Big plays cost Commanders in 24-22 loss in Philadelphia

The Commanders suffered a 24-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in their 2026 opener, with key mistakes and big plays contributing to their defeat. Rookie kicker Drew Stevens had an extra point blocked, leaving the Commanders down by two points at the end instead of one. They had to attempt a two-point conversion to tie the game, but it ultimately failed in the final minute of the game.

Stefon Diggs, a seasoned NFL player, caught a 4th-quarter touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts, bringing the score to within 17-15 with 9:59 left on the clock. He then leaped into the goalpost, receiving an unsportsmanlike penalty. The rule forbidding this action had been in place for years, yet Diggs had violated it. The 15-yard penalty forced Washington to kick the extra point, rather than going for two from the two-yard line to tie the game at 17-17.

With Washington trailing 17-16, the Commanders had the Eagles in a 3rd-and-18 at their 31-yard line. However, they gave up a 22-yard run to Jalen Hurts, setting up a 1st-and-10 at the Washington 47-yard line. Hurts then connected with Dallas Goedert for a 43-yard touchdown, leading the Eagles to a 24-16 lead with 6:02 remaining in the game.