The Philadelphia Eagles won their opener, but it wasn’t clean. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter’s midfield spit on the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott led to a fine and suspension. Days later, the NFL reviewed footage and disciplined three more Eagles defenders for separate infractions the refs missed.

After Carter was fined $57,222 and served a game suspension without appeal, the trouble didn’t end there. Eagles cornerback Jakorian Bennett was hit with $23,186 for a hip-drop tackle, Nolan Smith was docked $11,593 for taunting, and Cooper DeJean was charged $11,593 for a facemask. The opener wasn’t just fiery, but it was costly.

Cornerback DeJean’s moment came with 5:55 left in the first quarter, right after Jake Elliott’s 63-yard kickoff pinned Dallas deep. The Cowboys were already backed up by a separate 12-yard penalty, and on third down near midfield, DeJean grabbed his opponent’s facemask. The refs missed it, but the NFL’s video team caught it later. He was fined $11,593.

Then came the most costly hit of the night, Jakorian Bennett’s hip drop tackle. With just 15 seconds left before halftime, the cornerback brought down CeeDee Lamb, exactly the kind of move the NFL is trying to ban. Dallas had just completed a pass to Lamb to get into field goal range, and Brandon Aubrey nailed a 53-yarder right after. The play cost Bennett $23,186, and gave Dallas three points.

And then there was Nolan Smith. The second-year edge rusher made a stop at midfield in the second quarter, a perfectly good play, then stood over the ball carrier jawing at the Cowboys’ sideline. The flag flew immediately. Taunting cost them fifteen yards. The drive stayed alive, Dallas crossed into scoring territory, and Smith is now lighter by $11,593.

Add it up. $46,372 in fines, a chippy reputation, and an early-season warning shot from the league. The Eagles have swagger, that’s never been in doubt, but right now it’s bordering on reckless.

Head coach Nick Sirianni might call it passion, but if Week 1 is any preview, the Eagles could spend as much time battling officials as opponents, and that’s the kind of habit that turns a 1-0 start into a season full of self-inflicted damage.

Jalen Carter hit with massive fine

The Eagles’ season opener was supposed to be a tone-setter. Instead, it became a warning flare. Six seconds into the game, during an injury timeout, Dak Prescott smirked and spat in Jalen Carter’s direction. Whether it was intentional or just bad timing, it lit the fuse. Carter snapped.

He retaliated by spitting on Prescott’s jersey right in front of the refs. Flags flew. The boos rained down. Before the Eagles could even take their first snap, their defensive centerpiece was gone.

The NFL has now handed down its verdict, a $57,222 fine that feels less like a slap on the wrist and more like a statement. This wasn’t just a 15-yard penalty. It was losing the man who’s supposed to anchor Vic Fangio’s new-look defense. Fletcher Cox’s successor. The engine that makes this front four go.

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Veteran voices in Philly didn’t hide their frustration. Brandon Graham, the Eagles legend, admitted later that if he were on the field, he would have tried to calm Carter down before it escalated. He’s seen this before. He’s been the steadying presence when emotions boil over. This time, that voice wasn’t there, and Carter paid the price.

Prescott downplayed the whole thing. “I spit 10,000 times during a game,” he said with a shrug.

After the game, Jalen Carter owned it. “It was a mistake on my side. It just won’t happen again,” he said, sounding more disappointed than angry. This wasn’t just about the money. It was about letting down teammates, coaches, and fans on a night meant to be a statement win.

Now the focus shifts to Week 2, the Super Bowl rematch against the Chiefs. Carter will suit up, but this is more than football now. This is redemption. A chance to turn a $57K mistake into a wake-up call. If Carter channels that fire into blowing up Kansas City’s offensive line, that fine might end up being the best money he ever paid.