Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles Week 1: Five Questions with Bleeding Green Nation

Key Points:

• The Philadelphia Eagles, two-time defending NFC East champions, will face the Washington Commanders in Week 1, with the Eagles favored by 5.5 points and expected to rely heavily on a revamped offense under new OC Sean Mannion.
• Mannion plans to implement a Shanahan-style outside-zone run game featuring more under-center formations and increased play-action, though questions remain about QB Jalen Hurts' preference for sideline passes conflicting with the new scheme.
• The Eagles' defense, led by Vic Fangio in his third year as DC, is poised to be among the NFL's best, anchored by a strong defensive line and cornerback trio, though safety remains a potential weak spot.
• The offseason saw significant changes including the retirement of legendary OL coach Jeff Stoutland and the trade of star receiver A.J. Brown, with DeVonta Smith expected to step up as the primary target amid concerns over depth at receiver and tight end.
• For the Commanders, key strategies include attacking the Eagles' safeties and limiting running back Saquon Barkley, while defensively focusing on containing the Eagles' run-heavy offense and new offensive schemes.