The return of DeSean Jackson to Lincoln Financial Field already ensured that tensions would be high for Sunday's matchup between the Washington Redskins and the Philadelphia Eagles. But not even that could have prepared fans for the craziness of this NFC East rival game.
A brawl complete with ejections and quarterback hits took place. A rookie receiver exploded onto the big stage. Jackson torched his former team, but the Eagles scored their third consecutive comeback victory. This game deserved its own E! True Hollywood Story for the amount of drama it had.
Nick Foles, perhaps sensing the nostalgia on the day, found Jackson's replacement Jordan Matthews early and often on Sunday as the Eagles beat the Redskins 37-34. Matthews caught two touchdowns on the day with Jeremy Maclin hauling in one of his own. Philadelphia is now the first NFL team to go 3-0 to start the season after trailing by 10-plus points in each game.
"Man, that was an emotional one," Matthews told reporters after notching his first NFL touchdowns. "They are close (games), so I know that coach (Chip) Kelly is losing some hair."
Close is one way to describe Sunday's game. Brutal would be another. A fourth-quarter brawl erupted after Eagles quarterback Nick Foles got leveled by Washington defensive lineman Chris Baker, following an apparent interception. Eagles left tackle Jason Peters stepped in and tussled with Baker before both were eventually ejected. Soon after, Maclin secured a 27-yard touchdown to break a 27-27 tie.
Maclin praised his quarterback's toughness after the game.
"That's the guy you want, the guy who gets up play after play," Maclin said.
The eight-catch, 154-yard performance for Maclin, is a welcome sight for the sixth-year wide out, especially after he missed all of 2013 with a knee injury.
But, it wouldn't be Jackson's style not to make his presence known in this one. Jackson, who was cut by Philadelphia last winter, caught an 81-yard touchdown pass and added a little taunt during the celebration for good measure. He finished with five catches for 117 yards.
"Honestly, it's a new time. It's a new era," Jackson said. "I don't see them worrying about me, and I don't worry about them. I'm happy where I'm at."
The Eagles came back from a 10-point deficit to drop Washington to 1-2. The Redskins offense made it a challenge throughout, however, racking up 511 yards compared to 379 for the Eagles.
"We stick together and there's a great camaraderie," Foles said. "In the locker room during games like that, we lean on each other instead of blaming each other. That's what football should be about."
Washington's Kirk Cousins reignited the quarterback controversy in D.C. with 427 yards and three touchdowns while filling in for the injured Robert Griffin III. Cousins had the offense humming all day before special team's gaffes and penalties undid the Redskins' chances for an upset. Philadelphia's rookie receiver also played a part.
Matthews, a second-round pick out of Vanderbilt, snuck his way into the back of the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown in the second quarter. With just nine seconds to go in the first half, Matthews came down with another score to give the Eagles a 21-20 lead.
Jackson's long touchdown tied the game at 27-27 late in the third quarter. The Redskins had the opportunity to get ahead, but kicker Kai Forbath, who has previously made 18 consecutive field goals, missed a 33-yarder with just over ten minutes to go in the fourth.
The Eagles will visit the San Francisco 49ers next week, and the Redskins will host the New York Giants for their second straight division game.
