5 Commanders defensive trends the Eagles can exploit in 2026

Geoffrey A Knox, Eagles WireMon, July 20, 2026 at 12:55 PM UTC·3 min read

The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders have met 183 times, including two postseason contests. Washington holds a narrow 91-87-5 advantage in the all-time series. It's a reminder that this rivalry has rarely lacked drama.

Philadelphia enters the 2026 season as the two-time defending NFC East champion, but divisional games have a way of ignoring reputations. Before the Eagles and Commanders renew acquaintances, there are several defensive trends from Washington's 2025 campaign that deserve Philadelphia's attention.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Some present opportunities. Others serve as reminders that improvement can happen quickly. All are worth discussing.

The secondary gave up far too many big plays.

Washington's biggest defensive issue was stopping opposing passing attacks. The Commanders finished last in the NFL in total defense, allowing 384.2 yards per game, including 4,371 passing yards. Opposing quarterbacks averaged 8.1 yards per attempt and 12.5 yards per completion, both among the league's worst marks.

Perhaps even more concerning, Washington generated just eight interceptions all season, tying for 25th in the NFL. If those struggles continue, Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia's passing game could find favorable matchups down the field.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Opponents consistently found room to run.

Stopping the run proved just as challenging. The Commanders surrendered 141.8 rushing yards per game, the third-highest average in the league, while allowing 4.8 yards per carry.

For an Eagles offense built around one of the league's premier offensive lines and a physical rushing attack, that's a trend worth monitoring. Winning on the ground has often been Philadelphia's formula against division opponents. Washington's numbers suggest that the formula could remain effective.

Sustaining drives may not be difficult.

One area where the Eagles could create an advantage is on third down. The Commanders allowed opponents to convert 41.3 percent of their third-down attempts, ranking 23rd in the NFL. Extending drives often leads to more scoring opportunities, particularly for an offense that prides itself on controlling time of possession.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

If Philadelphia consistently stays ahead of the chains, it could keep Washington's defense on the field for extended stretches.

The pass rush deserves respect.

Not every statistic paints a negative picture. Washington finished with 42 sacks, tying for 12th in the NFL.

That production suggests the Commanders possess enough pass-rushing talent to disrupt games if opposing offenses become one-dimensional. The Eagles' offensive line has generally performed well against pressure, but protecting Jalen Hurts remains paramount whenever these teams meet.

The young secondary has room to grow.

Washington invested heavily in its defensive backfield, but growing pains were evident.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Quan Martin surrendered a combined passer rating of 155.2 when targeted and allowed five touchdown passes despite recording 99 tackles. Mike Sainristil also endured a difficult campaign, allowing 10 touchdown receptions—the most by any NFL defender during the 2025 season—while yielding a 112.4 passer rating.

Those numbers don't necessarily predict the future. Young defensive backs often make significant strides between their first and second seasons. Still, until those improvements materialize, opposing offenses will continue testing Washington's coverage.

The Commanders have already begun reshaping their roster, and another offseason under the coaching staff could produce noticeable defensive improvement. Even so, last season's numbers highlight several areas Philadelphia should look to exploit, particularly through the air and on the ground.

The rivalry may be one of the NFL's oldest, but every season writes a new chapter. If these trends carry into 2026, the Eagles will have a clear blueprint for attacking Washington's defense.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 5 Commanders defensive trends the Eagles can exploit in 2026