By: Jim Williams
Capital Sports Network
The 2025 NFL season kicked off with a thunderclap in the NFC East, as both the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders delivered performances that echoed their playoff dominance from last year. The Eagles opened the season with a decisive win over the Cowboys on Thursday night, while the Commanders dismantled the Giants in Landover on Sunday. If Week 1 is any indication, the road to the NFC East crown still runs through Philadelphia and Washington.
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Eagles Fly Past Cowboys in Prime Time
Philadelphia wasted no time reminding fans why they reached the NFC Championship last season. Jalen Hurts led a balanced attack that shredded Dallas’s defense, posting 31 points and over 400 yards of total offense. The Eagles converted 5-of-10 third downs and dominated time of possession, holding the ball for over 33 minutes. Wide receiver A.J. Brown opened his season with 112 yards and a touchdown, while the defense forced two turnovers and sacked Dak Prescott three times.
“We’re not starting over—we’re building on what we’ve already created,” Hurts said postgame. “This team knows how to win, and we’re hungry for more.”
Commanders Crush Giants Behind Daniels’ Poise
In Landover, sophomore quarterback Jayden Daniels picked up right where he left off in his breakout rookie campaign. Daniels threw for 152 yards and a touchdown while adding 40 yards on the ground, guiding Washington to a 27–6 rout of the Giants. The Commanders’ defense was relentless, holding Russell Wilson to just 58 passing yards and sacking him twic1e. Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner and edge rusher Daron Payne anchored a unit that allowed only 10 first downs all game.
“Jayden’s command of the offense is elite,” said head coach Eric Bieniemy. “He’s seeing the field like a ten-year vet.”
Washington’s offense was efficient and explosive, with Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz combining for 75 receiving yards and a score. Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt added a rushing touchdown, and kicker Matt Gay was perfect on extra points.
NFC East Power Shift? Not So Fast Says the Eagles and Commanders
While preseason chatter hyped the Giants’ revamped roster and the Cowboys’ defensive upgrades, Week 1 made one thing clear: the Eagles and Commanders are still the class of the division. Philadelphia’s continuity and Washington’s rising star at quarterback give both teams a clear edge in execution and identity.
As the season unfolds, expect the NFC East to remain one of the most competitive divisions in football—but if Week 1 is the blueprint, the Eagles and Commanders are already playing postseason-caliber football.
