Titans star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons made headlines this week when he seemed to take a shot at Jalen Hurts.
Asked a question about the Eagles quarterback Wednesday, Simmons said, via ESPN: “We just need to make Jalen Hurts be a QB. Stop his runs, make sure Hurts doesn’t get out of the pocket and make plays.”
This quote seemed like textbook bulletin board material, a motivator ahead of the Eagles’ Week 2 matchup with Tennessee on Sunday. But when left tackle Jordan Mailata was asked about it, he downplayed its impact.
“I don’t pay attention to that stuff. That’s clickbait stuff,” said Mailata. “That’s what you guys get paid for. … I only care about everyone in this locker room. This locker room is all I give a damn about. I don’t care what you guys say about this locker room, I don’t care what any other locker room says about this locker room. This is my focus.”
Cam Ward has yet to live up to his promise as a No. 1 pick but has the Eagles’ respect, per Nolan Smith Jr. George Walker IV
Edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. took it one step further. Smith was asked about Titans quarterback Cam Ward, who had a QBR of 34.4 in Tennessee’s Week 1 loss, which was the seventh worst in the league. Smith took the opportunity to praise the former No. 1 pick.
“Man, I ain’t gonna do what [Simmons] did,” Smith said with a smirk. “Man, they’re a good team. Any team in the NFL, they get paid just like we get paid and they go out there and put their best foot forward. And Cam Ward is a great quarterback. The media may portray this and that, but he’s a really good quarterback.”
Simmons’ analysis came days after a solid Week 1 showing from Hurts. The seventh-year QB was one of only three quarterbacks to toss three-plus touchdowns with zero interceptions. He finished with 203 yards on 14-of-25 passing, along with 46 rushing yards on seven carries.
How, in Smith’s opinion, did Simmons’ comments ring throughout the locker room?
“Man, everybody got phones,” Smith said. “Everybody’s got social media, you know? I just tell people, they’re an NFL team, too. They get paid just like we get paid and they go out there and try to put their best foot forward. I’m not a big ‘tearing people down’ type of person, man. Just because you never know what somebody is going through personally in life off this field.”
The former franchise quarterback called the offense “pedestrian” during Tuesday’s debut of Eagles Collective and outlined how new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion can better tailor the unit to quarterback Jalen Hurts’ strengths.
McNabb joined The Athletic’s Zach Berman and digital creator Thomas Mott for the first episode of Hog Media Agency’s weekly roundtable show. The trio discussed Hurts’ relationship with Mannion, the Eagles’ decision to rest their starters during the preseason, and what to expect Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
The Birds scored 24 points in their season-opening win, but the offense struggled to sustain drives while playing behind the sticks. The Eagles averaged 10 yards to go on second down, and an injured Landon Dickerson struggled to protect Hurts. Dickerson was officially placed on injured reserve on Tuesday.
“If it wasn’t for some of those downfield throws that Jalen Hurts made, then the crowd would have started to get restless,” McNabb said. “This offense, to me, was not exciting.”
Hurts helped compensate for the Eagles’ blocking problems by completing 14 of 25 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns while adding 46 rushing yards. McNabb cautioned against treating all of Hurts’ scrambles as successful offensive plays, however, because several followed a protection breakdown.
“A lot of those plays that Jalen was making with his legs were due to lack of blocking,” McNabb said. “There were great opportunities for Saquon [Barkley] to be able to create more explosive plays in the run game if our big guys up front could cover up a body.”
Donovan McNabb says many of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ run plays followed breakdowns in blocking.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
McNabb wants Mannion to incorporate more quick passes and running-back screens, particularly when defenses begin dropping deeper to prevent explosive plays. He believes those adjustments could create more open-field opportunities for Barkley while easing the pressure on Hurts and the offensive line.
“When you utilize your quick game and utilize your intermediate passing game, and then you continue to run the football, defenses have to figure out how they’re going to attack you,” McNabb said. “That screen game to the halfback becomes major.”
But McNabb believes Mannion’s larger responsibility is constructing an offense around Hurts rather than asking the quarterback to conform entirely to a new system. When Berman asked how much an offense should be tailored to its franchise quarterback, McNabb proposed a 70-30 split.
“You build your schemes around your athletes,” McNabb said. “When you have a franchise guy, you build that offense around his ability and his strengths. What you do is try to enhance his weaknesses by giving him that confidence.”
Video: unCovering the Birds: Shades of 2022 Jalen Hurts?
That responsibility is especially important because Mannion is Hurts’ latest in a long line of play-callers. McNabb said the turnover at offensive coordinator has made it difficult for Hurts to develop lasting comfort within one system.
“I feel bad for Jalen, to be honest with you, because there’s no comfort level,” McNabb said. “You can’t get comfortable with an offense when you’re hiring and firing a new coordinator.”
McNabb also attributed some of the uneven performance to the organization’s decision to rest its starters throughout the preseason. The Eagles instead relied on joint practices to prepare their first-team players for the regular season, an approach Berman said the organization believes provides competitive repetitions with less injury risk.
McNabb was unconvinced.
“You’ve got to go through game situations,” McNabb said. “You [didn’t] sign up for flag football. This ain’t seven-on-seven. This ain’t touch.”
Despite his concerns, McNabb expects the offense to improve Sunday against Tennessee. He predicted Barkley would rush for 105-110 yards, and the Eagles would finish with approximately 400 yards of total offense, including 185 on the ground.
“I think this is when we start to find ways to get the ball in our athletes’ hands with the quick game, quick and intermediate game,” McNabb said. “We’ll still see things that we could change and clean up, but it won’t be as bad as last week.”
McNabb predicted a 28-10 Eagles victory, while Berman picked Philadelphia to win, 24-10, and Mott forecast a 31-17 triumph.
Jalen Hurts was watching morning TV three years ago when he saw something that stopped him in his tracks.
“I was very blown away by school not being canceled for snow, not for a hurricane or tropical storm, but for lack of AC,” the Eagles star quarterback said Tuesday.
So Hurts went about doing something to fix that.
On Tuesday, he stood on Northeast High’s stage to announce his foundation was putting up $600,000 to air-condition the school’s auditorium.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts are greeted by selected students at they arrive at Northeast High School Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 where Hurts announced he was giving the school $600k for an air conditioning system.Tom Gralish / Staff PhotographerTiffany W. Thurman, the mayor’s chief of staff, takes a surreptitious selfie as Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (rear) waits in the office before the rally.Tom Gralish / Staff PhotographerNortheast Viking cheerleaders warm up their classmates appearance before the Eagles quarterback arrives onstage.Tom Gralish / Staff PhotographerStudents and staff react as Hurts appears at the pep rally.Tom Gralish / Staff PhotographerWhen asked why he was turning his attention to city schools, Hurts said, “it’s about service and showing up for those around you.” Tom Gralish / Staff PhotographerSchool Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr. greets Jalen Hurts at a pep rally at Northeast High School Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. At left is Kathryn Epps, president & CEO of the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia.Tom Gralish / Staff PhotographerCity Councilmember Isaiah Thomas wipes perspiration from his face, onstage in the sweltering auditorium. Northeast senior Mekhriyona Ilkhomova (right) spoke during the event to thank Hurts and his foundation.Tom Gralish / Staff PhotographerHurts onstage with principal Andrew Lukov (from left) School Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr. and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.Tom Gralish / Staff PhotographerHurts signs jerseys and meets with Northeast staff as he leaves the school.Tom Gralish / Staff PhotographerNortheast High School students watch from their classroom – with a window air conditioning unit – as Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts leaves the school Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 following his donation of $600k for an a new cooling system.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer
The timing was good: Although temperatures were in the high 60s when Hurts made his announcement, it was sweltering in the auditorium, with more than 1,000 students, teachers, and dignitaries in the room. Sweat ran down the faces of members of the marching band toting heavy instruments and cheerleaders in long-sleeved uniforms. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker cooled herself with a small personal fan.
When Hurts watched that TV spot, about half of the district’s schools were not air-conditioned. Hurts’ largesse has helped get the number down, but 52 schools — about a quarter of district buildings — still lack air-conditioning.
Hurts, on Tuesday, said he wanted to move the needle more for Philadelphia schools.
“Let’s get it to zero,” Hurts said of the number of schools without air-conditioning. “I want to get it to zero.”
Northeast High School watch from their classroom – with a window air conditioning unit – as Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts leaves Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 following his appearance there to give the school $600k for an a new cooling system.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer
Asked why he was turning his attention to city schools, Hurts said he was influenced by his educator parents and the people who made a way for him.
“It’s about service and showing up for those around you,” the quarterback said.
Northeast High had window units cooling classrooms prior to Hurts’ announcement, but the auditorium, a hub of the school and the community, was tough to use in the spring and summer months, said Andrew Lukov, the school’s principal.
“This changes everything for us,” Lukov said.
A beaming Parker, who made sure to lead the adoring Northeast crowd in an E-A-G-L-E-S chant, spelled correctly, led the crowd in giving Hurts a standing ovation.
“Jalen, on behalf of the entire city of Philadelphia, we say thank you for your gift,” Parker said. “You will have an impact on more than the 3,400 students who attend this school on a daily basis. You’ve also done something even more important: You’ve used your time, your treasure, and your celebrity to assist a constituency who will never be able to walk in your shoes.”
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts as he appears at a rally in the auditorium at Northeast High School Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 to give the school $600k for an air conditioning system. With him onstage in the auditorium Northeast principal Andrew Lukov, School Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr. and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer
It feels a little surreal that a major space in an important school lacks adequate climate control in the United States, said Mekhriyona Ilkhomova, a Northeast senior whose speech earned a broad smile and a hands-over-heart gesture from Hurts.
Hurts’ donation matters, not just because of the money but because of who he is, said Ilkhomova, a standout student and athlete.
“It reminds us students of what we can become,” she said, “and what we can give back after becoming.”
The state of the cool
District officials had promised the entire system would be air-conditioned by 2027; the system appears off track to reach that goal.
While Northeast is getting an upgrade, 52 schools lack air-conditioning.
When temperatures are forecast to hit 85 degrees or higher by noon, those 52 schools are dismissed early. If the weather forecast calls for temperatures of 85 or higher before 9 a.m., those schools are closed for in-person instruction and remote learning days are called.
That means unequal experiences, with students in some schools not missing instructional time when it’s hot, and those in a quarter of schools subject to interrupted schedules.
School Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr. (right) greets Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts as he appears at a rally in the auditorium at Northeast High School Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 to give the school $600k for an air conditioning system. At left is Kathryn Epps, president & CEO, The Fund for the School District of PhiladelphiaTom Gralish / Staff Photographer
Four weeks into a new school year, Philadelphia has had two heat-interrupted days at the 52 schools.
Cooling the remainder of the 52 schools is not as simple as buying air-conditioning units: Many old buildings lack adequate electrical systems to support whole-school cooling.
After Sunday’s season-opening win over the Washington Commanders, Fox sideline reporter Erin Andrews used an analogy in her postgame interview with Jalen Hurts to describe the Eagles’ ever-changing offense each year.
Given the regular turnover at offensive coordinator, Hurts is required to learn how to drive a “different car” every year, she said.
But Hurts has a different perspective on the situation.
Hurts has been the constant — the car, so to speak — for the last six seasons. It wasn’t Sean Mannion’s new-look offense that put the Eagles over the edge against the Commanders — rather, Hurts’ traits that have been evident throughout his tenure as the starter took center stage. His ability to make something out of nothing with his legs and push the ball downfield came in clutch when the Eagles needed momentum-shifting plays.
But is a reliance on the quarterback’s ability to take over a game a sustainable way to win every week?
Here’s what we know (and what we don’t) about the Eagles heading into Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans:
The Eagles offensive line will be under the microscope in Nashville. David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Running on empty
Since his arrival in Philadelphia, Mannion has preached the importance of the marriage between the run and the pass, much like other disciples of the West Coast offense.
It takes two to make any relationship work, and on Sunday, the run game struggled to gain ground.
Saquon Barkley didn’t have much room to operate, an issue that plagued the rushing unit last season, too. According to Next Gen Stats, Barkley was hit at or behind the line of scrimmage on seven of his 15 carries. He rushed for a total of 83 yards, 78 of which came after contact (thus, just 5 before contact). He also forced five missed tackles.
A running back’s ability to pick up yards before contact isn’t on the offensive line alone, but its struggles in the season opener were well-documented.
Cam Jurgens was flagged twice for holding on Barkley carries. Landon Dickerson was often deficient both as a run and pass blocker, and he was placed on the injured reserve list Monday. Five of Barkley’s 15 carries went for negative yardage (including one penalty), which in part prevented the Eagles offense from sustaining a rhythm throughout the entire game.
Video: Immediate takeaways from the Eagles’ offense under Sean Mannion
There were some highlights. Barkley had an explosive 42-yard run on an inside zone call, highlighted by Jurgens redirecting Commanders linebacker Leo Chenal into cornerback Amik Robertson at the line of scrimmage to spring the running back.
They got the outside zone game going at times, too. Barkley ran for 6 yards on an outside zone call late in the first quarter, but he appeared to leave meat on the bone. Instead of hitting the edge, he initially attempted to cut upfield inside of DeVonta Smith, who was blocking on the perimeter.
It seemed like Barkley was trying to avoid Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves, who shed a block from Dontayvion Wicks inside of Smith. But as Barkley bounced outside, he tripped over Smith’s leg.
The Eagles will need more from the run game going forward, especially if they want to take some of the pressure off Hurts. Was Week 1 a sign of the struggles to come on the ground, or can the group rebound?
Robert Saleh’s debut in Tennessee was kind of a mess. George Walker IV
Titan down
Fortunately for the Eagles, the Titans are up next on their schedule.
It’s a new era in Tennessee under head coach Robert Saleh, but the Titans — who went 3-14 last season — suffered the same lousy results in their Week 1 outing. The team fell 23-10 to the New York Jets, although it was 23-3 until the final three minutes of the game.
The Titans defense is headlined by defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who was the highest paid at his position for about a month until Jalen Carter signed his extension before the start of training camp.
Pro Football Focus credited Simmons with a team-high three pressures, but the entire defensive front was essentially neutralized by the Jets offensive line. Jets quarterback Geno Smith was only hit once, and he didn’t take a sack. Smith had 3.04 seconds to throw, according to Next Gen Stats, which ranked seventh most among starting quarterbacks in Week 1 before Monday night’s game.
The group wasn’t any better in run defense. They conceded 152 yards and two touchdowns on 39 carries, with Jets running back Breece Hall leading the way with 102 yards and a touchdown on 22 attempts.
The Eagles should expect the Titans to adjust in Week 2. But can they exploit some of their weaknesses, particularly on the ground?
Cam Ward (1) extended some plays against the Jets, but to little avail. George Walker IV
Weary for Ward
For as lackluster as the Titans defense was in their season debut, the offense was even worse.
Cam Ward, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick out of Miami, was 19-for-32 for 140 yards and a touchdown (80.2 quarterback rating). Take out the garbage-time scoring drive, though, and Ward went 13-for-24 for 85 yards.
He was under siege often. According to PFF, Ward saw pressure on 16 of his 39 dropbacks (41%), completing just 5 of 10 passing attempts for 33 yards on those plays. Titans rookie right guard Fernando Carmona was particularly susceptible to allowing pressure, conceding two hurries and one hit in his regular-season debut.
The Eagles generated pressure on Jayden Daniels on Sunday, as he was pressured on 16 of 38 of his dropbacks (42.1%). In those circumstances, he completed just two of his passes on 12 attempts for 17 yards. But just like last season, the Eagles defense struggled to finish, with Jihaad Campbell notching the lone sack of the afternoon.
Given the Titans’ struggles up front, the Eagles defense could fare better in the sack column in Week 2.
Additionally, Ward is no Daniels, but he does have an ability to extend plays and scramble. He had 21 scramble yards on four attempts against the Jets. The Eagles gave up 29 scramble yards to Daniels, including a 13-yarder late in the third quarter that helped set up Stefon Diggs’ touchdown in the fourth.
The Eagles escaped Week 1 with a 24-22 win over the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Following the game, most of the chatter has centered around Jalen Hurts’ performance, a lackluster showing from the offensive line, and concern for Landon Dickerson.
Here’s everything they’re saying about the Birds following the season opener …
‘He played elite’
Heading into the season, concerns surrounding Jalen Hurts and yet another offensive coordinator change was apparent. With the hiring of Sean Mannion, the veteran quarterback has now had five different offensive coordinators in five years. But following Sunday’s victory, some of those concerns have been addressed.
The Super Bowl champion got it done through the air and on the ground, completing 14 of 25 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns. He also scrambled for 48 yards.
Nick Foles, who made a strong debut as a studio analyst during Netflix’s broadcast of the 49ers-Rams game this week, said Jalen Hurts “was elite” in the Eagles’ win over the Commanders. Netflix
“How [Hurts] played today, he played elite,” said former Eagles quarterback Nick Foles on The SZN with Nick & Evan. “Because what I saw from him, you’re going to miss throws. You’re going to, like, not be perfect. But I saw him deliver the ball downfield with authority. And then like a lot of his, all his touchdowns were on time and rhythm. He had great throws across the middle.
“What he did today was fantastic. With Jalen Hurts, [if he] isn’t out there, you’re not winning that game. He willed them the win. Defense played great, made some great plays. But everyone in Philadelphia, I know they know this, 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 🧐
And 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’s 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. That’s a true testament to a real champion, a real winner, and a real QB1.
“The thing with Jalen Hurts is, I love it because he controlled the whole game, right. There were some points where we couldn’t move the ball. And you know, defense, they make plays on the other side, but Jalen showed up and I just wanted to see what they were going to say. What are they going to say though? Because he can throw the ball, or he can run the ball. Whatever y’all like, we give. And he doesn’t throw any picks, so what are we talking about?”
.@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
The Commanders had a chance to tie the game with a two-point conversion in the last minute before Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo sniffed out the shovel pass to give the Birds the win. Despite the victory, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky still needs to see a lot of growth from the team.
“They were fine, a lot of splash, not much substance, not much that is sustainable,” Orlovsky said on First Take. “There’s highs, which kind of happened at times last year, but still too many lows for me when it comes to the lack of consistency. I think the pass game was a little bit too horizontal, side-to-side.
Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo (center) made the tackle on the Commanders’ final two-point conversion attempt.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
“There will have to be some pretty significant growth over the next month for this offense to play with the likes of San Francisco, what we saw from the Giants last night, the Buccaneers had a good offensive performance outside of turnovers. So, it was solid but nothing that I’m sitting here saying that this is a completely different unit and they’re going to score 30 points a game.”
Hurts joins Johnny Unitas and Roger Staubach as the only quarterbacks in the last 76 years to win each of their first six season openers. But Hurts was sacked three times, leaving many worried about the offensive line.
“The Eagles do not win that game without Jalen Hurts,” said Emmanuel Acho on The Speakeasy podcast. “Jalen Hurts is the sole reason why the Philadelphia Eagles won this game. The Eagles offensive line, not just bad, atrocious. Landon Dickerson played an incredibly forgettable game.”
The former Eagles linebacker also double downed on social media.
“Landon Dickerson has been great for the Eagles in his career, but he has to get healthy or hang it up,” Acho wrote. “Jalen Hurts is running for his life on nearly every pass play because of him.”
Landon Dickerson has been great for the Eagles in his career, but he has to get healthy or hang it up. Jalen Hurts is running for his life on nearly every pass play because of him.
Dickerson underwent knee surgery in August 2025 to repair a torn meniscus. The three-time Pro Bowler appeared slower on the field, leaving many concerned about his future.
“Landon Dickerson is playing like he’s not the Landon Dickerson we see get the contract extension and make Pro Bowls,” said Jon Marks on 97.5 The Fanatic. “He looked like a turnstile yesterday. And I’ve seen that term used a couple times and Andrew and I both said it today. It’s what we saw last year. He just doesn’t look like that’s him. And I don’t think that’s good enough right now.”
Foles isn’t too worried about the offensive line at the moment.
“The offensive line is going to be fine,” Foles said. “They have some amazing veterans there. When it’s a new scheme, it takes time to just acclimate, get comfortable with it. Let something marinate a little bit. You let something marinate overnight, it’s going to have a little more flavor. So, they’re going to be just fine.”
If you assume Jalen Hurts’ next contract will pay him around $65 million per year, or $1 million more than Patrick Mahomes; and if you assume the Eagles will pay Hurts sooner than later, as they always do with their best players; and if you assume that Hurts, after a poor 2025 season, needs to show the Eagles that he’s worth the investment, then he made a strong opening statement Sunday afternoon.
Hurts threw three touchdown passes, connecting on 14 of 25 attempts. He ran for 46 yards, including a key 22-yard, third-and-18 conversion in the fourth quarter. He threw no interceptions and had no fumbles. He did virtually everything he could to win the Eagles’ opener against the Commanders and, more importantly, he did virtually nothing to lose it. The Eagles won, 24-22.
Jalen Hurts goes DEEP to Dontayvion Wicks for 64 yards!
Hurts threw for only 203 yards, but his passer rating of 122.2 was the 15th-best of his 94 regular-season starts.
He did all of this playing in a new system implemented by first-time offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, who has only been a coach — at any level — for two years.
If you ever considered Hurts a long-term, star-quality, franchise quarterback, this sort of game is why. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie considers Hurts just this.
There is a narrative that asserts that, if Hurts does not shine in this scheme, then the Eagles could trade him after this season and absorb the salary-cap burden associated with his current $255 million deal.
However, if Hurts strings together a dozen or so games like this in Mannion’s system this year, expect the 28-year-old to sign an extension to be the Eagles’ quarterback for the next seven or eight seasons.
A.J.’s nightmare
In his first game without A.J. Brown since 2022, 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.
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.
Nightmare.
From @NFLGameDay Morning: Injury updates from this week, as #Seaahawks QB Sam Darnold actually has a glute injury, #Patriots WR AJ Brown is out about six weeks, and #49ers WR De'Zhaun Stribling (deltoid ligament) is out at least a month. pic.twitter.com/0VlHlIzgw7
The Rams traded a raft of assets to Cleveland for Garrett, the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, but he looked lousy Thursday night in Australia in a loss to the 49ers. He’d battled a left knee issue all preseason. He now is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery and spend at least the next four weeks on IR.
The Rams are expected to have defensive tackle Aaron Donald available when they visit Philly. Donald, who, after two years off, unretired late in the preseason in order to pair with Garrett, was deemed unfit to play in Australia and did not make the trip. The prospect of facing Donald is daunting, but the prospect of facing the two best defensive linemen of the past decade in the same game was positively chilling. Now, the Eagles won’t have to do that unless the teams meet in the playoffs.
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?
Dallas ranked last in points allowed in 2025, at 30.1 per game. The Cowboys are on their way back to the bottom: They lost, 28-20, on Sunday Night Football in John Harbaugh’s head coaching debut with the Giants. … The Eagles might have a walkover win Sunday in Tennessee; the Titans lost, 23-10, to the woeful, visiting Jets. … On the other end of the spectrum, the Bears won their opener, 59-37, over the visiting Panthers on Sunday. Bears coach Ben Johnson told The Athletic in August, “I want to have the highest-scoring offense ever. … I want shutouts. I want blowouts.” The Eagles travel to Chicago in two weeks. Yikes. … Maybe it was all the extra cash he’s carrying: Baker Mayfield lost three fumbles in Tampa Bay’s 33-27 loss in Cincinnati just five days after he signed a three-year, $165 million contract extension. … Derrick Henry, 32, ran for 144 yards and three touchdowns as the Ravens won, 41-23, in Indianapolis. He has 56 100-yard games, which ranks eighth, and 125 rushing TDs, which ranks third.
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.
During training camp, Vic Fangio asserted that Howie Roseman ought to save some money for 25-year-old defensive tackle Moro Ojomo, who was headed into a contract year.
In Week 1 against the Washington Commanders, Ojomo reminded the NFL why he is going to command a hefty pay raise when the season concludes.
His stuff of Commanders tight end John Bates on a short pass over the middle on Washington’s two-point conversion attempt to tie the game sealed the 24-22 win for the Eagles.
Jalen Hurts was solid in his debut in Sean Mannion’s offense. The Eagles quarterback went 14-for-25 for 203 yards and three touchdowns, good for a 122.2 quarterback rating. He added 46 rushing yards on seven carries.
Here’s our instant analysis from the Eagles’ season-opening win over the Commanders:
Eagles 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.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Explosives buoy offense
The new-look Eagles offense started slow, netting just two yards on 10 plays through their first two possessions. Cam Jurgens was called for a holding penalty on the second, his first of two on the day.
But nearing the second quarter, the Eagles began to contend in the explosive play battle.
Hurts showed he hasn’t lost his touch on the deep ball. On second-and-4 from the Eagles’ 30-yard line, Hurts lined up under center with the offense in “13″ personnel — three tight ends (Dallas Goedert, Johnny Mundt, and EJ Jenkins) and one running back. Dontayvion Wicks was the lone receiver.
Wicks ran a vertical route and stuck behind a trio of Commanders defensive backs, hauling in a career-long 64-yard pass from Hurts, bringing the Eagles to Washington’s 6-yard line. After the game, Wicks noted that his route was a “clear-out ‘til it’s not.”
“With J, if he trusts you, he’ll put it up there,” Wicks said. “So once I broke on the deep one, I seen the ball in the air. Just kept running. And it was put on the money.”
Another Jurgens holding penalty backed the Eagles up to the 16. But Hurts salvaged the drive, later connecting with red-zone darling Goedert in the slot for a 17-yard touchdown pass to put the Eagles up, 7-3.
Saquon Barkley had a big run in the second quarter but largely found running room difficult come by. David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Saquon Barkley also got involved with an explosive of his own on the ground. On third-and-2 from the Eagles’ 46, Hurts handed Barkley the ball on a zone read and the 29-year-old running back dashed up the middle for 42 yards, forcing a litany of missed tackles along the way.
Again, Hurts took advantage of the explosive play and the field position, ending the drive with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Wicks to add to the Eagles’ lead, 14-3.
The explosives evaporated for the Eagles early in the second half. The offense went three-and-out on three straight possessions. Hurts took two sacks in that span, one by Commanders rookie linebacker Sonny Styles on a blitz and another by outside linebacker Odafe Oweh on a stunt off the left side of the offensive line.
But Hurts had another explosive in him. His 31-yard pass down the right sideline to DeVonta Smith on third-and-5 from the Eagles’ 45 kept the drive alive. The offense sputtered in the red zone, though, and settled for a Jake Elliott 35-yard field goal to go up, 17-9.
The Eagles quarterback continued to step up. His 22-yard scramble on third-and-18 later in the fourth quarter kept the drive alive. His play set up a 43-yard catch-and-run touchdown pass to Goedert over the middle to put the Eagles up, 24-16.
“I think it’s just about meeting the moment when your opportunity comes,” Hurts said of his big plays late in the game. “I think collectively, we’ve got a lot to build on. Obviously, a lot to correct. And I’m excited to get back into the process of becoming the team that we’re supposed to become.”
Eagles linebacker Zack Baun had multiple big plays but the defense had trouble slowing the Commanders in the second half. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Up-and-down defense
The Eagles defense in Year 3 under Fangio was as advertised early in the game.
After conceding a field goal on the Commanders’ opening drive, the Eagles tightened up, limiting their opponent to 13 net yards on four possessions and forcing four straight punts.
All-Pro inside linebacker Zack Baun was arguably the best Eagles defender on the field. Early in the second quarter, he had back-to-back big plays. First, he had a pass breakup on a pass over the middle intended for Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Baun followed that up with a tackle for loss on a screen to Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, bringing up third-and-27 from the Commanders’ 10. Washington waved the white flag with a 9-yard run from Rachaad White and punted.
The Commanders still got theirs. Cooper DeJean had a shaky outing, getting called twice for illegal contact. The first penalty on the Commanders’ opening drive helped set up kicker Drew Stevens’ 55-yard field goal, putting Washington up, 3-0.
DeJean also conceded a 16-yard pass to Commanders wide receiver Antonio Williams over the middle in the red zone in the second quarter. Croskey-Merritt capitalized by punching in a 1-yard rushing touchdown, with the Commanders trailing, 14-9.
“Sometimes my eyes get bad and that gets me in trouble,” DeJean said. “So just got to be better with that. Good thing is, it’s Week 1. So got a lot of games ahead of us and I’ve got to continue to get better for our defense.”
Cooper DeJean (right) was victimized for some big plays in Sunday’s win. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
In the fourth quarter, Jihaad Campbell gave up a 33-yard pass to Williams on third-and-14 to the Eagles’ 14. Jayden Daniels capitalized with a 10-yard touchdown pass over the middle to Diggs, who was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty as he jumped onto the base of the goal post in celebration.
His touchdown pulled the Commanders within two, but his penalty negated the opportunity to go for two points and forced them to settle for an extra point instead to make it 17-16, Eagles.
DeJean’s struggles continued late in the fourth quarter when he conceded a 17-yard pass to Diggs to the Eagles’ 29. A 2-yard touchdown pass to Williams pulled the Commanders within two, 24-22, with roughly one minute remaining in the game.
But Ojomo’s big-time play on the 2-point conversion attempt prevented the Commanders from tying the game.
“You’ve got to play fast, man,” Ojomo said. “And you can’t play indecisive. I’m pretty sure I got off on the ball, I saw [Commanders right guard Sam] Cosmi pull, spun out of it, saw that the tight end was coming, and made the play.”
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 PhotographerEagles super fan Monty Gee sits on his scooter in the Jetro tailgating lot before the Eagles play the Commanders in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerJohn Ravenstahl, who calls himself Pope John, tailgating before the Eagles play the Commanders in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerCarter West beats up on a boxing mannequin as Taiden Bonewicz (right) watches while tailgating before the Eagles play the Commanders in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerKerri Lubinsky, of Pottsville, wears a Phillie Phanatic themed beverage drinking hat while tailgating before the Eagles play the Commanders in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. She dressed it up with Eagles gear for the game.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerEagles super fan Kenny Torres, AKA Eagle Libre, of Prospect Park, poses for a portrait while tailgating before the Eagles play the Commanders in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerAn Eagles themed bus sits in the Jetro tailgating lot before the Eagles play the Commanders in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerA selection of themed necklaces displayed in the Jetro tailgating lot before the Eagles play the Commanders in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff PhotographerJason Fehon (left), of Wyndmoor, Pa. And Glen Henderson (right), of Huntingdon Valley, pose for a portrait while tailgating before the Eagles play the Commanders in Philadelphia on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Extra-special teams
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.
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.
These are the most compelling conversations surrounding the Eagles’ coming season. Crazy, maybe, considering the success of each and their success in tandem, but here we are.
Hurts is under contract for three more seasons, but 2026 is his last season with substantial guaranteed money. Most teams with a $255 million franchise quarterback one season removed from winning a Super Bowl and its MVP award would have discussed an extension that would lock in that QB before the QB market inflates further, but the Eagles have not done that, according to a source. Why? Because Hurts regressed in 2025 and the Eagles are installing a new offense in 2026 and they want to see how he handles it.
Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni both have the equity that comes with a title and will be given a learning curve with a new offense. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Sirianni, of course, also is one season removed from winning a Super Bowl, a win that, according to an NFL source, earned him a four-year extension that pays him a $15 million salary through 2029. However, for the second time, Sirianni also lost the offensive coordinator that got him to the Super Bowl. Shane Steichen became the Colts’ head coach after 2022. Kellen Moore became the Saints’ head coach after 2024. Each time, Sirianni failed to replace them with a competent hire of his choosing, and owner Jeffrey Lurie and GM Howie Roseman got involved in pursuing the next coordinators. That’s why Moore got hired in 2024, and it’s why new coordinator Sean Mannion, a disciple of Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay, is installing that new offense in 2026.
So, while they might be overblown, there are issues with both the quarterback and the coach. Any post-2026 divorce would mean that the Eagles would eat either salary-cap money or Sirianni’s paychecks, but Lurie has never been shy to move off a bad investment.
In the NFL, it’s always easier to replace a coach than a quarterback. After all, Doug Pederson and Sirianni won Super Bowls.
Ominous, no? Apparently, no.
Relax
An offseason of communications with various NFL sources indicated two things:
The Eagles do not consider 2026 to be a make-or-break season for either Hurts or Sirianni. That’s because …
Installing an offense that is so philosophically different than what’s come before it is not a 17-game undertaking. It’s a two-season project.
This makes perfect sense.
It is the proper way to view the matter.
I’ll admit, it’s not the way I viewed the matter this spring. I thought Hurts’ limitations as a passer and decision-maker should imperil his status past 2026. I thought Sirianni’s inability to mature and his lack of offensive innovation should imperil his status as well.
I came around.
Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman both understand that Sean Mannion’s (right) offensive installation will be a work in progress. Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
Several NFL insiders said that this season should not be crucial for either the coach or the QB. Why?
Because, as long as the 2026 season doesn’t deteriorate into disaster, and as long as there is promise in December that the Birds can win big as soon as next season, the Eagles will have a better foundation than ever. They could be building something that lasts for the next decade. Mannion likely won’t be here for that long, since top offensive coordinators usually get hired as head coaches as soon as they show any aptitude. But Hurts is only 28. Sirianni can become a legend in Philly. That’s what the Eagles‘ brain trust wants.
My guys
Lurie is proud of acquiring both Hurts and Sirianni while the rest of the league laughed. As such, he is as invested in them as he was invested in Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb.
Also, Lurie is 74. He’s groomed his son, Julian, to replace him at the top. What better gift to give your princeling than a stable kingdom? As such, stability through change takes time.
Lurie and Roseman realize there will be speed bumps. The offense won’t work smoothly immediately. Mannion will virtually have carte blanche in regard to concepts, Sirianni will have final say over who is asked to do what, and Hurts won’t be asked to do things he’s uncomfortable doing.
However, as long as Hurts shows improvement as the season progresses, his future in Philly will be secure.
And as long as Sirianni commits to the concepts Mannion installs, and displays a willingness to adhere to them when Mannion moves on, his future in Philly also will be locked down.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni with owner Jeffrey Lurie before a joint practice with the New England Patriots last month. Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
I’ve known Lurie for 30 years, Roseman for 25. They don’t always tell whole truths, but they seemed particularly comfortable and, frankly, honest when, this offseason, they were asked about the futures of Hurts and Sirianni.
Asked last Wednesday on 94-WIP if this was a make-or-break season for Hurts, Roseman replied, “No, I don’t agree with that.”
Asked by reporters in April to review Sirianni’s five-year tenure, Lurie replied, “His performance has been nothing short of outstanding.”
All of this sounds pleasant now, before the first whistle blows. All of this could change drastically. The Eagles’ battered offensive line is being held together by athletic tape and stem cells. The team traded malcontent franchise receiver A.J. Brown, and his replacement, rookie Makai Lemon, doesn’t look ready for the NFL. There’s no proof that superstar running back Saquon Barkley, who carried the club in 2024 when he was 27, didn’t lose a step in 2025 when he was 28; now, he’s 29.
They host a desperate Commanders defense to start the season Sunday, travel to Chicago — where the Bears won a playoff game last season — for Game 3, then host Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett, and the fearsome Rams in Game 4.
There’s a very real chance that the Eagles’ new offense sputters in the first month of the season. There’s a very real chance that Lurie and Roseman become impatient and change their current long-range views regarding the head coach and the quarterback.
For now, though, they seem willing to give them every best chance.
