Philadelphia Eagles vs. Commanders Preview: Philly's 1st NFC East Battle

The Philadelphia Eagles defense hopes to get after Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell in Week 4.

The Philadelphia Eagles welcome NFC East division foe Washington Commanders to Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday afternoon for a Week 4 matchup. The Eagles are one of three undefeated remaining teams in the NFL and hope to not let history repeat itself.

Last season, the Commanders' 32-21 win in Philly on Monday Night Football was a massive upset and ended the Eagles' undefeated streak in Week 10.

A lot can change in a year. Two huge differences for the Eagles are a new offensive coordinator in Brian Johnson and defensive coordinator in Sean Desai. Each week, the chemistry and communications seems to be improving for the defending NFC champs.

In a convincing 25-11 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was battling flu-like symptoms, completed 23 of 37 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score. Hurts looks to clean up his two interceptions. 

Running back D'Andre Swift made a huge impact for the second straight week, rushing for 130 yards. The Eagles offense led the league in rushing touchdowns per game last season, a stat they'd like to continue.

“No man is an island," Hurts said. "We draw strength from others. We had each other’s backs. We just find a way to win. But we’ve got three wins and we’re going to continue to build off of that as a team and hold each other accountable.”

The Eagles held the Bucs to 174 total yards while compiling 472 yards of total offense.

This week, the Eagles defense hopes to get after Washington quarterback Sam Howell. One week removed from a career-high performance, Howell hit his low in a 37-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 3. Seemingly every time Howell dropped back to pass, he was either getting sacked or throwing an interception. Howell completed 19 of 29 passes for 170 yards with four interceptions and was sacked nine times.

Washington's offensive line vows to better protect Howell after allowing a league-high 19 sacks through three games.

Not an easy task against a menacing Philadelphia defense. The Eagles have forced eight turnovers in three games, six of which are forced fumbles, and they are the only team with multiple takeaways in every game this year. 

RECORDS: Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) vs. Washington Commanders (2-1) 

ODDS: Washington is a 8-point favorite vs. the Commanders.

GAME TIME: Sunday, Oct. 1st, 2023 at 1 p.m. ET

LOCATION: Lincoln Financial Field - Philadelphia, PA

TV/RADIO: FOX, BIG 100.3 FM

THE FINAL WORD: Eagles cornerback Darius Slay of Jalen Carter's dominant start to his career:

“That is a grown man,' said Slay of Carter. "This s*** is crazy!''

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