Under Vic Fangio, Philadelphia has one of the top defensive units, and the Eagles will not have to wait long to learn whether their run defense has improved. Washington averaged 134.7 rushing yards per game in 2025, the fourth-highest mark in the NFL. Jacory Croskey-Merritt led the backfield with 805 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie.
The Commanders also added Rachaad White, who produced 790 yards from scrimmage with Tampa Bay last season. White has surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards in two of his past three seasons and gives Washington a receiving threat out of the backfield. Jayden Daniels adds another element with his mobility. Although injuries limited him to seven games last season, his ability to escape pressure can turn passing situations
into productive runs.
Philadelphia allowed 124.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 22nd. That was the vulnerable area of a defense that finished fifth in points allowed and eighth against the pass. Jordan Davis enters the season after posting career highs with 4.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss. He and Jalen Carter will be central to keeping Washington’s runners from reaching Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell at the second level.
Winning early downs would allow Vic Fangio to unleash a deeper and more versatile third-down package.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles’ run defense faces immediate test from Commanders’ deep backfield
