Reasons for optimism despite an uneven Eagles Week 1 performance

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The final whistle at Lincoln Financial Field brought relief more than celebration. For three hours, the Philadelphia Eagles looked dominant in spurts, frustrating in others, and vulnerable often enough to keep the outcome in doubt until the final moments.

That's usually not how fans draw up a season opener against a division rival, especially one played at home. Then again, this is the NFC East, which makes this perfectly normal. Still, Week 1 is rarely about perfection.

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It's about surviving, identifying what works and fixing what doesn't before the schedule gets tougher, and that's what Philadelphia did en route to a 24-22 victory. The Eagles accomplished the most important objective by leaving with a 1-0 record, and enough encouraging signs beneath the surface suggest this team can do much more. Here are five reasons for optimism after an uneven performance.

The defense is loaded with equalizers.

Championship-caliber defenses possess players who can erase mistakes and change games with a single play. The Eagles have several of them. Zack Baun was everywhere, allowing just three receptions for minus-two yards on six targets while nearly adding an interception.

Riq Woolen and Quinyon Mitchell looked every bit like a formidable cornerback tandem on the outside. Jalen Carter continued his rise as one of football's most disruptive defenders, blocking an extra point and nearly forcing a turnover after punching the ball loose from a Commanders ball carrier.

When games get messy, players like these can restore order quickly. That leads to another point.

Vic Fangio's unit can keep this team afloat

The offense is still finding its identity under Sean Mannion. The defense already knows exactly what it is. Despite spending too much time on the field and dealing with Jayden Daniels' ability to extend plays, Vic Fangio's group repeatedly answered the bell.

Washington managed just 22 points, and the Eagles consistently forced the Commanders to work for every yard they gained. If the offense needs time to hit its stride, the defense appears capable of carrying extra weight in the meantime.

Jalen Hurts threw three touchdowns on 14 completions

The stat line wasn't perfect, but the efficiency was impossible to ignore. Hurts completed 14 of 25 passes for 203 yards. He threw three TDs vs. zero interceptions while posting a 122.2 passer rating. More importantly, he protected the football and made the plays that mattered most.

There will be weeks with higher passing volume. For now, the Eagles will happily take three touchdown passes and zero turnovers. Two of his favorite targets are certainly worth noting since we're on the subject.

Dallas Goedert remains Hurts' security blanket.

Some connections never seem to fade. Goedert hauled in four receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns, including a 43-yard catch-and-run that helped change the complexion of the game. When the Eagles needed a reliable target, Hurts often looked in the veteran tight end's direction.

For all the discussion about receivers and offensive evolution, Goedert remains one of the offense's most dependable pieces.

DeVonta Smith won't be held down for long.

One issue with getting the offense going consistently was that the Eagles couldn't get DeVonta Smith going consistently. He's again the unquestioned WR1 in this offense, but six targets only resulted in three snags and 53 yards receiving.

Fear not. This coaching staff will figure this out. Smith is too important a weapon not to be involved. He delivered one of the game's most important plays, a 31-yard reception on third down to help extend an Eagles drive.

This team will be better conditioned moving forward

Sometimes the simplest explanation is the correct one. It was Week 1. The temperature was high. Most starters hadn't played a full 60-minute game since last season. Fatigue showed up at various points for both teams.

The good news is conditioning improves through repetition. Players regain their football legs. Timing improves. Execution sharpens. Drives that stalled in September can often stay alive in October.

That's why the most encouraging takeaway from Sunday's victory may be the one that requires the most patience. The Eagles won without playing their best football. If this roster grows the way many expect it to, Week 1 may eventually be remembered less for the flaws it exposed and more for the foundation it quietly revealed.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Reasons for optimism despite an uneven Eagles Week 1 performance

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