Eagles Start Strong, Finish Flat in 27-17 Loss to Washington

Overtime Heroics Editorial

1110 days ago

The first half for the Eagles started quickly, taking an early 17-0 lead in the Week 1 road matchup at Washington. That was all we would see of the high-flying offense, as the Philadelphia defense would give up 27 straight unanswered points.

Carson Wentz had two interceptions and two fumbles, but drops and inadequate defense all came together to equal an underwhelming second half.

The offensive line didn’t exactly help matters. Before the season started, the Eagles lost All-Pro guard Brandon Brooks. Not long after, second-year tackle Andre Dillard. Shifting the line around and re-signing Jason Peters helped, but it obviously wasn’t the answer, as Wentz was sacked eight times.

Eagles at Washington — Carson Wentz getting sacked by Chase Young

Tackle Lane Johnson was a pregame scratch, and reserve tackle rookie Jack Driscoll also went down. Running back Miles Sanders was also missing from the lineup.

That didn’t stop Philadelphia from scoring quickly, though. Quarterback Carson Wentz extended his streak of at least one passing touchdown in 17 straight games, carried over from last year, as tight ends, Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz both made into the endzone.

But at halftime, everything changed. Turnovers of errant throws, not holding onto the ball, and the inability to get enough pressure on Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins spelled trouble, as slowly, the Football Team crept back into the game. Ultimately stretching out a 10-point lead.

Injuries have been an issue for this team for the last few years, but you would hope they could get out of Week 1 unscathed. Defensive end Brandon Graham also left early, as did Vinny Curry. Graham should return next week if he makes it through the concussion protocol, but Curry could miss some time with a hamstring injury.

Running Back Boston Scott tried to impact the game along with Corey Clement, but with the line being as it was, that proved difficult.

Leaders for both sides were: