Eagles Blow Huge Early Lead, Fall To Washington In Week 1

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Against all odds, the NFL began the 2020 season as scheduled as Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagles came flying into Week 1 down in Washington, tearing off to a 17-0 lead before a late collapse doomed them.

Washington managed an astonishing eight sacks against Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, forced him to fumble, and nabbed two of his throws for costly interceptions. Wentz still did complete 23 of 40 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns, but the bulk of that came early in the game.

The game was held before an empty stadium at Washington's FedEx Field. Like the Eagles and many other teams, Washington is not allowing fans inside their stadium to kick off the 2020 season. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie expressed confidence that fans would eventually be allowed at Eagles home games at Lincoln Financial Field at some point this season, but probably not until October at the earliest.

The Birds controlled the first half of the game, leaping out to a 17-0 lead which they would hold into the fourth quarter. After an early touchdown, the next possession featured one of the Philadelphia highlights of the game. It was 3rd and 22 on the Eagles own 23 yard line when Wentz dropped back and fired a bullet downfield to rookie Jalen Reagor:

Raegor snatched it for a 55-yard completion, the longest of the game. The Birds eventually added a field goal to make it a 10-0 game.

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But the lead was not to last. Washington came marching back slowly but steadily, adding a touchdown in the second and third quarters before putting the game away with two quick possessions to start the fourth.

Turnovers proved to be the key to the game. The Eagles were unable to come up with big plays when they needed them the most, while the Redskins forced several, including two vital interceptions that change the momentum of the game. The Eagles were without star offensive tackle Lane Johnson, who had suffered an ankle injury, that loss was felt acutely. Johnson, a big part of Wentz's protection, should be back for Week 2.

The game was a mirror image of the 2019 season opener between these two teams. On Sept. 8, 2019 Washington jumped to a 20-7 first half lead before the Eagles roared back to a 32-27 victory.

The Eagles continue their season next week for their home opener against the Los Angeles Rams.