Eagles Win Opener 24-22 in Thrilling Season Start

The Philadelphia Eagles proved they know how to win close games, holding off a late rally from the Washington Commanders to start their season with a heart-pounding 24-22 victory.

Jalen Hurts threw three touchdown passes and led the Eagles to a 6-0 record in season openers under coach Nick Sirianni since 2021. With 1:01 left on the clock and trailing by two points, the Commanders scored a touchdown but needed a 2-point conversion to tie the game.

Defensive lineman Moro Ojomo became the hero of the night when he wrapped up tight end John Bates on the conversion attempt, preserving the Eagles' win. The crowd at Lincoln Financial Field erupted as Philadelphia's defense came through when it mattered most.

Hurts connected beautifully with tight end Dallas Goedert, who caught four passes for 77 yards and two touchdowns. Their chemistry suggests the Eagles offense will continue to thrive even with new coordinator Sean Mannion calling plays.

The early fireworks came from Dontayvion Wicks, who Hurts found for a career-long 64-yard reception in the first quarter. Wicks, acquired from Green Bay in April, later caught a 9-yard touchdown pass and gave Eagles fans hope that life after trading A.J. Brown will work out just fine.

The Bright Side

While the final score was close, the Eagles showed resilience that championship teams need. Hurts worked smoothly with his fifth offensive coordinator in five years, suggesting the former Super Bowl MVP can adapt and succeed no matter who's designing the playbook.

Running back Saquon Barkley flashed the explosiveness that helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl in 2024, ripping off a 42-yard run that set up one of the touchdowns. Linebacker Zack Baun anchored a defense that bent but didn't break when the game was on the line.

For the Commanders, quarterback Jayden Daniels showed poise in leading two fourth-quarter touchdown drives, finishing 18 of 34 for 164 yards. His 13-yard scramble on the final play of the third quarter sparked Washington's comeback attempt and gave fans an exciting finish.

Both teams head into Week 2 knowing they can compete at a high level in what promises to be another competitive NFC East race.

Season openers like this remind us why we love football.