The Washington Commanders began their 2026 season with a narrow 24-22 defeat by the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, despite a late rally led by quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Daniels threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes, including a 10-yard strike to Stefon Diggs that cut Philadelphia’s lead to one point. Diggs was penalised for unsportsmanlike conduct after leaping into the goalpost and landing on his back, forcing Washington to settle for an extra point.
With 1 minute 1 second remaining, Daniels found rookie Antonio Williams with a one-yard touchdown pass to bring the Commanders within two points. Washington then attempted to tie the game with a shovel pass to tight end John Bates, but Philadelphia’s defence stopped the play immediately.
The Eagles secured possession after Washington’s unsuccessful onside kick attempt, allowing Jalen Hurts to run down the clock and complete a three-touchdown performance. Hurts finished with 203 passing yards as Philadelphia opened the season 1-0.
Daniels completed 18 of 34 passes for 164 yards and finished the game without an injury after appearing in only seven games during an injury-hit 2025 campaign. He had missed time with left knee, right hamstring and left elbow problems before being shut down in December.
The Commanders, who also saw their defence keep Philadelphia scoreless in the opening quarter, start the season 0-1.
