The Philadelphia Eagles improved to 7-1 in Week 8 of 2023 NFL season with a road win against the Washington Commanders. The 38-31 victory certainly didn’t look perfect, but the Eagles own the best record in the NFL.
The defending NFC champs will face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9.
Philadelphia Eagles Defeat Washington Commanders
The Eagles improved to 23-5 since the beginning of the 2022 season. Despite their dominance against the majority of NFL teams, their division opponent continues to give them headaches.
Sam Howell had a career game with 397 yards and four touchdowns. Washington hasn’t gone done easily against the Eagles in recent seasons. However, Nick Sirianni has survived a few scares to earn a 5-1 career record against them.
Jalen Hurts outdueled Howell in the NFC East shootout. He threw two touchdown passes to A.J. Brown, one to DeVonta Smith, and one to Julio Jones.
The franchise quarterback continues to struggle with turnovers. He fumbled at the goal line on the notorious “tush push” play in the third quarter.
Brown has established himself as one of the most dominant players in the NFL. He eclipsed 125 receiving yards for the sixth consecutive game, the longest streak in NFL history. Defenders look helpless against his physicality and athleticism.
Projected Philadelphia Eagles Week 9 Starters
Trade acquisition Kevin Byard played every defensive snap in Washington in his first game with the Eagles. Reed Blankenship returned from an injury, and the two will make up the starting safety tandem if they remain healthy.
The Eagles hope to get offensive guard Cam Jurgens back in the lineup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9.
Julio Jones played 24% of the offensive snaps in his second game with the Eagles, while Olamide Zaccheaus played 48%. The Jones will likely play an increased role as he adjusts to the new surroundings, but Sirianni and the coaching staff look like they’ll trust Zaccheaus in the meantime.
Additional injury news will also affect the Eagles Week 9 starters. 97.5 The Fanatic will have updates on Jurgens and other players dealing with injuries leading up to Sunday.