The Washington Commanders lost their Week 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia after a slow offensive start and a few big plays allowed on defense. The offense improved as the game progressed, while several newcomers made immediate contributions.
Commanders Commentary offered the following observations after the loss:
• The offense improved in the second half but did not do enough overall. The defense was generally good despite some costly moments, with next week’s matchup against Dallas providing another opportunity to evaluate both units.
• Center Nick Allegretti had some difficult moments, but held up reasonably well considering the competition. Left tackle Brandon Coleman struggled, though Commanders Commentary expects improvement as he returns to the position after a year away from it.
• The matchup against Dallas could offer opportunities for Washington’s pass rush. Commanders Commentary noted that the defense frequently reached Jalen Hurts and suggested Dak Prescott’s more limited mobility could work in Washington’s favor.
• Croskey-Merritt stood out as the team’s best running back option because of his vision and elusiveness, though ball security remains a concern. Commanders Commentary questioned whether White showed the burst and ability to escape defenders needed for the third-down role envisioned for him.
• Injuries involving Chig Okonkwo, Frankie Luvu, Tyler Owens, and Jordan Magee are worth monitoring. Commanders Commentary expressed concern about potential absences, but those projections were not official injury timelines.
• Rookie linebacker Sonny Styles impressed in his first regular-season appearance, while rookie wide receiver Antonio Williams also earned praise. Newcomers contributed touchdown receptions by Stefon Diggs and Williams, a sack by Odafe Oweh, a sack and tackle for loss by Styles, and a 55-yard field goal by rookie Drew Stevens.
Josh Taylor shared the following defensive numbers from SumerSports:
• Zone coverage: 84.8%
• Man coverage: 15.2%
• Blitz rate: 39.39%
• Pressure rate: 48.48%
• Tackle-for-loss rate: 24%
The figures Taylor shared placed Washington’s blitz rate 16.27 percentage points above the NFL average, its pressure rate 9.93 points above average, and its tackle-for-loss rate 15 points above average. Taylor also noted that Pro Football Focus gave center Nick Allegretti the lowest rating of all offensive linemen for the Commanders.
Ryan Fowler reported that Sam Cosmi was the only Washington offensive lineman who did not allow multiple pressures. Cosmi allowed no pressures across 38 pass protection snaps against Philadelphia’s defensive front.
To close, here are three facts provided by Commanders PR:
- Stefon Diggs caught his first touchdown pass of the season and the 75th of his career. He is the 43rd player in NFL history to record 75 career touchdown receptions.
- Tress Way appeared in his 197th game for Washington, surpassing former center Len Hauss for sole possession of fifth place in franchise history for games played.
- Drew Stevens’ 55-yard field goal was the longest made by a Washington player during his rookie season since James Tuthill in Week 7 of the 2002 season.
