As seemingly keep-it-simple as it appears for Jim Schwartz's defense – which will play without end Derek Barnett, who on Saturday was downgraded to out (ankle injury) for the game along with Agholor and Howard – that the Eagles have two levels of must-do's: Not give up the deep ball in Washington's passing game (that means keeping wide receiver Terry McLaurin in check) and get to running back Adrian Peterson before he gets into high gear. The Eagles' offense, on the other hand, is pretty darn complicated with so many new faces.

Even if the Eagles simplify things on offense, and that's not saying they will, it's still an opportunity for Pederson and offensive coordinator Mike Groh to move pieces around and try to create some favorable matchups. They've got size at wide receiver with Arcega-Whiteside and Davis. Perkins is a tight end playing wide receiver. Ward is the shifty, short-area quickness receiver. Scott is a weapon in the screen game and Sanders is a big play waiting to happen in the passing game.

Of course, Ertz and Goedert are the versatile pieces to make plays anywhere on the field.

"I have every bit of confidence in who we're going to have out there," Ertz said. "We're never going to make excuses. Players are on this roster for a reason. When they get their shot, they are ready to go. And we'll be ready as an offense on Sunday."

We've spent nearly three quarters of this season trying to identify the offense and its strengths and its personality. Prior to the bye week, the Eagles had established something good – a strong running game they could rely upon, some play-action passing as Wentz spread the football around, good play in the red zone, and two games against Buffalo and Chicago when the offense ate up the clock in the fourth quarter to secure victories. Going forward, that was the formula for offensive success.

Then more injuries, as Alshon Jeffery (placed on Injured Reserve this week with a foot injury) and Agholor were hurt. Howard hasn't played since the Chicago game just at a time when he and Sanders had so perfectly meshed their roles in the backfield.

Add in that the Eagles won't have right tackle Lane Johnson (ankle) against Washington, and you understand the personnel challenges the offense faces. Within that, there are opportunities for other players to step up, and for the coaching staff to alter its way of thinking.

"They're hungry, they want to make the most of that opportunity," Pederson said of the young players stepping into key roles. "Again, they're professionals about their business and their craft, and they want to do well."