The Eagles survived the Commanders 24-22 in Week 1 as Moro Ojomo delivered the late defensive play that saved Philadelphia from collapse.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Philadelphia Eagles escaped Week 1 with a 24-22 win over the Washington Commanders, but the chaotic finish nearly turned into a disaster. The Eagles defense needed one final stop to end Week 1, and defensive tackle Moro Ojomo delivered it. According to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Dave Zangaro, Ojomo made the decisive play that helped the Eagles survive the Commanders and avoid a crushing opening-week collapse.
Washington had one last chance to steal the game late. The Commanders moved into position and needed one more big play to flip the result. Philadelphia’s defense looked vulnerable, and the pressure inside the stadium kept building.
Then Ojomo reacted.
“You gotta play fast, man. And you can’t play indecisive. I’m pretty sure I got off on the ball, I saw (Sam) Cosmi pull, spun out of it, saw that the tight end was coming, made the play.”
It was a simple explanation for a massive moment. Ojomo trusted what he saw and attacked before the play could develop: no hesitation and no panic.
Moro Ojomo gives Eagles the stop they desperately needed
That snap may not dominate highlight reels, but it saved Philadelphia from a painful Week 1 collapse. The Eagles had already allowed Washington to hang around deep into the fourth quarter. One missed assignment could have changed everything.
Instead, Ojomo made the read and finished the job. His play gave Philadelphia the margin it needed to walk away 1-0.
For a team with championship expectations, surviving ugly games matters. The Eagles did not control the night from start to finish, but they found a way to close it. That is often the difference between a frustrating loss and a season-opening win.
Philadelphia now turns toward Week 2, when the Eagles will travel to face the Tennessee Titans.
The first win is secure. But after a two-point escape, can the Eagles clean things up before their next test?