The Washington Football Team leads the Philadelphia Eagles 16-7 at halftime.
Washington jumped on the Eagles early with an impressive six-play, 67-yard scoring drive that culminated with an 11-yard touchdown run by rookie running back Jaret Patterson.
WFT quarterback Taylor Heinicke completed all three passes for 50 yards on the opening drive.
On Philadelphia’s opening drive, head coach Nick Sirianni went for it on fourth down and Washington’s defense came up with the stop. Washington went back on offense and drove down the field before kicker Joey Slye kicked a field goal to give Washington a 10-0 lead.
The Eagles finally got on the board when running back Boston Scott, making the start for injured Miles Sanders, punches it in on fourth down to trim Washington’s lead to 10-7.
Washington’s offense went back to work but again had to settle for three points, making it 13-7.
After a defensive stop, Washington would get the ball one more time before the half with just over two minutes remaining. Washington was conservative initially, apparently intent on running the clock out with a 13-7. But after a pair of first downs, Heinicke found Cam Sims for 18 yards and into Eagles’ territory.
A few plays later, Washington sent Slye back out and he crushes a 55-yard kick to give the WFT a 16-7 lead at halftime.
Heinicke ends the first half completing 14 of 17 passes for 170 yards. Patterson had eight carries for 44 yards and a touchdown. Terry McLaurin had four receptions for 38 yards and Sims caught three passes for 36 yards.
Offensive coordinator Scott Turner did a job of manufacturing touches for McLaurin.
The Eagles will receive the second-half kickoff.
