Charlie Hug, Staff

The Eagles came into Week 3 hot after back-to-back wins against the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings. Playing in front of the thousands of Philly fans who took the trek down to Landover, Maryland, the Eagles kept their momentum going in a 24-8 rout over the Washington Commanders. In the team’s first meeting with former quarterback Carson Wentz, it was all defense in the first quarter for the Eagles. The team recorded four sacks on Wentz in the first quarter, making them the first team with four sacks in an opening quarter since 2019 and the first Eagles defense to do so since 1991. Coming into the game, the defense was perhaps the biggest question surrounding this Eagles team. After allowing 35 points to the sub-par Detroit Lions, they followed by allowing only 7 points to the reigning NFC North champion, the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 3, the Eagles defense showed that they are officially locked, ultimately ending the game with nine sacks – the most of any team this season- and three forced fumbles on Carson Wentz. 

As for the offensive side of the ball, the Eagles once again showed why they are one of only three undefeated teams remaining in the NFL. Early MVP candidate, Jalen Hurts, continued his spectacular start to the season with another masterful game. He completed 22 of his 35 passes for 340 yards and three touchdowns, earning him a QBR of 123.5. This came as a result of a career day from second-year wide receiver Devonta Smith. Smith could not be stopped on Sunday, securing eight catches for 169 yards and a touchdown. The highlight of the day was an incredible 44-yard leaping catch by Smith to put the Eagles at the Commanders’ 1-yard line with 25 seconds left in the first half. Smith was then able to cap off the drive with another highlight catch in the endzone to put the Eagles up 24-0 heading into the half. 

The Eagles get to stay home and play in front of the Philly faithful in Week 4 against a Jacksonville Jaguars team coming off a big win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Should the Eagles pull out a win at home, they look poised to head into their Week 7 bye with an undefeated record after matchups against the inconsistent Arizona Cardinals and the banged-up Dallas Cowboys. The biggest questions still following the Eagles this season: Will Jalen Hurts be able to keep up his MVP-caliber play, and will the defense be able to stay consistent in both the front and back fields? This week’s matchup against Doug Pederson and the Jacksonville Jaguars should be able to prove just that.