Despite making some big plays, the Eagles’ 24-22 season-opening victory over Washington at the Linc on Sunday was far from a complete performance.

Frankly, most games aren’t. But the Birds nearly let this one slip away.

How good was Jalen Hurts? How well did Saquon Barkley run? Is the dominance of the Eagles’ offensive line back? Did the defense look elite?

In the season debut of our Eagles Roundtable, fellow Times News writers and I break down those aspects and look at the good and bad from the victory over Washington. We’ll continue to do so throughout the season.

This time around, former longtime Times News sports editor Emmett McCall joins fellow scribes Rich Strack and Brad Hurley to offer their views.

The Good?

McCall — “It wasn’t as easy or as pretty as the Eagles would’ve liked. But as former Raiders owner Al Davis used to say, ‘Just win, baby.’

“The Eagles’ 24-22 victory wasn’t a thing of beauty, and there are lots of areas that need improvement. But the bottom line is the Birds found a way to win.

“Jalen Hurts threw for over 200 yards and three touchdowns and didn’t turn the ball over. He also showed a little more willingness to take off when the pocket broke down, running the ball seven times and averaging over six yards per carry. Saquon Barkley showed his explosiveness with a 42-yard run to set up a second-quarter TD. Dallas Goedert, DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks showed big-play potential, with all three having catches of at least 30 yards and Goedert and Wicks combining for three TD receptions.

“The defense stopped the Commanders’ game-tying two-point conversion attempt with just over a minute remaining, and special teams came up with what turned out to be a huge blocked extra point in the second quarter that eventually forced the Commanders to attempt the late two-point conversion.”

Strack — “Gold stars go to tight end Dallas Goedert and wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks, making his Eagles debut. Wicks made a nice catch on a 64-yard bomb from Hurts that led to the Eagles’ first score and later caught a TD pass. Linebacker Zack Baun was a beast on defense and pressured Daniels on several plays. Hurts was Philly’s game-changer, making big plays in key situations.

“Both teams played turnover-free football. Philadelphia was 6-for-14 on third downs, but Hurts made a huge play with a 22-yard scramble on third-and-18 in the fourth quarter that subsequently led to his TD pass to Goedert.

“Overall, it was a big season-opening win for the Birds over a division opponent.”

Hurley — “The Eagles came through with a tough-nosed division win. Their defense looked great. The offense needs to be more consistent.

“I thought Hurts looked good. I like how he was using his legs to extend plays and drives. I think when he uses his running ability, it puts a strain on the defense because it always needs to be prepared to defend that.

“I thought the defense played well. It did a great job against the run. I would like to see the Eagles generate more pressure and turnovers, though.”

Moeller — “To me, there were times when Hurts looked like he regained his form from a few years back. It was good to see him use his legs. He made some strong connections and eventually got DeVonta Smith in the mix.

“Dallas Goedert proved he can be a major factor. The Birds’ defense made some timely stops, and they chased Jayden Daniels around without really blitzing. Zack Baun is going to have a monster year. Jake Elliott had plenty of leg on his kick.”

The Bad?

McCall — “After building a 14-3 second-quarter lead, the offense had a combined one first down and no points on its next four possessions, stretching from late in the second quarter through the beginning of the third quarter, allowing the Commanders to get back in the game.

“Take away Barkley’s 42-yard run, and his other 14 carries produced just 41 yards — less than three yards per carry.

“The offensive line failed to provide Barkley and the Eagles’ backs consistent running room, and Hurts was under pressure most of the game, getting sacked three times and being forced to scramble far too often.

“The defense failed to force a turnover, and twice in the fourth quarter — while holding eight-point leads — it allowed Commanders touchdowns when a stop could’ve sealed the game.”

Strack — “The Eagles’ offense was out of rhythm for much of the game, but a few big plays made up for its lack of consistency.

“Saquon Barkley stumbled a bit at the start, but finished with 83 yards on the ground. The O-line struggled at times to protect Hurts, allowing three sacks. The defense gave up just one TD in the first half, but Daniels and company were able to run through the Big Green D-line and pass into open spaces in the secondary on two long scoring drives in the second half.

“Philly’s kickoff coverage was, in a word, awful. Washington returners consistently gave the Commanders good field position.”

Hurley — “I am a little worried about the offensive line because the Commanders were able to get a lot of pressure on Hurts.

“It was obvious that something wasn’t right with Landon Dickerson. He was put on IR, so it will be interesting to see how the offense looks up front with Willie Lampkin or Drew Kendall. The offense might be a little clunky in the first few weeks.”

Moeller — “In the third quarter, Hurts looked like he did last year until his 22-yard run. The offensive line, particularly Dickerson, looked a little shaky. Top pick Makai Lemon was welcomed to the NFL and couldn’t get anything going with the ball, but he had some nice blocks. The secondary needs to step it up a bit. It was an average to slightly above-average overall effort.”

Intangible?

McCall — “I have nothing that would fit into that category.”

Strack — “Sean Mannion is the fifth offensive coordinator in the last five years.”

Hurley — “I think it will take some time for the new offensive scheme to take shape.”

Moeller — “Hurts is 6-0 in season openers.”

Next week’s prediction

at Tennessee?

McCall — “Times News sportswriter Justin Carlucci is a big Titans fan, and he tells me after watching the Titans in their opener, the Eagles are going to blow them out. Who am I to argue? Eagles, 31-10.”

Strack — “Titans stink! Eagles, 44-10.”

Hurley — “Eagles win easily, 34-14.”

Moeller — “Robert Saleh. That’s all you have to say. Birds, 38-7.”

So, what did you think?

Let me know your thoughts by sending an email to tnsports@tnonline.com, and your response could be included in our weekly football column.

You can also have your thoughts published after each Eagles game by sending an email to the same address. If your email is the first received, your take on the game will be published alongside our writers’ views that week.

We hope to hear from you next week.