LANDOVER, Md. – The Washington Commanders pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the NFL season, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 36-33 at FedEx Field on Sunday. The victory snapped the Eagles' impressive 10-game winning streak and intensified the team's rivalry as they battle for playoff spots.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels showcased his exceptional talent and resilience, throwing five touchdown passes and rushing for 81 yards, leading the Commanders to their second straight victory. This marked Daniels' miraculous performance, especially after the team suffered five turnovers throughout the game, which typically should have dealt them the crushing blow.
The game kicked off with promising momentum for the Eagles. They jumped to an early lead, propelled by running back Saquon Barkley, who put on a spectacular offensive display with 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns within the first quarter. But the Eagles faced adversity soon after when quarterback Jalen Hurts exited the game following a collision with linebacker Frankie Luvu. Hurts, who scrambled early, suffered a concussion, taking the potential steam out of Philadelphia's dynamic offense, which immediately impacted their red-zone strategy.
Without Hurts, the Eagles had to lean on backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. Initially, the Eagles remained competitive, with Pickett connecting on key plays and scoring on his first drive. But the scenic route grew bumpier as Pickett’s inconsistency became evident, leading to his own interception, as the Commanders’ defense capitalized on the rookie's mistakes. Hurts completed just one pass for 11 yards before being pulled, observed the game from the sidelines, and left his status for future contests uncertain.
Despite two fumbles from Commanders' running back Brian Robinson Jr. and another from wide receiver Dyami Brown, thanks to aggressive Eagle defenders like Jalen Carter and Nakobe Dean, Daniels didn't buckle. He led his team back after trailing by as much as 14 points, executing precise passes and showcasing timing and poise under immense pressure.
With 1 minute and 58 seconds left, Daniels orchestrated a stunning 57-yard drive culminating with his touchdown connection to Jamison Crowder with only six seconds to spare, thrilling the crowd. On this pivotal play, he also found Olamide Zaccheaus contributing two touchdowns, deftly utilizing weaknesses within the Eagles’ defense.
For the Commanders, this victory signified not just triumph over their divisional rivals but momentum heading toward playoff contention, improving their record to 10-5 and leaving them with significant postseason aspirations.
The Commanders are now positioned for what’s next against the Atlanta Falcons; their chance to clinch their playoff berth looms closer with each game. With their soaring spirits, one thing is certain: Jayden Daniels has proven he's ready for the big stage.
On the other hand, the Eagles face the Dallas Cowboys next week, where they'll seek to bounce back and regain their winning stride as they push for the NFC East title, pondering how to navigate the playoffs with uncertainty over Hurts’ health.
With the season winding down, fans are eager to see how both teams adapt, but for now, it’s the Commanders who hold the bragging rights after pulling off this late-game upset.
