Commanders are hiding a Week 1 advantage the Eagles can't prepare for

Jones wasn't much more revealing when discussing his defense. Washington has spent the offseason installing a new system, but the Eagles won't truly know what it looks like until they see it Sunday.

That's particularly interesting on offense.

Philadelphia defensive coordinator Vic Fangio can study Blough's influences. He can look at Washington's personnel and make educated guesses about how Jayden Daniels will be used. What he can't study is how Blough responds to actual NFL situations as a play caller.

There is no history showing what Blough prefers on third and four. There isn't a collection of red zone calls to dissect or years of film revealing what he likes after a turnover.

Dan Quinn acknowledged earlier this week that the uncertainty can work in Washington's favor.

“I think there’s advantages for sure,” Quinn said. “As the season begins, there’s not a tendency; there’s not a ‘This is what he does on second down or third down, this is the scheme you know from years past.’”

Of course, the same thing creating Washington's advantage also creates risk.

Blough and Jones have never done this in a regular season NFL game. Philadelphia has one of the league's most experienced defensive coordinators in Fangio waiting on the other sideline. Once the game begins, Washington's new play callers will have to adjust to what he throws at them.

Washington's advantage has an expiration date

The Commanders won't have this luxury for long.

Every snap they take Sunday becomes film for the next opponent. Every third down gives away another preference. Every formation, blitz and personnel package adds another piece to the scouting report.

A few weeks from now, opposing coaches will have a much better idea of what Blough and Jones want to do.

Philadelphia doesn't have that information yet.

The Eagles may have the better roster entering Sunday. They certainly have more experience in several important places.

But for one afternoon, Washington possesses something Philadelphia can't manufacture during preparation.

The unknown.

Now the Commanders have to make it count before everyone else figures out what they've been hiding.