The Eagles Run Defense
Commanders fans love to talk about the Commanders defensive front. But what about the Eagles front? Josh Sweat as a pass rusher? Jordan Davis? Jalen Carter? Fletcher Cox? Then you add in guys who are actually producing, like Milton Williams, Brandon Graham and Marlon Tuipulotu? Have you watched the Eagles defensive front this season? They have not even given up a rushing touchdown in three games.
Buy Commanders TicketsKeep in mind the Eagles defensive front is going to match up against the Commanders offensive line! That matchup combination is going to spell trouble unless there is a significant change in the scheme and performance of the offensive line this week.
The Eagles Rushing Attack
Running back D’Andre Swift is second in the NFL with 308 rushing yards. Swift is second in the NFL, averaging 6.8 yards a carry, while fourth in the league, averaging 102.7 rushing yards a game. He has the ability to break a long run, evidenced by his 43-yard run thus far. The rushing game has benefitted greatly because quarterback Jalen Hurts is such a threat, already scoring three rushing touchdowns. His mobility in running the ball forces the defense to defend 11 players, not 10.
The Eagles Offensive Line
Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, Landon Dickerson and company are not merely a fair unit. The line drives this team, as the Eagles are second in the NFL in team rushing, averaging 185.7 rushing yards a game. They love to run the ball controlling the clock, as they are second in the NFL with 113 rushing attempts. By contrast, Washington is 28th in the NFL with only 64 rushing attempts. It’s not even close in EXP. That is, in Expected points contributed by rushing offense, the Eagles lead the NFL with 18.55. The closest to them are the Bills at 14.64. Washington is 15th at 1.82.
The Eagles Punting Return Unit
Through three games, 11 teams have returned more punts than the Eagles. However, the Eagles are second in punt return yards with 113 on their six punt returns. This averages to 18.8 yards a return. This is impressive, considering the Eagles have not broken a return for a touchdown. The Commanders? Well, they are next to last at 31st, averaging a mere 3.8 a return.
