There was concern that the Philadelphia Eagles' injury-ravaged offensive line was going to be a problem, and boy was it. So, too was quarterback Carson Wentz's tendency to hold onto the ball. That combo let to a career-high eight sacks for Wentz and a 27-17 loss to the Washington Football Team that raises all sorts of red flags for the team's 2020 season.
Wentz started 12-of-15 for 176 yards and two touchdowns, and Philadelphia shot out to a 17-0 lead midway through the second quarter, but the wheels fell off from there as Washington scored 27 unanswered points.
An offensive line that already was down three starters in guard Brandon Brooks (torn Achilles) and tackles Lane Johnson (ankle) and Andre Dillard (torn biceps) lost rookie right tackle Jack Driscoll along the way.
The Eagles' patchwork group was overwhelmed by Washington's formidable defensive front.
Still, Wentz didn't speed up his internal clock, waiting a beat too many on multiple occasions before absorbing further punishment.
Wentz recently said that one of the biggest areas of growth for him has been learning when to air it out and be in gunslinger mode and when to be more of a game manager when the situation calls for it. He needs to apply that education immediately if he wants to stay upright and keep his team competitive.
Pivotal play: Facing a third-and-7 at the Washington 22-yard line midway through the third quarter, Wentz held onto the ball and was dropped for a 13-yard sack. Jake Elliott missed the ensuing 53-yard field goal try, keeping the lead at three, and Philly never came close to scoring again.
Buy a breakout performance: Two players who enjoyed strong training camps, rookie receiver Jalen Reagor and defensive end Josh Sweat, showed this summer was no fluke. Reagor made an immediate impact despite playing with a slight shoulder tear by hauling in a 55-yard reception early in the game. He nearly had a 75-yard touchdown, too, but Wentz's offering was overthrown. He's explosive, just as advertised. Sweat helped make up for the absence of Derek Barnett (ankle) with a sack and two QB hits. His speed off the edge continues to show up.
Eye-popping NFL Next Gen Stat: During their Week 1 matchup in 2019, Washington led the Eagles 17-0, and Philadelphia came back to win 32-27. The Eagles led 17-0 in Sunday's game, and Washington returned the favor.