Philadelphia Eagles versus Washington: 5 Keys to a victory in Week 1

1. The Philadelphia Eagles need to utilize two tight end sets.

One of the things head coach Doug Pederson does best is using his tight ends in the offense. Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert are going to play important roles versus Washington. This is obviously one of the best tight end duos in the league if not the best. Zach Ertz is arguably a top-three to top-five tight end and Dallas Goedert is easily in the top ten.

Ertz is one of the best route runners on this team and he finds the open space in zone coverage. His football IQ is up there with some of the best in the game. Dallas Goedert is so physical and hard to bring down. He’s not a bad route runner himself, and he’s a little bit of a better blocker than Ertz.

Miles Sanders is questionable this week. Corey Clement practiced in full on Friday but was limited on Thursday and we know what his injury history is like. If either of those two guys is limited or cannot play, it will be important to get some extra guys on the line like Ertz and Goedert to establish the run game.

Philly also just brought back Richard Rodgers who can help in that area. One of Washington’s few strengths is their front seven so wearing them down in the run game will be important. If the Eagles are dominating on the ground, Washington’s big men will be fatigued and have a more difficult time tackling.