The Eagles’ Week 1 matchup with Washington brings more than just Jayden Daniels back into the spotlight. Philadelphia will open the season at home against a Commanders team that has added new pieces, gotten key players healthy, and now has several threats the defense has to track from the first snap.
Washington’s biggest name is still Daniels, but he won’t be carrying the load alone. The Commanders have a handful of players who could force the Eagles to stay on high alert in every phase of the game.
Sonny Styles is one of the most intriguing additions in Washington. The seventh overall pick in this year’s draft has already earned trust inside the building, and he’ll share green dot responsibilities with veteran linebacker Frankie Luvu while helping steer the defense. At 6-foot-5, Styles brings length, range, and the kind of coverage instincts that can create headaches on short and intermediate routes.
Chig Okonkwo is another matchup Philadelphia can’t afford to lose track of. Washington hasn’t had a tight end this dangerous since the Jordan Reed days, and Okonkwo gives the Commanders a pass-catching threat who can move all over the formation. At 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds, he’s not a classic in-line tight end, and that makes him especially tricky for linebackers and defensive backs to pin down.
The wide receiver group also got a major boost with the addition of Stefon Diggs. Washington had been lacking a true one-two punch at receiver in recent years, and Diggs changes that immediately.
The veteran can work both inside and outside, which means Cooper DeJean and Riq Woolen may see plenty of him in Week 1. Rookie Antonio Williams out of Clemson adds another playmaker to the mix, but Diggs is the name that changes the whole feel of the passing game.
Up front, Odafe Oweh gives Washington another problem for opposing tackles. The free-agent pickup is set to return to practice this week after dealing with a calf injury, according to ESPN Commanders reporter John Keim. Oweh posted 7.5 sacks last season, and with K'Laivon Chaisson also added in free agency, the Commanders suddenly have a fresh pass-rushing duo ready to test Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.
Then there’s Terry McLaurin, who remains the most proven weapon in the group. He was limited to just 10 active games last season because of injury, but he’s back healthy and has looked explosive all summer. McLaurin and Daniels were on the field together for only three games last season, so Week 1 offers a chance to get that connection rolling in a hurry.
Quinyon Mitchell should draw that assignment again. Mitchell famously blanked McLaurin as a rookie in 2024, and the Eagles secondary will be watching closely as the former Buckeye comes into this opener.
McLaurin is now entering his eighth NFL season and has caught 71 passes for 1.027 yards and six touchdowns against Philadelphia. He remains the Commanders receiver the Eagles have to know where to find at all times.
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