Eagles At Commanders: Four Players The Eagles Must Prepare For
The Philadelphia Eagles are getting ready for a road matchup against the Washington Commanders. The Eagles come into the game 2-0 while the Commanders are 1-1. Washington is a better team than a year ago when the Eagles swept them in two late-season games. The Commanders have a few stars on the offensive and defensive side of the ball that the Eagles must prepare for.
Carson Wentz
The Eagles will get to see their former franchise quarterback who was selected by Philadelphia second overall in 2016. Carson Wentz was playing at an MVP-like level in 2017 before going down with a knee injury. He spent three more years with the Eagles before being traded away due to declining play. He lasted one season with the Colts before being traded again to the Commanders.
Wentz through two games has showed flashes of excellence. So far in 2022, he has 650 passing yards which is second in the league and seven touchdown passes which is tied for first in the league. However, Wentz does have three interceptions. Overall, he has played well, but still has the potential to make mistakes at the wrong time for his team.
Key to victory: The Eagles’ defense is coming off a dominating performance in which they forced Kirk Cousins to throw three interceptions and sacked him twice. They will need to pressure Wentz often to force him to make mistakes. This could ruin Wentz’s quest for revenge.
Terry McLaurin
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin gives the Commanders a big play threat. He so far has six receptions for 133 yards. His biggest catch went for 49 yards in the Commanders come from behind victory in Week One against the Jaguars.
Last year, McLarin had 51 yards in the first matchup and 61 yards in the second matchup. He had no touchdowns, but with a better quarterback in Wentz, the Eagles need to be prepared. McLaurin has burned the Eagles in the past.
Key to victory: The Eagles have a good secondary that did not allow any big plays vs the Vikings in Week One. They will likely match cornerback Darius Slay up against McLaurin. Slay had two interceptions last week and held Vikings number one receiver Justin Jefferson in check.
Jahan Dotson
The Commanders entered the offseason without a receiving threat beyond Terry McLaurin until the selection of Jahan Dotson in the first round. The former Penn State star has quickly emerged as one of Caron Wentz’s favorite targets. He so far has seven catches for 99 yards and a team high three touchdowns.
Key to victory: Philadelphia spent the offseason upgrading their secondary, so they should be in good shape. Outside of Darius Slay, the Eagles have James Bradberry as the second CB. Bradberry returned an interception for a touchdown in Week One and played well against the Vikings. Slot corner Avonte Maddox recorded an interception in Week Two.
Jonathan Allen
Jonathan Allen is one of Washington’s best defenders. He is coming off a Pro-Bowl year and has the ability to disrupt opposing offensive lines. Last year, Allen finished the year with 62 tackles and nine sacks. He will look to stop the Eagles powerful rushing attack and get to the quarterback. Allen was a former teammate of Jalen Hurts at Alabama.
Key to victory: The Eagles have a strong offensive line that is one of the best in the league. Look for the Eagles to use all their backs plus Jalen Hurts as they will look to have yet another dominant rushing attack vs the Commanders.