Photo via Yahoo Sports

Eagles rookie report card: Need more from Makai Lemon

The Philadelphia Eagles secured a tight 24-22 triumph against the division rival Washington Commanders in their Week 1 clash at Lincoln Financial Field on September 13, 2026. The narrow outcome extended head coach Nick Sirianni's career opening-day mark to an unblemished 6-0.

Nevertheless, the roster faced immediate scrutiny, particularly surrounding first-year contributor Makai Lemon, who left onlookers seeking a larger impact following the performance.

Philadelphia had to overcome multiple roster adjustments and uneven execution to preserve the result, with Tanner McKee, Elijah Moore, and Jonathan Greenard among five inactive squad members, alongside rookie tight end Eli Stowers landing on injured reserve prior to kickoff. Offensive line struggles—headlined by difficult stretches for Landon Dickerson—nearly erased the advantage during a scoreless third frame before Philadelphia ultimately held off Washington.