5 winners and losers from the Commanders defeat vs. Eagles in Week 8

Who were the big winners and losers from the Washington Commanders' narrow defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8?

It was a much-improved effort overall from the Washington Commanders in Week 8 versus the Philadelphia Eagles. However, some critical errors late on both sides of the football ended up being their eventual undoing.

Washington is now sitting at 3-5 and with some serious speculation about the short and long-term direction of this franchise. Talk of moving some pieces before the 2023 trade deadline on October 31 continues to gather pace, with Adam Schefter of ESPN reporting that this scenario was dependent on how the Commanders got on versus their fierce NFC East rival.

Now that they've been swept by the Eagles, some pieces on the chess board could be removed in pursuit of attaining additional draft capital. Only time will tell, but it won't take much longer to find out one way or another.

Until then, here are five winners and losers from Washington's latest reverse at FedEx Field.

Winner No. 1

Commanders OL

The offensive line has taken some severe and deserved criticism this season. But the Washington Commanders' changes seemed to do the trick after a much more efficient display against a stout Philadelphia Eagles defensive front.

There were times when quarterback Sam Howell was under severe pressure, but it was nothing like what we've seen over the previous six contests. Washington's protection gave up just one sack, which was a big step in the right direction and something this revamped unit can build upon moving forward.

Tyler Larsen and Chris Paul more than held their own. Therefore, it would be a surprise if the Commanders went away from this formula even when Saahdiq Charles comes off injured/reserve.