The Philadelphia Eagles opened the 2026 NFL season with a thrilling 24-22 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles were able to withstand a late comeback attempt from Washington, with the defense stopping a two-point conversion with just over a minute remaining to preserve the victory.
Philadelphia entered the season with high expectations for a new-look offense under offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, and quarterback Jalen Hurts delivered an encouraging start that got all Eagles fans excited. Hurts finished the game with 203 passing yards and three touchdown passes while adding 48 rushing yards. He did not throw an interception, which helped lead them to success in this particular game.
The game started with Washington putting the first points on the board. Rookie kicker Drew Stevens connected on a 55-yard field goal during the Commanders’ opening drive, giving Washington an early 3-0 advantage. Philadelphia’s defense responded by forcing multiple three-and-outs, keeping the Commanders from extending their lead.
The Eagles finally found their rhythm late in the first quarter when Hurts connected with new Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks for a huge 64-yard gain. The reception moved Philadelphia deep into Washington territory and set up the Eagles’ first touchdown opportunity of the season.
Early in the second quarter, Hurts found tight end Dallas Goedert in the back of the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown. Jake Elliott’s extra point gave Philadelphia its first lead of the season at 7-3.
Washington struggled to sustain drives throughout the first half, while Philadelphia continued to create opportunities with explosive plays. Saquon Barkley provided one of the biggest plays of the game when he broke loose for a 42-yard run, as he is the main rusher for the team, helping the Eagles put them inside the Washington 15-yard line.
A few plays later, Hurts connected with Wicks again, this time for a nine-yard touchdown. Wicks’ first touchdown as an Eagle extended Philadelphia’s lead to 14-3 with 6:27 remaining in the second quarter.
The Commanders answered before halftime. Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt scored on a one-yard touchdown run following a 12-play, 67-yard drive. Washington’s extra-point attempt was blocked, however, keeping Philadelphia’s lead at 14-9 heading into halftime.
The third quarter became much quieter offensively. Philadelphia struggled to consistently move the football, but Elliott added a 35-yard field goal late in the quarter to give the Eagles a 17-9 advantage. Washington also missed an opportunity to cut into the deficit when Stevens missed a 54-yard field goal wide right.
Washington finally began to build momentum in the fourth quarter. Jayden Daniels connected with veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs for a 10-yard touchdown with 9:59 remaining, bringing the Commanders within one point at 17-16.
Philadelphia immediately responded with one of its biggest offensive plays of the afternoon. Hurts escaped pressure and scrambled for 22 yards on a third-and-18, keeping the drive alive. The Eagles eventually reached the end zone when Hurts found Goedert for a 43-yard touchdown with 6:02 remaining.
Goedert’s second touchdown of the afternoon pushed Philadelphia’s lead back to eight points at 24-16 and appeared to put the Eagles in control. Goedert finished with four receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns, making him one of the biggest offensive difference-makers of the game.
Washington refused to go away. Daniels led the Commanders on a 12-play, 63-yard drive that lasted more than five minutes. With 1:01 remaining, rookie Antonio Williams scored his first NFL touchdown on a one-yard reception, cutting Philadelphia’s lead to 24-22.
Instead of kicking the extra point, Washington attempted a two-point conversion to tie the game. Daniels’ shovel pass to tight end John Bates was stopped short of the goal line by Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo, preserving Philadelphia’s two-point advantage.
The Commanders then attempted an onside kick, but DeVonta Smith recovered the ball for Philadelphia. Hurts took a pair of kneel-downs to run out the clock and officially secure the Eagles’ first victory of the 2026 season.
Despite controlling the scoreboard for most of the afternoon, Philadelphia was outplayed in several statistical categories. Washington recorded 20 first downs compared to Philadelphia’s 10 and controlled the clock for 33:20 compared to the Eagles’ 26:40. The Commanders also converted five of 15 third downs, while Philadelphia converted six of 14.
Hurts’ performance was one of the biggest positives and a key touchdown scorer that helped the team out for Philadelphia. His three touchdown passes came without a turnover, and his ability to make plays with his legs became particularly important late in the game. Barkley also contributed 83 rushing yards on 15 carries, while Goedert led the Eagles’ receiving attack with 77 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, linebacker Zack Baun led the Eagles with 12 tackles and also recorded a sack. Rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell added a sack of Daniels, while the defense came up with the biggest play of the game when Ojomo stopped Washington’s two-point attempt.
The Eagles did not play a perfect game, particularly during stretches of the third quarter, but they made the necessary plays when the game was on the line. Philadelphia finished with no turnovers, while Washington also avoided turning the ball over.
Philadelphia will leave Week 1 with a 1-0 record, but the narrow victory also gives the team plenty to evaluate as it heads into next week’s game against the Tennessee Titans at 1pm next Sunday on Fox. The Eagles’ offense showed explosive potential under Mannion, while the defense demonstrated an ability to make crucial stops late in the game.
For a team with high expectations entering the season, the most important takeaway may simply be that Philadelphia found a way to win. The Eagles survived a late Washington rally, protected home-field advantage, and opened the 2026 season with a division victory.
| Statistic | Eagles | Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 24 | 22 |
| Total Yards | 318 | 295 |
| Passing Yards | 182 | 163 |
| Rushing Yards | 136 | 132 |
| First Downs | 10 | 20 |
| Third Down | 6/14 | 5/15 |
| Fourth Down | 0/0 | 2/2 |
| Red Zone | 2/3 | 3/3 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Penalties | 5-40 | 6-45 |
| Time of Possession | 26:40 | 33:20 |
Top Eagles performers: Jalen Hurts — 14/25, 203 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT, 48 rushing yards; Saquon Barkley — 15 carries, 83 yards; Dallas Goedert — 4 receptions, 77 yards, 2 TD; Zack Baun — 12 tackles, 1 sack.
Final: Philadelphia Eagles 24, Washington Commanders 22. The Eagles begin the season 1-0, while Washington falls to 0-1.
