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The Washington Commanders will open the 2026 season in Philadelphia against the Eagles. When was the last time the Commanders opened up in Philly against their NFC East rival, the Eagles? More on that later.
The Commanders have opened against the Eagles a few times in this century (2000-2025, 26 seasons). The 2026 season opener will be the fifth time the two NFC East rivals have faced off to launch a new NFL season. In those four previous season openers, the Eagles have won three of the contests, while Washington has won only once, at the start of the 2020 season.
Here is a quick review of the four Washington season openers against the Philadelphia Eagles this century:
It was Ron Rivera's first game as Washington's new head coach/head of football operations. The Eagles raced out to a 17-0 second-quarter lead. However, Washington returned the favor, completely outplaying the Eagles the rest of the way, scoring 27 unanswered points. Running back Peyton Barber scored two touchdowns for the then-Football Team.
It was Jay Gruden's sixth and final season as Redskins head coach. This game was the unveiling of rookie receiver Terry McLaurin. McLaurin's rookie NFL debut was a smash hit as he collected five receptions for 125 receiving yards, including a 69-yard touchdown from QB Case Keenum. The Redskins jumped on the Eagles, leading 17-0 in the second quarter. However, the Eagles beat down the Redskins with a 32-3 run for a 32-20 lead.
This was the Eagles team that was loaded, going 13-3, winning the NFC East and then the Super Bowl as well over the Patriots. In the opener, the Eagles scored twice to lead 13-0, but the Redskins battled, taking the lead 14-13. The Eagles leading 22-17 later, Redskins QB Kirk Cousins was sacked, fumbled and Fletcher Cox returned it 20 yards for a touchdown and the final 30-17 score.
Following his 2012 knee injury and subsequent knee surgery in early 2013, Robert Griffin III promoted his return with the slogan, "All in for Week 1." However, the Eagles scored 33 consecutive points, while the Washington offense did little. Don't pay attention to the final score. Trailing 33-7, the Redskins scored the final three scores to give the impression of a closer game, but it was not.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders have opened vs. Eagles four times this century
Continue reading...
The Commanders have opened against the Eagles a few times in this century (2000-2025, 26 seasons). The 2026 season opener will be the fifth time the two NFC East rivals have faced off to launch a new NFL season. In those four previous season openers, the Eagles have won three of the contests, while Washington has won only once, at the start of the 2020 season.
Here is a quick review of the four Washington season openers against the Philadelphia Eagles this century:
2020 Philadelphia at Washington (Washington wins 27-17)
It was Ron Rivera's first game as Washington's new head coach/head of football operations. The Eagles raced out to a 17-0 second-quarter lead. However, Washington returned the favor, completely outplaying the Eagles the rest of the way, scoring 27 unanswered points. Running back Peyton Barber scored two touchdowns for the then-Football Team.
2019 Washington at Philadelphia (Philadelphia wins 32-27)
It was Jay Gruden's sixth and final season as Redskins head coach. This game was the unveiling of rookie receiver Terry McLaurin. McLaurin's rookie NFL debut was a smash hit as he collected five receptions for 125 receiving yards, including a 69-yard touchdown from QB Case Keenum. The Redskins jumped on the Eagles, leading 17-0 in the second quarter. However, the Eagles beat down the Redskins with a 32-3 run for a 32-20 lead.
2017 Philadelphia at Washington (Philadelphia wins 30-17)
This was the Eagles team that was loaded, going 13-3, winning the NFC East and then the Super Bowl as well over the Patriots. In the opener, the Eagles scored twice to lead 13-0, but the Redskins battled, taking the lead 14-13. The Eagles leading 22-17 later, Redskins QB Kirk Cousins was sacked, fumbled and Fletcher Cox returned it 20 yards for a touchdown and the final 30-17 score.
2013 Philadelphia at Washington (Philadelphia wins 33-27)
Following his 2012 knee injury and subsequent knee surgery in early 2013, Robert Griffin III promoted his return with the slogan, "All in for Week 1." However, the Eagles scored 33 consecutive points, while the Washington offense did little. Don't pay attention to the final score. Trailing 33-7, the Redskins scored the final three scores to give the impression of a closer game, but it was not.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders have opened vs. Eagles four times this century
Continue reading...
