick in the first round of April’s draft. They traded up with the rival Cowboys in order to pick him and they’re confident his production will translate to the NFL.
Wide receiver Hollywood Brown didn’t play in the Eagles’ Week 1 win.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
The Eagles appear to have found their No. 2 wide receiver in Dontayvion Wicks, who proved to be a threat both deep down the field and in the red zone during the team’s 24-22 Week 1 win over the Commanders.
But outside of the Eagles’ top three pass catchers — DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Wicks — the rest of the team combined for five catches for a whopping zero yards, including -5 yards on three catches from rookie first-round pick Makai Lemon, who was the only other wideout to catch a pass on Sunday.
That led to some questions for Nick Sirianni at his day-after press conference about the team’s receivers, like offseason acquisition Hollywood Brown, who didn’t see the field against Washington.
“We have our rotations that we’re doing. Hollywood could obviously help us. We obviously want to get him into the football game because his speed is real. It just didn’t work out that way yesterday,” Sirianni told reporters on Monday. “There are games like that. There are games where you get shut out on catches. Unfortunately, there are games they get shut out on reps. But we know that Hollywood can help us win football games, and his speed is real, and, quite frankly, just from my end, we want to get him into the football game.
“We’ll make a better effort to do that next time, because I know the playmaking ability that he can bring with his speed. But I was pleased with how the wideouts played as a whole.”
Wicks showed off playmaking ability, hauling in a career-long 64-yard reception. Goedert and Smith also added plays of more than 30 yards, including Goedert’s 43-yard touchdown catch. But Brown, who didn’t have a standout camp after signing a $6.5 million deal this offseason, will have to wait at least another week before his first snap as an Eagle.
Landon Dickerson (right), lined up alongside center Cam Jurgens during Sunday’s game.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Landon Dickerson struggled during Sunday’s win, with the Inquirer’s Jeff McLane noting the oft-injured left guard “looked like a turnstile at times” and “appeared slower than even a year ago.”
So does Nick Sirianni think Dickerson is physically capable of performing at a high level?
“I think what you see with with Landon is his extreme power,” Sirianni told reporters Monday afternoon. “He’s a big man who is able to move guys off the spot.”
Sirianni noted the blocking issues that plagued the offensive line Sunday, but said they were on everyone and highlighted a few of Dickerson’s strong plays, including helping move defenders on Saquon Barkley’s 42-yard run in the second quarter.
“We’ve won a ton of games with Landon, and there’s a lot of good things he can do,” Sirianni said. “Just like every other player on our team… there are good moments, and there are moments we’ve got to fix.”
The issue with Landon Dickerson, as I’ve stated since the #Eagles decided they were going with a new scheme, was that the wide zone blocking didn’t play to his strengths, on top of the fact that he’s had so many injuries and admirably played through them.
Ex-Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz led the Vikings to a comeback win against the Packers.Abbie Parr
Carson Wentz embraced his Ginger Jesus nickname when he was drafted in 2016 to save the Eagles franchise.
Now a journeyman backup, Wentz relieved concussed Kyler Murray in the first quarter Sunday and led the Vikings to 29 straight points in a comeback win over the rival Packers. We might be witnessing a resurrection.
Wentz threw three touchdown passes with no interceptions or fumbles, completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards, including a gorgeous, 39-yard TD dime to Justin Jefferson.
JUSTIN FREAKING JEFFERSON‼️
What a pass by Carson Wentz and what an AMAZING catch by JJ as the Vikings get the TD!pic.twitter.com/ITahechqYe
Wentz finished with a 123.5 passer rating, the eighth-best rating in his 104 regular-season games.
Wentz played the first 68 of those games for the Eagles, who drafted him No. 2 overall in 2016 and immediately named him the starter. Wentz’s turbulent tenure ended after 2020, when his displeasure with the drafting of Jalen Hurts in the second round and his anger at being replaced by Hurts late in the season led him to force a trade to Indianapolis. He then played for five teams in the next five years. This is his second season with the Vikings, though he had to win the No. 2 job in a preseason battle with Vikings first-round bust J.J. McCarthy.
Was this Wentz’s best performance since he led the Colts to a win over the Jets on Nov. 4, 2021?
Can I get an “Amen”?
Carson Wentz is the first reserve to throw 3 pass TD and 0 INT in a season-opening win since Fran Tarkenton on Sept. 17, 1961 🏈
That just so happened to be the first game in Vikings history and Tarkenton's first career game 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Wg5EBhbM1d
‘He played elite’: Nick Foles, LeSean McCoy praise Jalen Hurts’ performance
Jalen Hurts threw three touchdowns in Sunday’s win.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
The Eagles managed to escape Week 1 with a 24-22 win over the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Following the game, most of the dialogue has been centered around Jalen Hurts’ performance.
The veteran quarterback got it done through the air and on the ground, completing 14 of 25 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns. On his legs, he scrambled for 48 yards. His performance earned himself high praise from former Eagles quarterback and Super Bowl champion Nick Foles.
“How [Hurts] played today, he played elite,” Foles said on The SZN with Nick & Evan. “You’re going to miss throws. You’re going to not be perfect. But I saw him deliver the ball downfield with authority… All his touchdowns were on time and rhythm. He had great throws across the middle.”
“[If he] isn’t out there, you’re not winning that game. He willed them the win,” Foles added. “Defense played great, made some great plays… But Jalen Hurts is a great quarterback and he’s approaching that elite category.”
Nick Foles grades Jalen Hurts' Week 1 performance against the Commanders 🧐
Foles wasn’t the only former Eagles player praising the quarterback for his performance.
“Are we impressed?” said former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy on The Speakeasy podcast. “All you heard all year was ‘Jalen Hurts, he’s fighting for a new deal, what he going to do without A.J. [Brown]?’ Well, my friend. He looked good to me.”
“When we couldn’t move the ball, he found ways to get it done with his arm and his legs,” McCoy added. “That’s a true testament to a real champion, a real winner, and a real QB1.”
.@CutonDime25: "What's Jalen Hurts gonna do without AJ? WELL!!!! He looked good to me!"
Shady McCoy HYPE about his quarterback's performance in the Eagles' 24-22 win over the Commanders
Cooper DeJean’s first game in new role ‘wasn’t good enough’
Stefon Diggs grabs Cooper DeJean’s face mask during the fourth quarter.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Cooper DeJean was targeted eight times and allowed six receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown, according to Next Gen Stats.
It was one of the worst games of his young NFL career.
“It wasn’t good enough, obviously,” DeJean said after the Eagles escaped their season opener with a 24-22 win over Washington. “I just got to be better. It’s that simple.”
DeJean has a new role with the Eagles this season. He’s moving back to safety in the rarely used base defense and playing nickel in the rest of the defensive packages. The Eagles were in base on just 13 of their 70 defensive snaps (18.6%).
All eight of DeJean’s targets came when he was lined up at nickel.
“I feel like I’ve played nickel long enough that I can understand the difference between that,” he said. “I just got to clean it up, my footwork, things like that, top of routes, and trusting the preparation to what we’ve seen on tape and being able to apply it out there.”
“They were fine,” Orlovsky said on ESPN’s Get Up Monday. “A lot of splash, not much substance, not much that is sustainable.”
While most media pundits praised Hurts’ performance, Orlovsky thought the passing attack was a bit “too horizontal” and suffered from the same inconsistency that plagued the Birds’ offense last season.
A.J. Brown will miss the next four weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain.Stephen Brashear
In his first game without A.J. Brown since becoming the undisputed starter, Hurts threw for 1.5 more yards than he averaged last season, threw for twice as many touchdowns as he averaged last season, and had a passer rating about 24 points higher than he had last season. Maybe he won’t miss A.J. as much as we thought.
Brown spent the last two seasons complaining about Hurts’ performance. His antics forced a trade to the Patriots on June 1.
Be careful what you wish for.
In his New England debut Wednesday, Brown caught just three passes for 26 yards. His new quarterback, Drake Maye, threw three interceptions. The Pats lost, 13-10, in Seattle. Maye also underthrew Brown on a sure touchdown route.
Yikes: Drake Maye completely underthrows a wide-open AJ Brown, which would've been an easy touchdown.
AJ bails Maye out by drawing the pass interference.
Brown then suffered a high ankle sprain in the third quarter, left the game, and did not return. The Patriots placed him on injured reserve Friday, which will sideline him for at least four weeks, but reports Sunday said Brown, 29, will miss at least six weeks.
How much would Makai Lemon be on the field? That answer was partially revealed 90 minutes before kickoff when the Eagles made Elijah Moore, another slot receiver, a healthy scratch. The rookie who missed a lot of camp time with a hamstring injury played 35 of the 55 snaps (64%). His debut wasn’t one to remember. Lemon, playing almost exclusively in the slot, caught three passes on four targets for minus-5 yards.
The Eagles used multiple tight ends on many of their offensive plays. Johnny Mundt played 20 snaps (36%), and the Eagles even went to 13 personnel on one play with EJ Jenkins on the field for his lone snap. That play was the play action deep ball to Dontayvion Wicks. Dallas Goedert, meanwhile, played 52 of the 55 snaps (95%).
Tank Bigsby may be the No. 2 running back, but he had fewer offensive snaps (6) than Will Shipley (10).
The interior trio of Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo played a ton. Vic Fangio said there may be more of a rotation along the line given it was the first game and a ramp-up period may be needed. But Carter (94%) was a workhorse while Ojomo (69%) and Davis (49%) also played big roles. The fourth man on the totem pole, Byron Young, played just six snaps (9%) while Ty Robinson did not play on defense at all (he had eight special teams snaps).
Without Jonathan Greenard, the edge rushing snap counts looked like this: Jalyx Hunt 53 (76%); Nolan Smith 47 (67%); Arnold Ebiketie 28 (40%); A.J. Epenesa 12 (17%).
Five defenders played all 70 snaps: Cooper DeJean; Riq Woolen; Quinyon Mitchell; Zack Baun; and Andrew Mukuba.
Malala Yousafzai, seen here visiting an Ethiopian classroom.Malin Fezehai
“Go Birds!”
That was Malala Yousafzai’s response on social media after watching the Eagles defeat the Washington Commanders Sunday.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner was at the Linc watching the game a little less than a year after expressing her interest in the Birds and “American football” during an interview with The Inquirer.
Yousafzai shared images from the game on Instagram, which included sporting an Eagles hat and a personalized Birds jersey.
Yousafzai and her husband, Asser Malik, were invited to attend the game by Eagles leadership, according to a team spokesperson. Malik was once an executive with the Multan Sultans, a professional cricket team in Pakistan, and it doesn’t hurt that the team’s primary color is also green.
Her interest in the Eagles began to grow after appearing on Kylie Kelce’s podcast. In April, Yousafzai was in town to receive WHYY’s Lifelong Learning Award and speak with Terry Gross, where she also gave a Birds shoutout.
She also shared an image of herself wearing an Eagles T-shirt on Instagram in December.
Malala Yousafzai wears an Eagles t-shirt in an Instagram post about her travels.Instagram
Yousafzai is the youngest Nobel Prize laureate in history. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017 at age 17 after being shot in the head by Taliban militants trying to silence her advocacy for girls’ education.
Eagles stats: Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts join some elite company
Jalen Hurts became just the third quarterback since 1950 to win their first six starts in season openers.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
There were some telling numbers and a few interesting stats to emerge from the Eagles’ 24-22 season-opening win over the Washington Commanders.
Some good, some bad.
Let’s start with the good …
The Eagles improved to 6-0 in season openers under Nick Sirianni and are the only team to be perfect in Week 1 games since 2021.
It’s the first time in Eagles history they have won six consecutive openers.
Sirianni, according to Elias Sports, became the fifth coach in NFL history to win the first six season-opening games of his career. The other four are Potsy Clark (7, 1931-37); George Allen (11, 1966-76); Mike Shanahan (6, 1988-89 and ‘95-98); and Jim Harbaugh (6, 2011-14 and ‘24-25).
That timeline, of course, also lines up with Jalen Hurts, who, according to Elias, became the third quarterback since 1950 to win their first six starts in season openers, joining Roger Staubach (9) and Johnny Unitas (6).
With two touchdowns Sunday, Dallas Goedert now has four games with multiple receiving TDs since the start of the 2025 season, tying Davante Adams and Amon-Ra St. Brown for the most in the NFL during that span, according to post-game notes distributed by the Eagles.
Zack Baun was as good as he looked to the naked eye. According to Next Gen Stats, Baun was targeted six times and allowed just three catches for minus-2 yards. Since 2025, Baun is one of only two players — the other being Denzel Ward — to be targeted five or more times and allow a negative yard total in a game.
The Eagles held Washington to 295 total yards. According to Next Gen, it was the 19th game the Eagles held their opponent under 300 yards since they hired Vic Fangio in 2024. Only the Seahawks (21) have done it more.
According to Next Gen, the Eagles pressured Jayden Daniels on 19 of his 38 dropbacks. He went just 3-of-15 for 26 yards on those plays, but converted a touchdown.
Now to some of the bad …
The Eagles’ offensive line struggled, but no one had a worse day than Landon Dickerson, who Pro Football Focus credited for four pressures allowed on 35 pass blocking snaps.
All five starting linemen allowed at least one pressure. Lane Johnson (2) was the only one besides Dickerson to surrender more than one.
Cooper DeJean’s first game as a roving defensive back playing both nickel and safety did not go well. DeJean was targeted eight times, according to Next Gen, and allowed six catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. The six catches allowed were one shy of a career-high (Week 11 in 2024 vs. Washington).
Makai Lemon’s NFL debut was quiet. The first-round pick caught three passes on four targets for minus-5 yards.
Saquon Barkley rushed for 83 yards, but if you remove his one 42-yard burst, the rest of his 14 carries went for just 41 yards (2.9 per carry).
Have the Eagles found their replacement for A.J. Brown?
Dontayvion Wicks was the clear WR2 in Sunday’s win. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
The Eagles offense was looking for a spark.
After logging just two total yards in the first two series of the Sean Mannion era, they needed someone — anyone — to step up in a crucial Week 1 divisional game vs. the Commanders.
Thankfully for them, their most underrated offseason acquisition answered the call. Twice.
With 1 minute, 57 seconds to go in the first quarter, wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks hauled in a 64-yard pass from Jalen Hurts in what would become the Eagles’ first touchdown drive of the season (Wicks was tackled at the 6-yard line, but tight end Dallas Goedert scored three plays later). Wicks came down with the ball — which traveled 40-plus yards through the air — after he darted past Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil in coverage. It was the longest catch of his career.
One quarter later, Wicks worked his magic again.
Again with Sainristil in coverage, Wicks motioned left before shimmying past the Commanders cornerback to break free and secure a 9-yard touchdown that put the Birds up 14-3. His final stat line in the 24-22 victory? Two catches on four targets for 73 yards and one touchdown. He only eclipsed 70 yards one time last season with the Packers.
Wicks, 25, was the clear WR2 in the game. He finished with 50 snaps according to Pro Football Focus, trailing only DeVonta Smith (52). This is a welcome change for a player that was buried deep in the Packers’ receiver room last season (he never played more than 54% of the offensive snaps in a single season).
“In Green Bay, we had so many guys. Over here, I’m able to get those looks,” Wicks said. “Over there, I ain’t really had [opportunities].”
Punter Braden Mann was a game changer Sunday.Heather Khalifa / Staff Photographer
The Eagles’ under-the-radar weapon was Braden Mann, the 28-year-old punter who signed a four-year contract extension this offseason.
He averaged 51.6 yards per punt, with his longest coming on a 64-yarder. Mann helped pin the Commanders inside their own 10-yard line twice — once at their 6 in the first quarter, and later at their 2 in the second.
Elsewhere on special teams, Jalen Carter picked up where he left off last year on the field goal block unit. After Croskey-Merritt’s touchdown run in the second quarter, Carter blocked the extra point attempt. He now has four blocked kicks (two field goals, two extra points) in his career.
The Commanders’ kicking woes continued halfway through the third quarter, when Stevens missed a 54-yard field goal attempt.
Giants running back Devin Singletary celebrates a touchdown against the Cowboys Sunday night.Yuki Iwamura
Several months before coaching his first game for the New York Giants, John Harbaugh told fans he wanted to build a team that could beat the Dallas Cowboys.
It took one game to accomplish that feat.
Jaxson Dart connected with Isaiah Likely for two touchdowns and Devin Singletary on another, Cam Skattebo ran for one in his first game back from injury and the Giants opened the season by rolling over Dallas 28-20 on Sunday night in Harbaugh’s New York debut. It’s just one victory, but it was a promising start of a new era.
Dart made one smart throw after another, mixing in a series of well-timed runs to keep the defense off balance. He finished 23 of 29 for 230 yards passing, plus 54 rushing, including a couple of slides and a dive to avoid the unnecessary hits that punctuated his rookie year.
Back on the field more than 10 months since breaking his right fibula and dislocating his right ankle in gruesome fashion, Skattebo rumbled for 81 yards on 18 carries. After getting in hot water for doing a backflip earlier this summer, Skattebo brought back his signature celebration after running into the end zone untouched for the Giants’ first points of the season.
Dak Prescott threw a costly interception just before halftime but otherwise played well for Dallas, completing 22 of 34 passes for 175 yards and TD tosses to CeeDee Lamb and Javonte Williams, who also ran for a touchdown. Dallas benefitted from a series of defensive pass interference calls that extended drives.
The Cowboys hurt themselves with penalties — eight of them for 85 yards, not counting an early intentional delay of game. That included a taunting call on Williams after he scored that contributed to Brandon Aubrey missing the ensuing extra point from farther out and a face-masking flag on Donovan Ezeiruaku just before the two-minute warning.
Their defense also did not look as improved on defense as they had hoped, at least in Week 1. After allowing the most points in the NFL last season at 30.1 a game, this was not far off, despite a new coordinator and some additional talent.
“Overall as a football team, we were pretty poor,” Schottenheimer said. “That’s certainly not our standard. We certainly didn’t come out of the gate fast enough on either side of the ball. This is a humbling business, and we got humbled.”
— Associated Press
// Timestamp 09/14/26 7:28am
Wild stat from Cowboys loss to the Giants
Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense struggled to get onto the field.Yuki Iwamura
One wild stat from the Cowboys loss to the New York Giants Sunday night — Dallas had just two drives in the entire second half.
The Cowboys had just seven possessions all night, including one with just 20 seconds remaining in the first half.
Dak Prescott threw a late touchdown pass to Javonte Williams with more than five minutes left to narrow the Giants lead to 8 points, but New York managed to run out the clock and prevent a potential Cowboys comeback.
Eagles grades: Landon Dickerson looked like a turnstile
Jalen Hurts was under pressure during Sunday’s win.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
The pressure Jalen Hurts faced wasn’t all on the quarterback, just as it wasn’t all on the O-line. But there were multiple breakdowns up front, especially vs. left guard Landon Dickerson. He looked like a turnstile at times. Was Dickerson solely at fault? Of course not. But the oft-injured guard who’s as tough as they come appeared slower than even a year ago when he returned too early after knee surgery.
It was downright ugly in the third quarter when Dickerson got toasted on back-to-back rushes, one of which led to a holding penalty. Earlier, the Commanders’ Javon Kinlaw beat the guard for a run tackle for loss in the first quarter. Dickerson was late to help on a third-down stunt in which Hurts was hurried in the second quarter.
Center Cam Jurgens struggled, as well, particularly in the first quarter. He had a holding penalty when Barkley was nearly dropped in the backfield and then another when it was all on him after he grabbed defensive tackle Shy Tuttle. Right guard Tyler Steen had a tough time getting to the perimeter on a pull block, but he seemed to hold up much more than the other two interior O-linemen.
Tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata were far less at fault in the run blocking. But the O-line unit failed to work as a cohesive unit and everyone was affected. Mailata did turn linebacker Frankie Luvu around on a Barkley 5-yard tote in the first quarter. Johnson and Mailata were much better in pass protection, particularly in one-on-one situations.
Eagles face the Titans in Week 2, who got manhandled by the Jets
The Eagles face Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans in Week 2George Walker IV
The Eagles (1-0) will head south to face the Tennessee Titans (0-1) in Week 2 Sunday (1 p.m., Fox).
Calling the game will be Adam Amin and Hall of Famer Drew Brees, in his second season with Fox after replacing former Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez following his alleged drunken assault.
Fans in Nashville sounded like Birds fans Sunday, raining down loud boos on quarterback Cam Ward and a Titans offense that only gained 195 total yards (and 65 of those were during a garbage-time touchdown drive).
The uninspiring performance was surprising, especially considering new head coach Robert Saleh spent four years as the Jets’ head coach before being fired in 2024.
The last time the Eagles faced the Titans was 2022, a one-sided Birds win in which Jalen Hurts threw three touchdowns and completed nearly 75% of his passes. The Eagles are 8-5 against the Titans dating back to 1972, when they were still the Houston Oilers.
Cooper DeJean had a tough night Sunday.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
Fortunately, the Eagles came of our their narrow Week 1 victory against the Washington Commanders unscathed. Just a few players appeared to get banged up a bit during the season opener:
Marcus Epps, safety: Epps left the game in the first quarter after banging up his shoulder. Despite being listed a questionable, Epps returned to the field in the second quarter and finished the game.
Cooper DeJean, cornerback: While DeJean never left the game, the Inquirer’s Jeff McLane noted he “came up slow and was wincing” after allowing a catch in the first half and had a “rough outing” Sunday night.
A.J. Epensea, linebacker: Epenesa was spotted in the medical tent during the first half, where he had his left arm wrapped, according to The Athletic.
Photos from Eagles’ season-opening win against the Commanders
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts after winning the season opening game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts celebrates a touchdown with Keyshawn James-Newby (center) and offensive tackle Lane Johnson during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo celebrates a two-point conversion stop late during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles stop the two point conversion attempt during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles tight end Dallas Goedert scores a fourth quarter touchdown past Commanders cornerback Darius Rush during the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles tight end Dallas Goedert catches the football for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts first down run during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerWashington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs hugs the goalpost after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia. Unsportsmanlike penalty was called pushing the Commanders back.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerWashington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs scores in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches the ball for a big first down during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts gains fourteen yards on a run in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles place kicker Jake Elliott kicks a third quarter field goad during the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles cornerback Cooper DeJean stops Commanders wide receiver Jaylin Lane during the third quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith catches the ball against Commanders cornerback Darius Rush during the third quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts sacked in the third quarter by Washington Commanders linebacker Odafe Oweh at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts scrambles on a third down during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles head coach Nick Sirianni racts during the third quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles in the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts passes to tight end Dallas Goedert late during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter celebrates a blocked extra point late during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts hands off to Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert congratulates Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks after a second quarter touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni congratulates Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks after his second quarter touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith tries to block Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo goes after Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks celebrates a touchdown with Darius Cooper (left) and DeVonta Smith (right) during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles linebacker Zack Baun celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun stops Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt for a loss, Washington punts on the drive, at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley with a big run in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun sandwich Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles running back Saquon Barkley gains 42 yards during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert celebrates second quarter touchdown with Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert spikes the ball after a touchdown in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles tight end Dallas Goedert catches a touchdown against Commanders safety Quan Martin during the second quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.nYong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles fans cheer in the first quarter of the season opener against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts reacts during the first quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerEagles wide receiver Makai Lemon catches the ball against Commanders cornerback Amik Robertson during the first quarter of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu in the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley misses a pass in the first quarter, defended by Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles, at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerEagles quarterback Jalen Hurts during a moment of silence before the start of the season opener against the Commanders Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley runs out of the tunnel at the season opener against the Washington Commanders in Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts runs out of the tunnel during player introductions before the season opening game against the Washington Commanders in Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Philadelphia.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerGreg Gorski, of Elkins Park, poses for a portrait while tailgating before the Eagles play the Commanders in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
