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Examining Washington Football Team’s Week 1 opponent: Philadelphia Eagles

By Jonathan Eig

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 15: Wide receiver Steven Sims #15 of the Washington Redskins rushes in front of cornerback Avonte Maddox #29 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at FedExField on December 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 15: Wide receiver Steven Sims #15 of the Washington Redskins rushes in front of cornerback Avonte Maddox #29 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at FedExField on December 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 08: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a third quarter touchdown pass against the Washington Football Team at Lincoln Financial Field on September 08, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 08: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a third quarter touchdown pass against the Washington Football Team at Lincoln Financial Field on September 08, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia’s offense

When WFT takes the field on Sunday the 13th, they will be looking at a veteran in Carson Wentz. Before last year’s playoff misfortune, he was healthy for the entire 2019 regular season and everyone in Philly has noted his increased maturity and improved leadership qualities.

Wentz’s past injuries do have some fans concerned, but he looks like the top tier QB Philly assumed they were getting when they selected him second overall in 2016. He will be backed up by former Washington draftee Nate Sudfeld, and rookie Jalen Hurts, with whom we can expect coach Doug Pederson to be very creative.

In the backfield, Philly anticipates big things from Miles Sanders, who takes undisputed control of the RB1 position with the departure of Jordan Howard. The speedy 5-foot-6 Boston Scott will provide a change of pace, while young vet Corey Clement provides solid depth. If Sanders performs up to expectation, it should be a strong group.

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Wide receiver was the Achilles heel for the Eagles in 2019. DeSean Jackson’s early injury (after torching Washington in Week 1) was devastating for a WR corps that had no other big-time playmakers. Alshon Jeffrey has been plagued by injuries and Agholor has been the model of inconsistency, which led to his departure.

Behind them, JJ Arcega-Whiteside flashed some talent. With the healthy return of Jackson this season, the addition of the explosive rookie Jalen Reagor, (not for nothing – with the back-to-back selections of WR Reagor and QB Hurts, the Eagles became the first team in NFL history to choose players named Jalen with their first two picks) and the continued growth of Arcega-Whiteside, the Eagles are hoping to give Wentz far more downfield options.

Philly only has two tight ends currently on their 53-man roster. When you have Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert, you only need two. Until Gronk and OJ Howard prove they can play together in Tampa, this is the best TE tandem in the league.

Philadelphia’s offensive line has regressed a bit from being among the best during their Super Bowl year. Age and injury have caught up with them, but they are in the process of retooling. They still have good anchors in center Jason Kelce and right tackle Lane Johnson. And left guard Isaac Seumalo has developed into a quality player as well. But there is trouble afoot. More on that in a few moments.

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