A New Chase Begins — Commanders vs. Eagles Week 1 Preview

The Philadelphia Eagles play football this weekend.

Eight months ago, the Eagles were embarrassed at home in the first round of the 2026 NFL playoffs by the San Francisco 49ers. A longtime rival came into their home, dominated them for nearly the entire game, and ended their season and their quest for back-to-back Super Bowl championships.

Jobs were lost, distrust from fans was gained, and the vibe in Philadelphia with the Eagles just didn’t feel great compared to a year prior when they were celebrating in the streets with a Lombardi Trophy.

However, despite the struggles, a new team has been assembled, and new coaches have been brought in to help revitalize a team who making arguments for being a modern-day dynasty. 2026 is a new chapter for the Eagles and a chance for the team to find the inner excellence of their team and get back to the Super Bowl and win another championship.

They get to open the 2026 campaign against their rivals, the Washington Commanders, at home, Lincoln Financial Field, aka the Linc. A place where the rowdiest of fans gather together to create one of the best atmospheres in all of football. A place that isn’t heaven, but it’s close to it.

While the Eagles may have the advantage, anything can happen in a division game, and the Commanders are just two seasons removed from playing Philadelphia in the NFC Championship. With a team still similar roster-wise, we’ll see if Washington can be the team from 2024 that nearly went to the Super Bowl.

Hello Sean Mannion

Out with the old and in with the new for the Eagles offense, as after just one season with Kevin Patullo as the team’s playcaller, Philadelphia has turned to former third-round and longtime backup quarterback, 34-year-old Sean Mannion, to lead the Eagles offense.

Mannion comes from the Sean McVay-Matt LaFleur umbrella, spending multiple seasons with both coaches but never calling plays. He brings a West Coast style to Philly: short, efficient passes, relying on slot receivers and motion plays to get his playmakers open.

It’s a style that the Eagles haven’t been accustomed to in the past, small parts with Kellen Moore, but it’s one that every player is excited for. It’s a jump to a bit more modernized offense that’s been slowly taking over the league for the past few years, and now he gets to call plays for his full starting lineup after only getting snaps in with them during camp.

It may take some time to get things truly rolling, but once Mannion and the offense hit their groove, they have an opportunity to get back to the top of the offensive rankings.

Same Old Defense

One thing that’s similar over the past few seasons for the Eagles has been their defense.

Vic Fangio is back as the defensive playcaller, ready to help lead this group back to the top of the league rankings. The Eagles’ defense has been the focal point of their success since Fangio arrived in Philadelphia, and if the team wants to win another Super Bowl, making sure that they haven’t missed a beat is key.

Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis lead the front line, both with brand new extensions, while Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell lead the linebackers, and Nolan Smith and Jaylx Hunt lead the edge rushers.

One of the newest faces on defense comes in the secondary in cornerback Riq Woolen. Woolen comes over from Seattle after winning a Super Bowl last season. However, his time with the Seahawks ended quickly as he was essentially benched in favor of former Eagles Josh Jobe.

Woolen is still a top coverage corner in the league, and with him opposite Quinyon Mitchell in the secondary and Cooper DeJean at nickel, the Eagles have arguably the best cornerback trio in the league.

Unfortunately, the Eagles will be without their big offseason acquisition, Jonathan Greenard, as he’s still recovering from the pec injury he suffered over the summer, but he’s expected back at some point in the next few weeks. He shouldn’t be needed as this defense is still loaded top to bottom.

If the defense continues its dominance that’s been on display over the past few seasons, then the Eagles should once again be on track to make a run for the Super Bowl.

Jayden Daniels And Not Much Else

The 2026 Washington Commanders are an interesting team, to say the least.

They’re led by the former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, No. 5 himself, Jayden Daniels. Daniels struggled with injuries last season after the previous year going all the way to the NFC Championship, and since that game, the Commanders have attempted to keep the band together, aging veterans and all.

Now, due to trying to keep the old crew together, plus the poor draft picks from the past few years, the roster isn’t exactly the cream of the crop compared to the rest of the league.

Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs lead the offensive skill positions, both wide receivers well past their best playing days, and their leader on the line, Laremy Tunsil, suffered a torn triceps in camp and will likely miss the season.

On defense, rookie Sonny Styles could make the case for that side of the ball’s best player, as the secondary is ranked near the bottom of the league, and the defensive line is good, not great.

If the Eagles can keep Daniels in check and not let him play-make and use his legs, they will win with ease. However, if they allow McLaurin and Diggs to get going and Daniels to look like his 2024 self, it could be a long opening day for Philadelphia.

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