Three takeaways from Washington Football Team’s Week 1 win vs. Eagles
3. Third down defense, discipline still an early issue for Washington
In the early stages of the game, the Washington Football Team had far too much trouble containing the Philadelphia Eagles. And that was due primarily to two familiar issues: Third downs and discipline.
In the first half, the Eagles converted on 4-of-6 third downs to open the game. Washington had done a good job of forcing the Eagles into unfavorable situations, including several third-and-8s and a third-and-22, but they couldn’t stop the Eagles in those situations.
The Eagles were able to find plenty of space through the air with their deep threats and tight ends, and Washington couldn’t quite get enough pressure (or hold up in coverage enough) to make a difference. Moving forward, they’ll need to clean up in those areas to make sure they don’t find themselves down early and often and to make sure that their defense isn’t on the field too much.
More from Commanders News
- What will Emmanuel Forbes bring to the Washington Commanders?
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
As for the discipline issues, Washington had four penalties for 40 yards in the first half. The Eagles had one for five. It was a big difference-maker for Washington, especially Troy Apke’s personal foul. Chase Young jumping offside on a third-and-5 in the red-zone didn’t help either.
Now, it is fair to wonder just how much of these problems are because of the lack of a preseason or if the team still has lingering issues here despite the coaching changes they’ve made. They improved in the second half, so that is certainly a good sign.
Still, this will be an area to watch moving forward. If they don’t improve and become more consistent, we’ll be able to assume that there is a larger issue at hand. And that will consistently put themselves in bad situations as they look to stay competitive.