Every season is unto itself, totally independent from the ones previous. That's just a fact in the National Football League, Philadelphia Eagles included. But to get you up to speed now with summer over and with the Washington Commanders ahead on Sunday in the regular-season opener, here are some things you may have missed while enjoying the summer that was wherever you are ...

1. The Eagles' offense is the great unknown

Head Coach Nick Sirianni and new Offensive Coordinator Sean Mannion kept things very simple and basic throughout the course of Training Camp and in the preseason, the time when the Eagles do much of their on-field work in front of reporters and fans. For the last week and then in the days ahead, it's all about the Commanders and putting together a game plan to defeat Washington. What kind of offense are the Eagles installing? This is probably the overarching biggest question heading into the 2026 season and, certainly, it is the most intriguing. Mannion is calling plays in a regular-season game for the very first time, is in his position of power after playing quarterback in the league and coaching the last few seasons in Green Bay. This is going to be fun seeing what the Eagles have in mind ...

2. Offensive personnel: Much remains the same

The Eagles return 9 starters on offense from the 2025 group – the entire offensive line, quarterback Jalen Hurts, running back Saquon Barkley, tight end Dallas Goedert, and wide receiver DeVonta Smith. But ... in case you've missed it, there are significant new positions/players to watch. Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore, and No. 1 draft pick Makai Lemon are new receivers to blend into the passing game. Johnny Mundt and No. 2 draft pick Eli Stowers add to the tight end room. A host of young offensive linemen supplement new Offensive Line Coach Chris Kuper's group.

3. A final season for Lane Johnson?

While you were digging your toes into the beach sand, right tackle Lane Johnson announced his intentions to make the 2026 season the last – probably – of his storied career. The team's No. 1 draft pick in 2013, Johnson has a resume worthy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and he's come to the intersection of his football career and raising kids and life outside the game. He could change his mind. We've seen that before – Brandon Graham changed course last season – and the reality is that teams and players must prepare for every scenario. From a fan perspective, the advice is this: Enjoy and appreciate every moment of Lane Johnson this season. His kind don't often grace an NFL playing field.

4. Some additions to defense

Again, haven't seen it on the field yet, but we will in the coming weeks. The Eagles added to the defense with a big NFL Draft weekend trade, acquiring outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard, and then deepened the edge position by signing Arnold Ebiketie and A.J. Epenesa in free agency. They also brought in Riq Woolen to the cornerback room. Coordinator Vic Fangio has some positions to restock – edge, cornerback, linebacker, and safety – and he has some returning players prepared to fill the role – Jihaad Campbell at linebacker and Marcus Epps at safety. But there is some change and Greenard and Woolen lead the way.

5. Special teams? New man starting the operation

Jake Elliott is the placekicker. Braden Mann comes back as the punter. We know both of those players well. Starting the operation with the snap of the football in the kicking game is a rookie, Rocco Underwood. The Eagles signed him after the 2026 NFL Draft following his terrific career at the University of Florida, where he won the 2024 Patrick Mannelly Award as the nation's top long snapper. The Eagles want stability here and they have been impressed by Underwood throughout the spring and summer. Now we're in the regular season and every bit of what he does is ultra-important. His job is not discussed much, but it is critical for Elliott's and Mann's success.

6. Catching up on the miscellaneous ...

• Not sure that it is a big deal in the context of other football stories, but the Eagles plan to keep the Tush Push in the offense, as Sirianni and Mannion have stated in the summer. Will they use it? We will see. But it's in the playbook and it's something the fans love, so there you have it.

• The 53-man roster is set – for now – and the Eagles have some interesting numbers within the position groups. They have four quarterbacks – Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, Andy Dalton, and rookie Cole Payton. They have 10 offensive linemen and six wide receivers. There are five interior defensive linemen with second-year man Ty Robinson playing lights-out in the preseason to join Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis – both of whom have new contracts – Moro Ojomo and Byron Young. As you know with Howie Roseman, the roster is always subject to change.

• There are other new coaches here – Josh Grizzard is the offensive passing game coordinator, Ryan Mahaffey is the tight ends coach and run game coordinator, Mike Pellegrino is the secondary coach, and some coaches who were here last year have moved to new coaching positions on the staff.

• In case you missed one of the interesting stories throughout the spring and summer, two international players new to the game, defensive tackle Uar Bernard (Nigeria) and outside linebacker Joshua Weru (Kenya) remain with the team after playing in the preseason. Both are part of the Eagles' practice squad.

• And then there is this: The Eagles are back-to-back winners of the NFC East and they are vying for their third consecutive Division title, something no team has achieved in the NFC East since the Eagles from 2001-2004. We've got a long and exciting season ahead, so welcome back and bring the energy!