I know the Dallas Cowboys’ defense is trash.
I get it.
But there was enough from the Eagles’ offense last week to make this weekend feel a little more interesting. Sure, the usual hiccups showed up - the kind you expect from an offense led by a backup quarterback still finding his footing and missing some healthy starters - but there was also something to build on.
That matters here, because the Eagles don’t need a masterpiece to make this week worth watching. They need a step forward. And after seeing some improvement in both the run game and the passing game, it’s fair to think the offense might not be such a slog against the Washington Commanders.
I don’t even think the Commanders are a bad team. They’ve already had some hard-fought games against top teams this season. But with another week to settle in and get on the same page, the Eagles have a chance to make this offense look more functional than it has at times this year.
At this point, though, I don’t think many people are looking at this team and expecting a playoff push, even in a rough NFC East. The Giants aren’t exactly impressive, but they’re winning.
The Cowboys may still have the most talent on offense in the division, and even with their current issues, they could still win it. So the mindset has shifted from chasing the big picture to something simpler: “Let’s just have fun.”
Nonsense?
I get it.
Giving up?
Not really. This division stinks.
I really don’t care about the 2027 NFL Draft yet. And, hey, it’s been a while since we’ve heard an excited Merrill Reese and Mike Quick.
There’s still a real reason to pay attention this weekend. A win would get the Eagles to 3-5, and they’d still have another divisional game against the Giants before the bye week.
That’s a much better place to be than staring at a 4-5 record with a 3-1 division mark heading into the break. First things first, though: the Eagles have to handle the Commanders.
The offense isn’t the only thing worth watching. The defense has to answer for the embarrassing performance it put on in front of the home crowd Monday night.
It hasn’t been good all season, but the talent is still there, and the unit is still relatively healthy. That side of the ball has to be the backbone of this team.
Washington is coming off a bye, which could help them. But if the Eagles’ defense actually shows up and plays to its level, this game could be over by halftime.
Even if it isn’t pretty, a win is what matters most in Week 8. And if offensive coordinator Sean Mannion reportedly, uh, doing his job, the offense looked better the game after he changed how he was approaching film study during the week.
If he keeps that up, it could make a huge difference for this group. That’s clearly what this team needs.
If the players aren’t going to hold each other accountable, it’s at least encouraging to see one coach doing it.
In Other News...
Eagles Are Flirting With Another Costly Saquon Barkley Decision
Saquon Barkleys season has already been a stop-and-start one, with injuries piling up and the Eagles trying to manage his workload as the games keep coming. He was back at practice Friday after sitting out the first two sessions of the week, and the expectation is that he will be available for the next game, which only sharpens the attention on how carefully Philadelphia is handling him.
The concern around Barkley is bigger than one practice report because the Eagles are still dealing with the fallout from Jalen Hurts season-ending blood clot situation. Hurts initially had what seemed like a minor issue before it worsened after he kept playing and traveling, and now there is a real unease that Philadelphia could be drifting into the same kind of risk with another key player if it does not get the balance right. [Read more 🡒]
Eagles Send A Clear Message About Their Depth Before Commanders Game
The Eagles added some extra insurance for their Week 8 matchup with Washington by elevating running back Elijah Mitchell and edge rusher Mason Reiger from the practice squad. Mitchells move comes with some familiarity, since it is his second temporary elevation of the season, while Reiger is in line to make his Eagles debut as Philadelphia continues to manage the edges of its roster heading into a divisional game.
Philadelphia also left tight end Zach Ertz and cornerback Jakorian Bennett on injured reserve ahead of the Commanders game, keeping those spots unchanged for now. The decisions underscore how the Eagles are piecing together depth on the fly, with the practice squad again serving as a short-term solution as the team prepares for a key NFC East test. [Read more 🡒]
Eagles Face A Brutal Sunday Night Test They Desperately Need
Sunday night brings a tricky divisional measuring stick for the Eagles, who head into their matchup with Washington dealing with plenty of outside skepticism and a fair amount of uncertainty of their own. The buildup has centered on recent form, injuries and how both teams stack up right now, with analysts split on which side has the edge and plenty of attention on whether Philadelphia can steady itself in a game that could say a lot about where this season is headed.
Washingtons injury situation adds another layer to the matchup, even if the conversation around the game has mostly focused on how the Eagles respond under the lights. Philadelphia is staring at a test it badly needs, not just for the standings but for the tone it sets going forward, and the fact that so many predictions are still up in the air only underscores how much is riding on this one. [Read more 🡒]