Eagles defense failed to improve against Commanders, analyst says

In a film review for Bleeding Green Nation, the writer argues the Eagles’ defense failed to improve against the Commanders

In a detailed film review published on Bleeding Green Nation and distributed through Yahoo Sports argues that the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense showed no meaningful response to its previous struggles in a loss to the Washington Commanders. The writer contends that despite head coach Vic Fangio attempting new schematic approaches, Washington’s offense still found too many easy pockets and exploitable rushing lanes, finishing with 339 total yards and averaging 5.9 yards per play.

The review, which examines specific plays from the game film, concludes that the Eagles were fortunate the Commanders lacked a more explosive running back, noting that the rushing numbers could have been significantly worse. The writer observed that while the Eagles allowed 135 rushing yards at 5.2 yards per carry, some of the gaps created were enormous, and a better back could have turned more of those opportunities into explosive plays.

Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Commanders Game Highlights | 2026 NFL Season Week 8

Washington’s run game found massive gaps despite heavier fronts

The Bleeding Green Nation writer emphasizes that the run defense did not bounce back, using five-man fronts and occasionally six defenders on the line without success. The analysis highlights a third-and-1 play where both defensive tackles slanted in opposite directions, opening up the middle of the defense and making a short-yardage conversion far easier than necessary. The writer notes that linebackers cannot function when offensive linemen climb directly onto them, and questions whether the movement was called or if players chose to go around blocks, but insists the result cannot be acceptable either way.

Jordan Davis was singled out as disappointing again, with the writer noting that when Davis is not playing well, he fails to occupy space and keep linebackers clean, making the entire run defense look more vulnerable. Jalen Carter was described as frustratingly inconsistent, with the writer noting that his recent performances bother him much. The writer also pointed to a play where Byron Young slanted inside, creating a significant gap between himself and Nolan Smith that allowed Washington’s offensive linemen to head straight to the second level. On another occasion, the Eagles had four defenders accounting for three gaps on one side while the run went the other way, forcing Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to make a rescue play to limit the damage.

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The statistical breakdown supports the visual evidence: the Commanders gained 106 yards on 17 carries from under center compared to just 29 yards on nine shotgun runs, indicating that Washington’s under-center outside zone caused particular problems.

Pass rush generated pressure on only 30.3% of dropbacks

The review finds the pass rush equally frustrating, with the writer arguing that Fangio cannot consistently affect the quarterback with four rushers, which is killing the defense. In one highlighted play, the Eagles dropped both edge defenders and brought a linebacker, changing where the rush came from, but Jayden Daniels still received a comfortable pocket. The writer notes that the Eagles generated pressure on only 30.3% of dropbacks despite a higher blitz rate, and at some point someone has to beat a block.

Eagles defense failed to improve against Commanders, analyst says — Photo: sports.yahoo.com

Quinyon Mitchell, usually a reliable performer, lost several reps in coverage, including one where Treylon Burks beat him cleanly. The writer observes that when even Mitchell is getting beaten, the defense is in serious trouble. The coverage numbers reflected the cost of these man coverage reps, showing that playing more man did not solve the problem. Nolan Smith led the team with five pressures and recorded the other sack, with the writer crediting his athleticism in closing down space against Daniels when the quarterback escaped the initial rush, though noting Smith still needs to win more consistently in his initial matchup.

Mukuba’s effort stands out amid passive play

Andrew Mukuba received credit from the Bleeding Green Nation writer for his effort despite making poor plays. The review highlights a forced fumble where Mukuba flew downhill and knocked the ball out of Chig Okonkwo’s hands, with Zack Baun recovering at the Commanders’ 26-yard line to set up the Eagles’ only touchdown. The writer appreciates that Mukuba kept competing and attacking rather than becoming hesitant, contrasting him with other defenders who appeared passive. Mukuba also made an excellent play coming from depth on third-and-2 to prevent a first down.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders | Game Highlights 4th-Qtr | Week 8 NFL 2026

The writer also notes a red-zone breakdown where Stefon Diggs scored against a safety in the corner of the end zone, the second week an offense has attacked the Eagles’ red-zone rules to get its best receiver open there. The review points out that the Commanders used sequencing effectively, running a similar option route to what Diggs scored on in Week 1 but taking it outside this time instead of inside against Cooper DeJean.

The film review ends on a final run where Rachaad White broke through for 33 yards despite the Eagles using a six-man front with four defensive tackles, DeJean in the box, and Trotter at linebacker. The writer acknowledges Fangio was trying to stop the run with that alignment but emphasizes that adding more defensive tackles only helps if they control the line of scrimmage. Until the Eagles’ best defenders start playing like their best defenders, the writer concludes, this defense will remain a problem.