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.
Jalen Hurts
Quarterback, #1
Oklahoma University/University of Alabama
4th NFL Season- Drafted in 2nd Round (53rd overall) in 2020D'Andre Swift
Running Back, #0
University of Georgia
4th NFL season- Acquired in a trade from Detroit Lions (April 2023)A.J. Brown
Wide Receiver, #11
Ole Miss
5th NFL season- Acquired in a trade from Tennessee Titans (April 2022)DeVonta Smith
Wide Receiver, #6
University of Alabama
3rd NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (10th overall) in 2021Olamide Zaccheaus
Wide Receiver, #13
University of Virginia
5th NFL Season, Signed in Free Agency (April 2023)Dallas Goedert
Tight End, #88
South Dakota State
6th NFL Season- Drafted in 2nd Round (48th overall) in 2018Jordan Mailata
Left Tackle, #68
Jeff Stoutland University
6th NFL Season- Drafted in 7th Round (233rd overall) in 2018Landon Dickerson
Left Guard, #69
University of Alabama
3rd NFL Season- Drafted in 2nd Round (37th overall) in 2021Jason Kelce
Center, #62
University of Cincinnati
13th NFL Season- Drafted in 6th Round (191st overall) in 2011Cam Jurgens
Right Guard, #51
University of Nebraska
2nd NFL Season- Drafted in 2nd Round (51st overall) in 2022Lane Johnson
Left Tackle, #65
Oklahoma University
11th NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (4th overall) in 2013Josh Sweat
Defensive End, #94
Florida State
6th NFL Season- Drafted in 4th Round (130th overall) in 2018Fletcher Cox
Defensive Tackle, #91
Mississippi State
12th NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (12th overall) in 2012Jordan Davis
Defensive Tackle, #90
University of Georgia
2nd NFL Season- Drafted in 1st Round (13th overall) in 2022Milton Williams
Defensive Tackle, #93
Louisiana Tech
3rd NFL Season, Drafted in 3rd Round (73rd Overall) in 2021Haason Reddick
Edge Rusher/Linebacker, #7
Temple University
7th NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (March 2022)Nakobe Dean
Linebacker, #17
University of Georgia
2nd NFL Season- Drafted in 3rd Round (83rd overall) in 2022Zach Cunningham
Linebacker, #52
Vanderbilt University
7th NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (August 2023)Darius Slay
Cornerback, #2
Mississippi State
11th NFL Season- Acquired in trade from Detroit Lions (March 2020)James Bradberry
Cornerback, #24
University of Arkansas/Samford University
8th NFL Season- Signed in Free Agency (May 2022)Kevin Byard
Safety, #31
Middle Tennessee State
8th NFL Season, Acquired in trade from Tennessee Titans (October 2023)Reed Blankenship
Safety, #32
Middle Tennessee State
2nd NFL Season- Signed as Undrafted Free Agent (May 2022)
