Eagles Best Commanders In Primetime Matchup (11-14-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
Philadelphia, PA – The Washington Commanders were defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles, 26-18 on Thursday evening at Lincoln Financial Field.
Saquan Barkley led the Eagles offense with 146 yards on the ground and two scores. Increasing his rushing yard total to 1,137 yards on the season through 10 games.
Philadelphia’s (8-2) offense struggled through the first three quarters, being held to six points and missing two field goals. The Commanders looked solid through three quarters, led by their defense, and gained a 10-6 lead. But quarterback Jalen Hurts and Barkley led the Eagles to 20 fourth-quarter points en route to their sixth-straight victory.
Washington (7-4) has dropped its past two contests and falls 1.5 games behind the Eagles for first place in the NFC East. The offense struggled Thursday only mustering 18 points and 264 yards.
Jayden Daniels completed 22-of-32 passes for 191 yards, throwing one touchdown and interception. Daniels was held to 18 yards on the ground and never looked comfortable in the pocket due to the interior pressure of the Eagles’ defensive line. Week 12, marked back-to-back weeks that Daniels was unable to use his legs like he has been able to this year.
The media have speculated that Daniels’ could be experiencing pain still from the rib injury he sustained in week seven against the Panthers.
Though Daniels has stated previously “if he was injured, he wouldn’t be playing.”
The Commanders seem as if they need this 10-game break in between until the Cowboys game to reset and get some much-needed rest before another important division game.
Key Play Of The Game
In the fourth quarter, trailing 12-10 Washington began the drive at their own 29. The Commanders moved the ball down to the Philadelphia 25. On 2nd & 1 and 3rd & 1, Brian Robinson Jr. had back-to-back runs that led to a -1 yard loss. Leading to 4th & 2, where the Commanders could have taken a field goal for a 13-12 lead but decided to go for it. On the ensuing play, Daniels snapped the ball and bobbled it ran to the right side, and was swallowed up by linebacker Zack Baun and safety Reed Blankenship for no gain. The Eagles took possession and had a five-play drive that finished with Barkley running in for a 23-yard touchdown and expanded the Eagles lead to 19-10.
Philadelphia and Washington Player Of The Game
â—Ź S Reed Blankenship: Blankenship was everywhere Thursday making key open-field tackles and blowing up plays before they could be established finishing with 10 total tackles (four solo). He also grabbed a late interception in the fourth that sealed the Eagles victory.
â—Ź LB Frankie Luvu: Luvu was dominant making play after play and moving side-to-side very well. He was part of the reason that the Commanders’ defense held up as long as it did through three-quarters. Luvu finished with 10 total tackles (six solo), two sacks, two tackles for loss, and three QB hits.
Ertz Return To Philadelphia
Tight-end Zach Ertz who won Super Bowl LII with the Eagles in 2017, made his return to Lincoln Financial Field now in a burgundy and gold uniform. Ertz finished the game with six catches, 47 yards, and a touchdown grab. He made a beautiful back-endzone two-point conversion grab in the fourth.
Up Next
Washington returns home on Nov. 24 for its first battle against the Dallas Cowboys this season at 1 p.m. on Fox.
The Eagles head west to play the Rams on Sunday Night Football.
