The Washington Commanders pulled off a stunning upset against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, winning 36-33 and ending the Eagles' franchise-record 10-game winning streak. The victory not only marked the end of the Eagles' impressive run but also showcased the resilience of the Commanders, who overcame significant adversity during the game.
That adversity began early when Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered a concussion after being hit by Washington linebacker Frankie Luvu. Hurts, who had been the cornerstone of the Eagles' success throughout the season, initially seemed unfazed after the hit but was later ruled out for the remainder of the game after undergoing evaluation. Kenny Pickett, who replaced him, threw for 143 yards and one touchdown, but his efforts were not enough to secure victory.
The Eagles started strong, demonstrating their offensive prowess with 21 points in the first quarter. Running back Saquon Barkley made headlines early, scoring two touchdowns within the first quarter, including one on a spectacular 68-yard run. This explosive start put Philadelphia up 21-7 as the team looked to clinch the NFC East title by maintaining their momentum.
But the Commanders were undeterred. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the charge for Washington, throwing five touchdown passes — including the game-winner to Jamison Crowder with just six seconds remaining. It was Daniels' mastery on the field, coupled with the Commanders' tenacity, which shifted the tide after Philadelphia went up by 14 points.
Defensively, the Eagles struggled, particularly after the loss of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was ejected following two unsportsmanlike penalties. His departure opened the door for the Commanders to score touchdowns on three of their four second-half possessions.
With the game on the line, the Eagles came dangerously close to securing the win. A key interception by Reed Blankenship gave Philadelphia possession with just over three minutes left. Yet, they failed to close it out. A would-be game-icing catch by receiver DeVonta Smith fell to the turf, allowing the Commanders one last opportunity to retake control.
"We wouldn't be in the position without (Smith), hes such an amazing player," Pickett remarked following the game. Despite their earlier chances, the Eagles settled for a field goal, handing Washington one final shot at victory.
The final drive for the Commanders was executed with precision. Daniels completed all four of his passes during the drive for 35 yards, culminating with the touchdown to Crowder. The win was especially sweet for Washington, who came off the loss against the Eagles the previous month. Commanders coach Ron Rivera praised his team's resolve, adding, "This win shows the character of this group and our ability to fight back under pressure."
Despite the Eagles' explosive first quarter, their eventual downfall stemmed from missed opportunities and defensive lapses. One glaring moment was Smith's dropped pass on what could have been a game-clinching drive. "I made some tough catches today and dropped the easy one, it's nobody else's fault but mine," Smith said candidly, reflecting on the missed chance.
By the end of the game, the Eagles saw their record drop to 12-3, shifting the playoff picture significantly. The Lions continued to maintain their position at the top of the NFC with their recent victory, putting additional pressure on Philadelphia's subsequent performances.
With the playoffs looming, the Eagles will need to address many issues exposed during this game, including their struggles on third downs, where they converted only three of sixteen attempts. The game served as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change within the league and the importance of depth on the roster.
Looking forward, the Eagles are set to face the Dallas Cowboys at home as they seek to secure their postseason run. The team hopes for Hurts' swift recovery, as they prepare to defend their NFC East title against their long-standing rivals.
For the Commanders, this victory not only boosts their playoff hopes but adds momentum as they continue to climb the ranks within the NFC. And with the way Daniels has been playing, they could prove to be a formidable contender.
This game encapsulated the unpredictability and excitement of the NFL, where the stakes remain high, and anything can happen as teams vie for championship glory.
