Why This Eagles Rookie is Expected to 'Spice up' Week 1 Game vs Washington
It's never too early for supporters of the Philadelphia Eagles to get amped up to watch their beloved Birds. But the fact their Week 1 game against the rival Washington Commanders will also be rookie Makai Lemon's NFL debut could further fire up fans.
The rookie and first-round pick from the April draft was named as the Eagles newcomer whose debut is most anticipated from NFL.com.
The Eagles, of course, traded up to select Lemon from USC with the No. 20 pick. He won the Biletnikoff Award as best Division 1 wide receiver in 2025 and is expected to be their WR2 -- though he could start at slot receiver against the Commanders.
Makai Lemon's Debut is the Most Anticipated New Eagles Player's to Watch
Much of the Eagles' offseason noise was dedicated to the will-they, won't-they trade of wide receiver A.J. Brown.
But since Philadelphia finally offloaded Brown to the New England Patriots, Eagles fans are dying to see how Lemon transitions to the NFL, especially in first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's offense.
"Howie Roseman and Co. spiked the hype when they jumped the Steelers to draft Lemon 20th overall," Matt Okada of NFL.com wrote Friday. "The stage is set for this USC product to take a top spot alongside DeVonta Smith in Sean Mannion's new offense."
Eagles fans set expectations extraordinarily high, which could mean a letdown if Lemon struggles out of the gate. But Washington ranked last in the NFL in defense in 2025 and was 28th in pass defense last year.
"Fair or not, the bar for Lemon's impact will be somewhere near Brown's best seasons in Philadelphia," Okada wrote "The rookie could be primed for an exciting start against the Washington secondary."
The Microscope Will Also be on Sean Mannion's Offense Against Washington
The Eagles haven't lost at home against the Commanders since 2022, a span of four straight games, which includes Philadelphia's 55-23 win in the 2024 NFC Championship Game.
The Eagles have put up 29-plus points in five of their past seven games against Washington, including their Week 16, NFC East-clinching win at Northwest Stadium last season.
So Lemon's debut won't be the only thing Eagles fans will be keeping close tabs on. Mannion, who of course is replacing much-maligned former OC Kevin Patullo, will be under pressure to put up points against the Commanders.
If Lemon doesn't produce, or the Eagles offense doesn't score points in Week 1, it'll be good for business with WIP but not good for anxiety among Eagles fans.
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This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 5:59 PM.