The Washington Commanders (2-1) open NFC East play on Sunday with a visit to Philadelphia to face the division-leading Eagles (3-0).
After a 2-0 start to the season, the Commanders came crashing down in Week 3 with a 37-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Washington allowed nine sacks and turned the ball over five times in the loss.
Buy Commanders TicketsMeanwhile, the Eagles are coming off a dominant 25-11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football.
Here are some stats and facts to know ahead of this weekend’s NFC East clash.
Sam Howell is being sacked at a record pace
In three games, Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has been sacked 19 times. As of now, Howell is on pace to be sacked 107 times, which would shatter David Carr’s NFL record of 76 set in 2002.
Howell must do a better job of getting rid of the ball quicker, but he needs help, too. The offensive line hasn’t been as bad as the numbers would indicate, but they haven’t been good, either. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can help Howell here, too.
Jalen Hurts is a record-breaker
Jalen Hurts rushed for his 29th career TD, passing Cam Newton for the most Rush TD in a QB's first 50 career games.
It came on his 10th Rush TD on a push sneak over the last 2 seasons (including playoffs), matching the total for the rest of the league on push sneaks. pic.twitter.com/KzGdnM3Klq
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 26, 2023
Jalen Hurts is only in his fourth NFL season. He has appeared in 48 games with 37 starts. In Monday night’s win over the Bucs, Hurts rushed for his 29th career touchdown. In the process, shattered Cam Newton’s record of most rushing TDs in a quarterback’s first 50 games.
The Commanders know all about Hurts and his dual-threat abilities.
Rookie DT Jalen Carter is already a force
Jalen Carter finished with a team-high 5 pressures on 16 pass rushes in the @Eagles Week 3 win over the Buccaneers (31.3% pressure rate).
Through the first three weeks, the rookie is tied for 2nd among defensive tackles in total pressures (15).
Powered by @awscloud pic.twitter.com/ApgxE6bLEX
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 26, 2023
Through three NFL games, Eagles rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter is tied for second among defensive tackles with 15 pressures — one ahead of Commanders Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Fans still can’t believe Carter fell to the Eagles at No. 9 overall in the 2023 NFL draft.
Washington's recent success at Lincoln Financial Field
Since the 2020 season, the Washington Commanders are the only team other than the Eagles to win more than one game at Lincoln Financial Field. Washington won in 2020 and in 2022. Last season’s season sent shockwaves around the NFL as the Commanders upset the previously unbeaten Eagles on Monday Night Football.
The Commanders lead the all-time series
The Eagles and Commanders have met 176 times. Washington leads the all-time series, 89-82-5.
Both teams have invested heavily on the defensive line
There’s a reason the defensive line is a strength for each of these teams. The Eagles have seven former first-round picks invested in defensive tackles and edge defenders: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett, Fletcher Cox and linebackers/edge rushers Haason Reddick and Nolan Smith. All but Reddick were drafted by the Eagles.
The Commanders have four first-round picks on the defensive line: Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
It’s too bad Washington’s offensive line can’t match Philadelphia’s group.
