The Washington Commanders (4-5) will visit Lincoln Financial Field to take on the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles (8-0) for Monday Night Football on November 14th.
The game is a rematch from Philadelphia's dominating 24-8 win in September, when the team sacked quarterback Carson Wentz nine times at FedEx Field. But this time, Washington will boast an altered lineup compared to the last time they played the Eagles, on both offense and defense, with Taylor Heinicke in at quarterback and the potential return of Chase Young.
Series Record: The Eagles are 42-43-3 at home against Washington during this lengthy series history.
Opponent Scouting Report
Offense
QB: So far this season, Heinicke has thrown for 629 yards and five TD, bringing energy to the Commanders team. He has played loose and allowed the rest of the team to make plays. This almost resulted in a win Sunday against the Vikings; the score was 20-17.
RB: The season started with Antonio Gibson being the lead back for Washington as rookie Brian Robinson Jr. recovered from a gunshot wound. So far, Gibson has compiled 328 yards on 89 rush attempts for Washington while also catching 31 passes out of the backfield.
Since Robinson Jr. returned, he has taken over the starting RB role for the team.
Robinson has appeared in five games thus far with 67 carries for 219 yards and one rushing TD. While he has yet to completely take over the role of lead back, he is well on his way. Until he does, the duo of Robinson Jr. and Gibson will make a talented combination, something the Eagles will be forced to contend with on Monday.
WR: Jahan Dotson, who started the season strong for Washington, missed time due to an injury, including last Sunday, when he was out against Minnesota. With him ailing, this leads Terry McLaurin as the focal point for Washington's passing game. McLaurin caught five of nine targets against the Vikings for 56 yards.
TE: Although Logan Thomas, the converted quarterback, is valuable, he has been injured for much of the season and has yet to make a significant impact. The Eagles are strong against the run and defending the wide receiver position, so Thomas could be a frequent target for Heinicke.
Defense
Defensive Line: Chase Young is back at practice after returning from last season's ACL injury. If he plays this week, it will be his first game action in a year. Additionally, the Eagles will be forced to deal with Montez Sweat in this game. His ability to create havoc is well known; it could be even more prominent if Young returned.
Linebackers: The linebackers are young and led by 2021 draft pick Jamin Davis.
Secondary: William Jackson III was traded at the deadline, leaving Kendall Fuller as the leader. On top of Fuller, the group is exceptionally young, including Kamren Curl, a 2020 seventh-round selection, and Benjamin St. Juste, a third-round selection last season at cornerback opposite Fuller. While young, this group has shown promise; they shut down Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson for most of the game on Sunday.
Key Stats
1: Dallas Goedert has the HIGHEST yards after catch average of ALL tight ends in the league this season with 13.0.
2: Dallas Goedert has the second-most receiving yards of ALL tight ends in the league this season with 512.
3: Philadelphia only has three giveaways this season, the fewest in the first 8 games of a season in team history.
5: C.J. Gardner-Johnson leads the NFL with five INT this season for the Eagles.
8: For the first time in franchise history, the Philadelphia Eagles are 8-0.
15: The Eagles rank first in turnover differential (+15).
26: Through eight games this season, Philadelphia has sacked opposing quarterbacks 26 times.
