PHILADELPHIA – The Washington Commanders open the week of NFL action against the Philadelphia Eagles, looking for their eighth win of the season and first place in the NFC East Division.

Before any of the play, Commanders tight end Zach Ertz was given a warm welcome by the Eagles fans in attendance in a cool moment when he was on the field as team captain against the team he won a Super Bowl with in 2018.

Washington won the toss, something that has become a habit this season, and postponed it until the second half by defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.’s unit. on the field to start the game against quarterback Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia offense.

Knowing the Eagles’ offense was built on explosive plays, the secondary knew they faced a big challenge this week, and that challenge presented itself early.

Getting the ball into Washington territory on his first possession. Hurts connected with Philadelphia receiver AJ Brown for a catch and run that netted 25 yards. The play put the ball on the Commanders’ 23-yard line, but three solid defensive plays later the Eagles were forced to attempt a 44-yard field goal that kicker Jake Elliott missed, leaving the game at zero points for either side.

Washington wasted no time with its first explosive play of the game and on the first play of its second possession, quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered the ball in the flat to running back Austin Ekeler, who turned upfield for a 34-yard gain to the Philadelphia. 24 meter line.

Two plays later, running back Brian Robinson Jr. the team’s second explosive play with an 18-yard run, and on the next play he punched the ball in from two yards out with a push assist from offensive lineman Sam Cosmi. Kicker Zane Gonzalez nailed his extra point and Washington took a 7-0 lead.

The Eagles again got into field goal position in the opening moments of the second quarter, and once again Elliott failed to convert the kick attempt. As a result, despite the Commanders having three three-and-out possessions in their first four, the team still had a 7-0 lead entering the always valuable middle quarter.

Washington failed to convert its first midquarter possession into points and Philadelphia was able to use its four-minute offense to drain all but 19 seconds of the first half and get the first points of the half on a 21-yard field goal. Elliott, his first impression of the evening.

Washington wasn’t satisfied heading into halftime without trying to score some more points and with nine seconds left in the half, Daniels appeared to make contact with receiver Dyami Brown at the Eagles’ 30-yard line, but a review made it game undone.

That ended any hope that the Commanders would figure something out to score before half-time, and we went into the dressing room 7-3 in favor of the burgundy and gold.

Washington gets the ball to start the second half.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE Washington Commanders coverage throughout the 2024 season.

• If the Commander’s defense has its way, there won’t be many fireworks on TNF

• Commanders coach Dan Quinn ‘fired up’ about the battle in the NFC East Division

• Staff predictions ahead of Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles

• Commanders hope to bounce back and reach milestones against the Eagles in Week 11