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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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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 15: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Football Team attempts a pass as Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles defends during the second half at FedExField on December 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 15: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Football Team attempts a pass as Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles defends during the second half at FedExField on December 15, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia’s defense and special teams

Defensively, Philly mirrors Washington in many ways.

On paper, the Eagles defensive line should be quite good. Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, and Malik Jackson are the equal of Washington’s dynamic interior linemen Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Matt Ioannidis, while ends Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett combined for 15 sacks in 2019. There is reasonable depth throughout. But games aren’t played on paper, and early injury bugs could put that depth on trial right away.

The linebacking corps, headed by Nathan Gerry and T.J. Edwards, is unspectacular but should be adequate playing behind that strong interior line.

Also like Washington, the secondary in Philadelphia is undergoing some major reshuffling. With Darby and Jenkins gone, free-agent signee Darius Slay will look to become a leader in the backfield. Jalen Mills will shift from corner to safety while vets Avonte Maddox, Rodney McLeod, and Nickell Robey-Coleman will all play significant roles.

And just to complete the WFT comparison, kicker Jake Elliott, punter Cameron Johnston, and snapper Rick Lovato form one of the best specialist units in the league.

That’s a brief look at the roster. But here’s what you should keep in mind for that glorious Sunday a little less than a week away.

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