The Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders Week 1 matchup will mark the beginning of the Sean Mannion era in Philadelphia. This brand new offensive scheme will be the highlight of the season and bring many questions about many different players and coaches. Let’s start off this week’s preview with the three biggest questions that will be answered come Sunday.
Mannion will have every Eagles fan’s attention when Sunday’s game kicks off. It is easy to say that this new offensive scheme will work and everything will go perfectly, but what if it doesn’t?
Mannion has never called plays at any level, a role that he is being thrust into on the biggest stage. He hadn’t even made up his mind when deciding where he would call the plays from. As of now, it seems he will be up in the coaches’ booth when making the important decisions.
Mannion will have every move and decision he makes criticized in week one. If he finds success, fans will be thinking a Super Bowl run is back on the table. If he looks rough, things could get pretty ugly in Philadelphia.
Riq Woolen was signed to a one-year deal this offseason in what was the biggest free agency signing of the offseason for Howie Roseman and the Eagles. He will take on the role of outside cornerback opposite Quinyon Mitchell.
The Eagles have tried multiple players to find a serviceable option, most recently Adoree Jackson.
None of the players have worked out, and the CB2 position had remained a void entering the offseason. Woolen was brought in on a prove it deal, coming off a Super Bowl victory with the Seattle Seahawks, looking to hit the free agency market after a big year in Philadelphia.
Woolen will be tasked with guarding Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs on the outside, a tough matchup for the Eagles’ newest corner.
Can Woolen be the answer in Philadelphia’s secondary? Sunday could be a huge step in the right direction if he performs.
Devonta Smith has always been a fantastic receiver, but his role has not allowed him to take that next step. He’s been a WR2 behind AJ Brown for a majority of his NFL career.
Brown is gone now, and it is officially Smith’s time to shine. Everybody knows how good he is, but do they know how good he could be?
Smith is currently viewed as a fringe top-ten receiver across the NFL, but could he take another step forward with this new role? He could see himself put into conversations with the best of the best. Eagles vs. Commanders is the first time Smith can show he deserves to be named when discussing Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and the other great receivers in the league.
Jonathan Greenard (PHI), EDGE – OUT
Eli Stowers (PHI), TE – QUESTIONABLE
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