There was only one team that stood between the Washington Commanders and a Super Bowl berth last season. Unfortunately for head coach Dan Quinn, they also reside in the same division.
The Philadelphia Eagles were a class above everyone in 2024 after recovering from an indifferent start. They were dominant defensively and an unstoppable offensive force. This all started in the trenches, with their lines setting the tone that made them extremely difficult to overcome.
Most are expecting the same again this time around. However, some notable developments in recent days provide a glimmer of hope that the Commanders might be able to turn the tide.
Eagles have OL uncertainty for first time since Commanders' last NFC East title win
There was grave concern among Philadelphia's fan base when offensive lineman Landon Dickerson was carted off during practice. This was confirmed as a knee meniscus complication that needs a minor procedure to rectify, leaving the prolific interior force's status in doubt moving forward.
Dickerson is officially listed as week-to-week. It could have been a lot worse, which would have had major implications on the Eagles' aspirations of going back-to-back. Even so, it's a situation worth monitoring, dependent on his recovery timeline.
That's not all. Kenyon Green, an interior lineman acquired via trade this offseason, is also listed as week-to-week with a shoulder problem that is expected to end his preseason. Couple this with Mekhi Becton leaving for the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency, and it's not hard to see where the complications could arise.
Landon Dickerson isn’t the only Eagles guard who is now considered week to week. Kenyon Green, whom the Eagles acquired in an off-season trade, also is what one source described as “week to week” with a shoulder injury that is likely to end his preseason. https://t.co/le6y7rhzwO
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 12, 2025
Of course, there's probably no better team to cope with injuries than the Eagles. They are deep across the board, and general manager Howie Roseman is loaded with draft picks for a potential trade or two if needed. Dethroning them will be difficult, but the Commanders will fancy their chances if they can get off to a fast start.
Nobody likes to see players getting hurt. It's an unfortunate part of the business, especially at this time of year. The prognosis for Dickerson was much better than initially feared, but even if he's forced to miss one of two games, it might be enough to swing the early pendulum in Washington's favor.
It's also worth remembering that the last time Philadelphia had offensive line uncertainty, the Commanders and Dallas Cowboys were competing for the division with losing records. There's almost no chance of that happening again, but the Eagles' strength is predicated on the trenches. Any dip in consistency or significant absence is going to be sorely felt.
Whether the Commanders can take advantage of any frailties is another matter.
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