In an NFC East match-up, and battle for early positioning in the division, the Philadelphia Eagles came up short against the Washington Redskins as the lost by the final score of 23-20.
There was no spark to the Eagles on either side of the ball to start the game. The Redskins first offensive drive saw the Eagles give up a 43-yard run to running back Chris Thompson. Luckily, the Eagles defense put together a solid field goal stand to hold the Redskins to a field goal.
After a second Redskins field-goal, the Eagles’ defense began to show more signs of wear. A questionable pass interference call on rookie DB Eric Rowe helped set up a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Kirk Cousins.
The Eagles offense came out showing the same struggles fans are used to seeing, including having their first drive end in a three-and-out in what seemed to be under 10 seconds.
A returning DeMarco Murray did have an impressive 30-yard run early on, but quarterback Sam Bradford could not get anything going to capitalize.
The Redskins defense provided great coverage, limiting Bradford’s downfield options. The Eagles offensive line also continued their struggles, leading to Bradford taking three first half sacks for a total loss of 24 yards.
Bradford finally aired it out late in the first half, hitting rookie wide-receiver Nelson Agholor for a 45-yard one handed catch. However, on the following play, the Eagles attempted some trickery with an end-around from running back Ryan Mathews to Agholor, that ended up on the ground to be recovered by Washington.
One other early story came from newly-signed kicker Caleb Sturgis, who replaces Cody Parkey who is out for the season. After an explosive 45-yard punt return by running back Darren Sproles to put the Eagles in position to score, Sturgis missed from 33 yards out.
A new Bradford seemed to emerge as the second half began. On the Eagles first play of the half, Bradford connected with receiver Riley Cooper for a 62-yard touchdown.
Bradford’s hot-streak continued as he escaped pressure to hit tight-end Brent Celek for a 10-yard touchdown.
The defense came through with a forced fumble by Brandon Graham with Jordan Hicks recovering. Bradford and the Eagles would take advantage of the turnover with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Miles Austin.
The Redskins put together a late flurry to take the lead with a 90-yard drive capped by a four-yard touchdown pass from Cousins to Pierre Garcon. The defensive breakdown ultimately sealed the deal as the Eagles were not able to answer.
The Eagles will look to bounce back next week as they take on the New Orleans Saints at Lincoln Financial Field.
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