Eagles Survive Week 1 NFC East Thriller Versus Commanders

The Philadelphia Eagles began their 2026 season with a gutsy 24-22 home division win over the Washington Commanders, outlasting a 13 point fourth quarter comeback bid. Washington scored a one-yard touchdown with 61 seconds remaining that gave them a chance to tie the game. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels completed a shovel pass up the middle on the ensuing two-point conversion try, but Moro Ojomo and Jihaad Campbell wrapped up tight end John Bates short of the goal line. The Eagles (1-0) recovered Washington’s onside kick try, setting up Jalen Hurts to kneel out the clock.

Philadelphia’s offense endured ups and downs in their first game under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. Tight end Dallas Goedert hold in two touchdowns, including the eventual game winner; Hurts got the drive started with a 22-yard scramble on third-and-18 and completed 14 of 25 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns, connecting on chunk gains of 64, 43 and 31 yards. Running back Saquon Barkley erupted into the secondary for a 42-yard gain as part of a scoring drive that put the Eagles in front 14-3, but was otherwise kept in check.

Philadelphia managed just 10 first downs on the day, however, and when they weren’t breaking off explosive plays they struggled to move the football, punting seven times in all. Two missed Washington kicks, a field goal and an extra point, helped the Eagles avoid disaster.

While Daniels warmed up against Philadelphia’s highly-touted defense as the game went on, he managed just 164 yards on 34 attempts and was stonewalled on the game-saving play.

Up next, Philadelphia will travel to face the Tennessee Titans at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20.