The NFL’s opening week was everything fans could have hoped for — jaw-dropping comebacks, shocking performances, embarrassing quarterback play, and the kind of drama that reminds us why football reigns supreme in American sports. And while much of the spotlight fell on Buffalo’s miraculous rally and Green Bay’s domination, the Philadelphia Eagles quietly pieced together a week of news that may have positioned them as one of the biggest winners in the league.

From Howie Roseman’s latest trade for a versatile running back to positive developments regarding star defensive tackle Jalen Carter, the Eagles’ long-term outlook is suddenly looking brighter than it did just a few days ago.

Howie Roseman Strikes Again: Tank Bigsby to Philly

When Eagles general manager Howie Roseman makes a move, the NFL pays attention. This time, Roseman flipped a fifth- and sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft to Jacksonville in exchange for 24-year-old running back Tank Bigsby.

On paper, it’s a low-risk, high-reward acquisition. Bigsby rushed for 766 yards and seven touchdowns last season, averaging an efficient 4.6 yards per carry. He also flashed as a kick returner, averaging 32.5 yards per attempt on six tries.

Philly insiders believe Bigsby’s immediate role may center on special teams, but his ability to step in as a physical downhill runner makes him an invaluable insurance policy. With rookie Will Shipley nursing rib injuries and the Eagles managing Saquon Barkley’s workload, depth in the backfield was a priority.

“Roseman essentially landed a third-round talent for pocket change,” one NFC scout noted. “That’s why GMs hate dealing with him — he always finds value.”

Jalen Carter’s Status: From Doubt to Optimism

The Eagles’ defense — led by second-year phenom Jalen Carter — is at the heart of the team’s Super Bowl hopes. So when reports surfaced that Carter could face discipline for an on-field incident, Philly fans braced for the worst.

Conflicting reports only fueled uncertainty. One NFL executive told USA Today that no further punishment was expected, while a CBS insider suggested a suspension was “back in play.” Yet as of Monday night, no official action had been taken by the league — a development viewed as a strong sign Carter will not be suspended.

NFL analyst Mike Florio explained it this way: “If the league were going to suspend Carter for Week 2 against Kansas City, it would have already happened. Suspensions typically land on Monday to allow appeals by Tuesday. The delay points toward no action.”

For an Eagles defense preparing to face Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, Carter’s presence is invaluable. The 23-year-old has already established himself as one of the league’s most disruptive interior defenders, combining speed and strength in a way that evokes comparisons to Aaron Donald.

NFC East Rivals Collapse, Path Clears

If Week 1 told us anything, it’s that the Eagles’ road through the NFC East may be smoother than expected.

The New York Giants became the first team since the 1940s Lions to go three straight openers without scoring a touchdown. Daniel Jones’s up-and-down play only amplified concerns about the Giants’ long-term trajectory.
The Washington Commanders flashed competitiveness but remain inconsistent, raising questions about their ability to compete with elite teams.
The Dallas Cowboys, meanwhile, had to watch in horror as rumors leaked that the Eagles had once offered multiple first-round picks — and more — in a failed attempt to trade for Micah Parsons. Though Dallas wisely avoided strengthening a division rival, the mere fact that Roseman was willing to go all-in shows Philly’s aggressive mindset.

The combination of rival struggles and Philadelphia’s steady hand suggests the NFC East could tilt heavily in the Eagles’ favor by midseason.

Around the League: Perspective Matters

For fans panicking about sloppy offensive execution or shaky moments in the secondary, Week 1 offered perspective. Even perennial contenders stumbled out of the gate:

Joe Burrow threw for just 113 yards in Cincinnati’s ugly win over Cleveland, as the Bengals offense mustered only seven yards in the second half.
Buffalo surrendered 238 rushing yards and trailed by 15 with under five minutes to play before storming back in one of the greatest regular-season comebacks ever.
San Francisco lost key starters midgame yet still powered through with a win in Seattle.

The lesson? September football rarely defines a season. Teams evolve, adapt, and correct mistakes. As the Eagles demonstrated last year — when they looked sloppy early but eventually found dominance — the marathon matters more than the sprint.

Injury Updates and Roster Depth

Positive news also emerged on the injury front. Guard Landon Dickerson, recovering from knee surgery just three weeks ago, is already making progress despite battling a sore back. The offensive line as a whole struggled in Week 1, but with corrections and improved health, expectations remain high for one of the league’s most dominant units.

Meanwhile, Philly shored up roster depth by promoting edge rusher Patrick Johnson to the active roster and signing running back Montrell Johnson and lineman Holland Pierce to the practice squad. The moves may seem minor, but depth often separates contenders from pretenders in the grind of a 17-game season.

Looking Ahead: Eagles vs. Chiefs

Week 2 offers the Eagles a measuring stick game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes remains a magician, but the Chiefs are suddenly thin at receiver. Rookie speedster Xavier Worthy is sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, and Rashee Rice is serving a six-game suspension. That leaves Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster as the top targets — a manageable assignment for Philly’s secondary if Vic Fangio can scheme effectively.

Should Carter suit up and the pass rush collapse Mahomes’s pocket, the Eagles will have a golden opportunity to make a statement on a national stage.

The Bottom Line

Week 1 of the NFL season often breeds overreactions, but for the Eagles, there’s plenty of reason for cautious optimism.

Howie Roseman’s acquisition of Tank Bigsby strengthens both the run game and special teams.
Jalen Carter’s suspension fears appear to be fading.
Division rivals in New York and Washington are struggling, while Dallas faces its own long-term challenges.
Injury updates, though still fluid, are trending in the right direction.

In a league defined by chaos, the Eagles find themselves in a surprisingly stable position.

For a fanbase that lives and dies with every play, that stability — and the promise of even brighter days ahead — might be the best Week 1 victory of all.