Terry Mclaurin Among Five Commanders Key To Week 1 Clash Vs. Eagles

We’ve got a game that counts on our hands Sunday afternoon, when the Commanders play the Eagles in Philadelphia.  

In a word: Finally.  

The 2026 NFL regular season is here, where we finally see what all those free-agent signings, NFL draft picks new play callers can do for a Commanders team looking to rebound from a 5-12 showing.  

Starting the season against host Philadelphia is no easy task. It will require quality and consistent execution from both sides of the football, winning tough matchups and finding a way to pull through at the end.  

We could pick darn near anyone as a key player in this matchup, but we’ll stick to five Commanders (not named Jayden Daniels) to watch heading into this NFC East clash:  

WR Terry McLaurin 

Terry McLaurin and Jayden Daniels played less that 15% percent of Washington’s offensive snaps together in 2025 due to various injuries. Washington’s No. 1 receiver and his quarterback have spent months getting in sync, from the offseason program to private workouts in L.A. and all the way through training camp.  

This duo is ready to show what it can do. Stefon Diggs and Chig Okonkwo (more on him later) have Philly’s respect, which should even out coverage and let McLaurin cook. Offensive coordinator David Blough talked about getting McLaurin 10 targets a game, that was in May, a pre-Diggs world but feeding McLaurin over and again, especially early, could open up the rest of the offense. And, when it matters most, Daniels has a guy to be counted on to go make a big play.  

LB Sonny Styles 

We all know deep down what Sonny Styles is capable of at the NFL level. The athleticism is there. So is the want to. And the intelligence.  

Putting all that into consistently excellent execution is a process no rookie gets right all at once, so he probably should’ve been forgiven for less-than-perfect during the preseason.  

The Ohio State product took it all in stride, learning from his college experience how high expectations can lead to scrutiny.  

Don’t expect perfection from the No. 7 overall NFL draft pick on Sunday, but it’s fair to predict different looks and assignments than we saw in a super vanilla preseason.  

Head coach Dan Quinn said the Commanders can’t wait to “unleash” Styles on Sunday. It’s fair to expect Washington to use his coverage ability a ton, plus his speed and size as a blitzer from unconventional locations (or to at least make it look that way).  

A game of sure tackling and quality coverage will go a long way in helping Washington get a win.  

C Nick Allegretti 

Including the veteran center here is a statement of the obvious. Nick Allegretti missed most of training camp and the preseason with a calf strain that wouldn’t get right. He revved things up over the past week-plus and is physically ready to go. His lack of reps with Jayden Daniels can’t negatively impact Washington in this one, so his help with protection calls and checks must be spot on.  

Then there’s the unenviable task of handling Philadelphia’s defensive front, featuring Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Allegretti and the Commanders interior must win consistently at the point of attack – surely with some schematic help – and be impactful on the inside.  

Major gaffes could lead to game-changing plays. Allegretti must avoid those at all costs.  

TE Chig Okonkwo 

The new Commanders tight end is a versatile talent who should be impactful in the passing game, lining up from several different spots in search of favorable mismatches. While Okonkwo can play in the slot, he might be more impactful in-line against Philly, chipping off the edge before heading into routes.  

There’s so much he can do in space and should be a viable option up the seam and over the middle of the field. I’d expect offensive coordinator David Blough to use a bunch of multiple tight-end sets, and Okonkwo should be a menace with Washington passing out of them.  

Such a stage offers the former Tennessee Titan a chance to show why Washington rewarded him with a handsome contract.  

EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson 

Both K’Lavon Chaisson (knee) and Odafe Oweh (calf) were limited during the practice week, and it’s possible one of both of them are on a pitch count. While both guys must perform well with the snaps available, especially with Dorance Armstrong serving a one game suspension.  

Chaisson finished the 2025 season (with New England) on absolute fire, showing an ability to get after and take down the quarterback. Operating at last year’s level will provide pressure on Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and force game-changing mistakes. Washington will need one on Sunday, and Chaisson’s the big-game player to provide it.  

We just listed five Commanders players that are a key to victory, but easily could’ve named a bunch more. Let us know who else is essential to the Washington’s cause (and why) in the comments below: