The opening week of the NFL season reminded us that the league’s most dangerous offenses aren't always the ones with the most creative opening script. They are the units that can change and adapt that script once the game starts.
The Chiefs and Broncos combined for 41 points on Monday night, officially tying the 2012 season's record for the most Week 1 points scored (791) during the Super Bowl era. Buffalo attacked critical situations aggressively and trusted Josh Allen to erase a late deficit. Chicago combined explosive passes with a rushing attack that produced 224 yards in a 59-point performance. Minnesota lost Kyler Murray early but scored four touchdowns on Carson Wentz’s four full possessions.
Each offense reached the same destination in different
ways.
That lesson should resonate with the Philadelphia Eagles as Sean Mannion continues installing his system. Philadelphia escaped Week 1 with a 24-22 win over Washington despite an uneven performance and the loss of Landon Dickerson to injured reserve.
Jalen Hurts completed 14 of 25 passes for 203 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed for 46 yards, including a 22-yard scramble on third-and-18 that extended one of the game’s most important possessions. Saquon Barkley added 83 yards on 15 carries, while Dallas Goedert and Dontayvion Wicks supplied the touchdowns through the air. Those contributions were enough, but Philadelphia cannot depend on Hurts creating an answer whenever a play breaks down.
The Eagles have enough talent to win playing through Barkley, their receivers, Hurts’ mobility, or a defense that creates favorable field position. Offensively, Mannion’s challenge is identifying which advantage is available and adjusting before an opponent takes control. Week 1 reinforced that adaptability is more than a useful trait. For an offense with championship expectations, it can become the difference between surviving and losing when the original plan stops working.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: What a wild Week 1 revealed about Eagles' offensive adaptability
