Philadelphia Eagles versus Washington: 5 Matchups to watch in Week 1

Expect Washington to mix up their front to confuse the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line.

It’s been a topic of discussion (or concern) all offseason if you’ve been paying attention. Philly’s defensive line has seemingly made mincemeat of Philly’s O-line since Eagles practices transitioned over to a grass surface.

Philly’s young pass rushers have seemingly gotten around Jordan Mailata and Matt Pryor at will, and you have to mention two things when you say that. One, Washington’s pass rushers are more talented than Philly’s are, at least right now, and second, that was when Mailata and Pryor were trying to play tackle.

Now, what’s disappointing about that is Jordan Mailata is a tackle. Matt Pryor gets a bit of a pass, albeit a small one, because he’s actually a guard. In Week 1, he’ll start at his natural position. The legend Jason Peters will play left tackle (we hope that he hasn’t slowed too much). Lane Johnson has been limited at practice, but we all hope he can play.

Ron Rivera has been known to mix up his defensive fronts, but for the most part, we expect Chase Young and Jonathan Allen to spend most of their time lining up across from Johnson and Pryor. We’ll have to see how it goes, but goal number one is clear. Keep Carson Wentz upright.