Week 1 always comes with unanswered questions, and this time around, it's no different. The Philadelphia Eagles enter their season opener against the Washington Commanders with more than a few questions to answer.
Philadelphia remains one of the NFC's most talented teams, but talent alone rarely wins divisional games. The Commanders know the Eagles well. They understand where to attack them, and would love nothing more than to leave Lincoln Financial Field with an early statement victory.
If the Eagles are going to start the season with a win, a handful of players will need to deliver in moments where the margin for error could be razor thin. Some are established stars. Others are still trying to prove they belong in prominent roles. All should
have their say in the outcome of this one.
Andrew Mukuba must stabilize the secondary.
The scouting report on Andrew Mukuba coming out of college was fairly straightforward. He made splash plays, battled injuries, and needed to become a more consistent tackler.
His rookie season did little to change that perception. Mukuba flashed the playmaking ability that made him an attractive second-round selection, but he also missed tackles while inconsistency showed up at the worst possible times.
His season ultimately ended on injured reserve, leaving more questions than answers. The Eagles need those answers in Year 2. Most observers view safety as the weakest position group on Philadelphia's defense. That puts even more pressure on Mukuba to become a reliable every-down contributor. Against a Commanders offense capable of creating explosive plays, the Eagles need him around the football and finishing tackles when opportunities present themselves.
Jake Elliott must be automatic.
Week 1 games often get tighter than expected, especially when division rivals are involved. That reality makes special teams even more important, and no player on that unit carries more responsibility than Jake Elliott.
Philadelphia cannot afford to leave points on the field in a game that could come down to one possession. Once upon a time, Elliott built a reputation as one of the league's most dependable kickers, but the perception has changed. Misses on PATs and field goal attempts could prove fatal in this one.
Reputations don't win games, or lose them. Still, the Eagles need an automatic performance, both for victory and confidence moving forward. One miss could dramatically alter the outcome.
Saquon Barkley may have to carry the offense... again
Calling on Saquon Barkley to do more almost sounds unfair considering everything he has already been asked to do since arriving in Philadelphia. Still, the Eagles may need another dominant performance from their star running back, especially early.
Sean Mannion is making his debut as offensive coordinator, and while there is excitement surrounding the offense's potential, there could also be growing pains as the unit finds its rhythm. Come Monday, he can be everything from a conquering hero to a goat.
Barkley remains the most reliable way to keep the offense on schedule. His ability to create explosive plays, control tempo, and take pressure off Jalen Hurts could be the difference between a smooth opening day and a frustrating afternoon.
Dontayvion Wicks must validate the hype.
Few newcomers generated as much quiet excitement during the offseason as Dontayvion Wicks. The receiver was a player Mannion specifically wanted on the roster, and he rewarded that confidence throughout training camp.
The flashes were encouraging, but none came in games that affected the standings. DeVonta Smith remains the unquestioned leader of the receiving corps, but he cannot carry the entire room by himself.
The Eagles need another pass catcher who can consistently win one-on-one matchups and create opportunities when defenses devote extra attention elsewhere. Week 1 provides Wicks with his first real chance to prove he can be that player.
Nolan Smith must become the player Philadelphia paid for
The pressure surrounding Nolan Smith isn't new, but it feels different entering this season. Questions have followed him throughout his career. Some believe Jalyx Hunt is the more complete player. Fans have wondered whether Jonathan Greenard's arrival says something about how the organization views its pass rush.
Meanwhile, Greenard received a significant contract before Smith secured his own long-term payday. Now comes the opportunity to silence those conversations.
The Eagles don't just need occasional flashes from Smith. They need consistency. They need disruption. They need a pass rusher who can affect games in September and continue that trend through December and into January. If Philadelphia's defense is going to reach its ceiling this season, Smith must become a weekly problem for opposing offenses rather than a player who disappears for stretches.
Week 1 won't define the Eagles' season, but it will offer an early glimpse into whether several important questions have been answered. If these five players perform at a high level, Philadelphia's path to a victory over Washington becomes much clearer.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Five Eagles who must deliver against the Commanders in Week 1
