Zack Baun began the 2026 season by reminding everyone why he remains one of the most important players on the Philadelphia Eagles defense. Baun recorded a game-high 12 tackles, four run stops, two passes defended, and one tackle for loss during Philadelphia’s 24-22 victory over the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field.
Washington controlled possession for 33 minutes, 20 seconds and ran 69 offensive plays, repeatedly placing the Eagles’ defense in difficult situations. Baun remained active throughout the afternoon, showing his familiar combination of range, awareness and physicality. His tackle for loss came when he diagnosed a screen pass and brought down the receiver before the play could develop. Baun also contributed in coverage,
helping Philadelphia limit Jayden Daniels to 164 passing yards on 18-of-34 passing.
Washington finished with 20 first downs and converted five of 15 third-down attempts. The Commanders also rushed for 131 yards, but Baun’s four run stops helped prevent several productive plays from becoming more damaging gains.
Zack Baun tips the ball pic.twitter.com/xetqEoZf39
— 𝐃𝐈𝐄-𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 🦅 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄 (@Eaglesfans9) September 13, 2026
Philadelphia needed that consistency because its offense opened the second half with three consecutive three-and-outs. The defense spent extended stretches on the field while Washington attempted to erase a second-half deficit.
Jihaad Campbell supplied the Eagles’ only sack, Jalen Carter blocked an extra point, and Moro Ojomo stopped Washington’s potential tying two-point conversion. Baun was the constant presence connecting those timely plays.
One game will not define Philadelphia’s defense, but Baun’s performance provided an encouraging opening statement. He remains the unit’s dependable centerpiece and one of Vic Fangio’s most complete defenders.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Zack Baun delivers dominant performance in Eagles' win over Commanders
