"Shoya Barthelemy VS Jalen Hurst," who can take the overall victory? The line-up doesn't make you dream, but the storytelling of a division duel is always excellent, and the Americans raised the temperature of the match.
Judging by the analysis and prediction of the media and pundits, the Eagles obviously have the upper hand.
During a heated discussion, ESPN again predicted the MNF according to usual practice, and the results are clear. None out of ten voted for the Commanders.
It seems that the fans also have the same thoughts, and even if the Commanders fans don't agree, they know the situation.
Breathe deeply, breathe deeply... Everything is so clear and so slow. It's different from RFK Stadium (I'm assuming the Commanders will return to RFK Stadium as the rumors currently have it). He can feel it.
It was his first away game of his NFL career. He's always been on the bench and hasn't felt the pressure of a hostile crowd, but it's cumbersome.
He sits next to his coach: "Shoya, it's time! Are you ready or not? Johnson said as he saw the kid's focus on the playbook.
Shoya nodded, then walked over to the field. The Commanders are the first to attack, and he has to lead the offensive team on the field.
"Guys," He greeted his teammates, but the crowd's noise made communication uncomfortable, coupled with the wind, like a wall that interferes with sound. It's even worse in Seattle or Kansas City, but comfortable nowhere.
Alone in the middle of the circle, he knelt on one knee: "Guys, it's not going to be easy, but we're going eagle hunting today! Insh'Allah, we're going to win! Who's on the same page as me? »
The words are simple but powerful and heavy with meaning. He clenched his fist in the air, and the rest of the teammates clenched their fists in the air.
"Good! HAIL TO THE COMMANDERS!!" Shoya shouted at the top of his lungs, and his teammates followed him.
Following Jarrod Johnson's pre-match dispositions, Shoya quickly completed the tactical setup. Washington starts from their 20-yard range because the kicker shot deep enough for a touchback.
« Attack ! »
The system called is a pass, and the Commanders' pass protection is among the best in the league, which is not in line with the current record. He adjusted his body and passed to the left with some comfort until Tooney broke a tackle and gained 16 yards.
A gain of more than 10 yards on the first play is always good news, which allows the Commanders to be in the middle of the field with a 1st down.
1st & 10, the Commanders' offense is a mix of passing and zone runs with a preference for the passing game. But Minshew wasn't a good enough QB to do that, and Shoya is a bit more suited for that.
He analyzed the Eagles' defense scheme and decided to call a run, and D'Onta Foreman gained 6 yards, proving that the pick was a good one. But on the next play, on the 2nd down, Eagles defensive star Jalen Carter prevented Robinson's run from gaining a single yard.
"The Commanders are in shotgun formation with Robinson still on the side to send a false message to the Eagles. His ability to catch the ball is better than Foreman's. Let's kick off! The commentator's voice tightened and said, "Shoya received the ball, and there was no hesitation. A breach has formed.
"R.J. Cesar for the reception. The Commanders are now in the Eagles' home end with this 10-yard gain."
R.J. Cesar is a first-round pick and didn't live up to expectations when the Detroit Lions selected him in 2025. He was cut after two years. He wanted to bounce back in Washington but didn't meet expectations. But he pulls off that kind of action occasionally and came at the right time this time.
Shoya will hit the iron when he's hot and makes a pass to Adam Copperfield for a 4-yard gain that advances the Commanders into the Eagles' 39-yard line, within field goal range.
In the 2nd & 6th, the Commanders decided to run for a 3-yard gain. More runs tend to tire a defense, so other teams run more than others to wear down opponents until they crack.
Just look at the Titans with Derrick Henry; enough to win games but not enough to win the Super Bowl. The only ones who made it were the 49ers.
Only 3 yards left for another chance, and Shoya would not deprive himself of gaining more. He threw a perfectly executed pass for Tooney, who logically came out of the field after receiving the ball with a route out.
Shoya's feeling now is good, and it must be said that he uses short and intermediate passes to limit mistakes at first. But the Commanders were still on the field, and now close to the Eagles' endzone, he made another pass to Copperfield that gained only two yards.
Two yards is always a gain; at worst, two yards are less for the field goal, and the Eagles' defense tightens. So he gets over the center, steps back with the ball, and pretends to give the ball to running back Foreman.
As noted, it was a feint, and Tooney, who stood out in the middle, received the ball but was tackled immediately. But the pass was received and advanced his team 7 yards.
The Commanders' next five plays were runs that brought Washington within a yard of the Philadelphia goal line. It's the toughest defending position, especially since Shoya has three scoring chances.
Before kick-off, he had already decided on the recipient: Mustafa.
"Barthelemy, the quick pass for Copperfield, who cuts in the middle. Catch the ball! »
"TOUCHDOWN! It's a touchdown for the Washington Commanders, who took the lead on the game's first drive and opened Monday Night Football in the best possible way! »
Mustafa is an undrafted receiver and the strongest physically among the Commanders' receivers. He has fallen so low for several reasons despite being a 3-star rookie.
With San Jose State University, his output dropped year after year, and despite a similar profile to DK Metcalf, it couldn't prevent his downfall. We can say that it is its "miniature version." It is smaller, a little less strong, and a less fast, but it reduces the gap with its agility.
If we compare the Relative Athlete Score of the two, Metcalf is at 9.66 and Copperfield at 9.16. It can be said that he is one of the freakiest athletes in the country.
Before that game, he was more of a special team player and had just scored his first NFL touchdown, and Shoya rushed to celebrate with his teammates. He clutched his helmet to hers, and a smile appeared.
"You deserve it," he said. This was the first of many.