The Philadelphia Eagles were able to squeak past the Washington Commanders in Week 1, defeating them 24-22. It was the debut of a new offensive system with coordinator Sean Mannion, but it was too many times where it looked like the previous system the Eagles have played in.
The first-half play was more of what the Eagles were looking for, but it was the second half where things became stagnant and too familiar, according to The Athletic.
âÂÂThe style of play mirrored that of the 2025 season. Former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo oversaw an offense that too often leaned on the strength of the Eaglesâ defense,â The Athletic wrote. âÂÂThe 2025 Eagles had a minus-30 point differential while playing with a lead in the second half. They had a minus-3 point differential in the second half against the Commanders.âÂÂ
That led to Jalen Hurts taking matters into his own hands, and it's safe to say that he was a big reason they walked away with the win.
Article Continues BelowâÂÂGrowing pains can be expected in an overhauled offense. But its game-sealing moments in the second half came when Hurts seemed to leverage his talent outside the scheme. His third-and-18 scramble. Another 14-yard scramble earlier in that half on first-and-20. Even his best passes came from the vertical passing game previous systems leaned on. On third-and-5 in the third quarter, Hurts struck DeVonta Smith for a 31-yard gain along the right sideline. Three plays later, on third-and-3 at the Washington 17, Hurts was visibly frustrated when his pass sailed beyond Goedert, forcing the Eagles to settle for a field goal,â The Athletic wrote.
After the game, Hurts spoke about being able to step up for his team.
âÂÂItâÂÂs just about meeting the moment when your opportunity comes. Collectively, weâÂÂve got a lot to build on, obviously a lot to correct and IâÂÂm excited to get back into the process of becoming the team that weâÂÂre supposed to become,â Hurts said via the team's transcript.

