Despite them making some big plays, the Eagles’ opening 24-22 victory over Washington at the Linc Sunday was a complete one in all phases of the game. Frankly speaking most games aren’t, but the Birds nearly let this one slip away.

How good was Jalen Hurts, and how well did Saquon Barkley run? Is the dominance of the Eagles’ offense line back? Did the defense look elite?

In the season debut of our Eagles’ Roundtable, myself and other Times News ‘writers broke down those aspects and looked at the “good” and “bad” against Washington, and we will throughout the season.

This time around, former longtime sports editor Emmett McCall along with fellow scribes Rich Strack and Brad Hurley will offer their views.

The Good?

McCall - “It wasn’t as easy or as pretty as the Eagles would’ve liked. But as former Raiders’ owner Al Davis used to say ‘just win, baby.’ The Eagles 24–22 victory wasn’t a thing of beauty and there are lots of areas that need improvement. But the bottom line is the Birds found a way to win.

“Jalen Hurts threw for over 200 and three touchdowns, and didn’t turn the ball over. He also showed a little more willingness to take off when the pocket broke down, running the ball seven times and averaging over six yards per carry. Saquon Barkley showed his explosiveness with a 42-yard run to set up a second quarter TD. Dallas Goedert, DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks showed big play potential with all three having catches for at least 30+ yards with Goedert and Wicks combining for three TD receptions.

“The defense stopped the Commanders’ game tying two-point conversion attempt in the final seconds and special teams came up with what turned out to be a huge blocked extra point in the second quarter that eventually forced the Commanders to attempt the late two-point conversion attempt.”

Strack - “Gold stars go to tight end Goedert and to wide receiver, Dontayvion Wicks, making his Eagles’ debut. He made a nice catch on a 64-yard bomb from Hurts that led to the Eagles’ first score and later caught a TD pass. Linebacker Zack Baun was a beast on defense and pressured Daniels on several plays. Hurts was Philly’s game changer, making big plays in key situations.

“Both teams played turnover-free football. Philadelphia was six-for-14 on third downs, but Hurts made a huge play with a 22-yard scramble on a third-and-18 in the fourth quarter that subsequently led to his TD pass to Goedert.

“Overall, it was a big season opening win for the Birds over a division opponent, but the game’s final score was the result of the Washington Commanders leaving four kicking points off the board and a bonehead penalty that factored into a season-opening victory for the reigning NFC East champions.”

Hurley - “Eagles came through with a tough-nosed division win. Their defense looked great. Offense needs to be more consistent. “I thought Hurts looked good. I like how he was using his legs to extend plays and drives. I think when he uses his running ability it puts a strain on the defense because they always need to be prepared to defend that.

“I thought the defense played well. They did a great job against the run. I would like to see them generate more pressures and turnovers, though.”

Moeller - “To me, there were times when Hurts looked like he regained his form from a few years back. It was good to see him use his legs. He did make strong connections and eventually got DeVonta Smith in the mix. Dallas Goedert proved he can be a major factor. The Birds’ defense made some timely stops, and they chased Jayden Daniels around without really blitzing. Zack Baun is going to have a monster year. Jake Elliott had plenty of leg on his kick.”

The Bad?

McCall - “After building a 14-3 second quarter lead, the offense had a combined one first down and no points on its next four possessions that stretched from late in the second quarter through the beginning of the third quarter, allowing the Commanders to get back in the game.

“Take away Barkley’s 42-yard run and his other 14 runs produced just 41 yards - less than three yards per carry.

“The offensive line failed to provide Barkley and the Eagles’ backs consistent running room and Hurts was under pressure most of the game, getting sacked three times and being forced to scramble far too often.

The defense failed to force a turnover and twice in the fourth quarter - holding eight-point leads - they allowed Commander touchdowns when a stop could’ve sealed the game.”

Strack - “The Eagles offense was out of rhythm for much of the game, but a few big plays made up for their lack of consistency. Hurts directed a five-play second quarter drive ending with his 17-yard TD pass to Dallas Goedert. Hurts was good, throwing three touchdowns with 14 completions and no picks.

“Saquon Barkley stumbled a bit at the start but ripped off a few big runs and finished with 83 yards on the ground. The O-line protected Hurts well, allowing only one sack. The defense gave up just one TD in the first half, but Daniels and company were able to run though the Big Green D-line and passed into open spaces between the secondary on two long scoring drives in the second half.

“Philly’s kickoff coverage was in a word - awful. Washington returners ran for 154 yards on five kicks leading to a first possession field goal and excellent field position with the other four.”

Hurley - “I am a little worried about the offensive line because the Commanders were able to get a lot of pressure on Hurts.

“It was obvious that something wasn’t right with Landon Dickerson. And he was put on IR, so it will be interesting to see how the offense looks up front with Willie Lampkin or Drew Kendall. The offense might be a little clunky in the first few weeks.”

Moeller - In the third quarter, Hurts looked like he did last year until his 22-yard run. The offensive line, particularly Dickerson maybe showing his age, looked a little shaky. Top pick Makai Lemon was welcomed to the NFL and couldn’t make a play, but he had some nice blocks. The secondary needs to step it up a bit. It was an average to slightly above average overall effort.”

Intangible?

McCall - “I have nothing that would fit into that category.”

Strack: “Sean Mannion is the fifth offensive coordinator in the last five years.”

Hurley: “I think it will take some time for the new offensive scheme to take shape.”

Moeller: “Hurts is 6-0 in season openers.”

Next week’s prediction at Tennessee?

McCall: “Times News sportswriter Justin Carlucci is a big Titans’ fan, and he tells me after watching the Titans in their opener, the Eagles are going to blow them out.

“Who am I to argue? Eagles, 31-10.”

Strack: “Titans stink! Eagles, 44-10.”

Hurley: “Eagles win easily, 34-14.”

Moeller: “Robert Saleh. That’s all you have to say. Birds, 38-7.”

So, what did you think? Let me know your thoughts by dropping an email to tnsports @tnonline.com, and your response will be included in the weekly football column.

Also, you can have your thoughts published after each Eagles’ game by simply sending an email to tnsports@tnonline.com. If your email is the first received, your thoughts on an Eagles’ game will be published with our writers’ views each week.