1 week Ago
The Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) overcame a sluggish first half to defeat the Washington Commanders (7-4) by a score of 26-18 on Sunday, driven by a dominant second-half performance from Saquon Barkley and a resilient defense. The win solidifies Philadelphia's lead in the NFC East and deals a setback to Washington's division title hopes. After trailing 7-3 at halftime and seeing the Commanders extend their lead to 10-3 early in the third quarter, the Eagles' offense found its rhythm behind Barkley, who finished with 146 yards on 26 carries and two electrifying touchdown runs of 39 and 23 yards.
The former Penn State star averaged 5.6 yards per carry, providing the spark Philadelphia’s offense needed. USA Today Jalen Hurts, while not throwing for a touchdown, managed the game effectively, completing 18 of 28 passes for 221 yards and adding 39 rushing yards, including a score on his signature "tush push" play.
Hurts demonstrated poise after a first half marked by several dropped passes from his receivers. The Eagles' defense stepped up in key moments, highlighted by safety Reed Blankenship’s third interception of the season, which halted a potential Commanders comeback. Philadelphia’s defensive unit, led by Zack Baun's 15 tackles, limited Washington’s ground game to just 93 yards on 28 attempts.
For Washington, quarterback Jayden Daniels showed flashes of potential, completing 22 of 32 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown. However, the Commanders’ offense struggled against Philadelphia’s pressure, with Daniels sacked three times for a loss of 20 yards. Related: Eagles Trail at Half vs.
Commanders After Missed Opportunities Philadelphia’s ground game dominated, amassing 228 rushing yards. After early struggles in the kicking game, including two missed field goals by Jake Elliott, the Eagles regained their momentum and scored on every second-half possession. With this win, the Eagles strengthen their position atop the NFC East, while Washington remains in the wild card hunt at 7-4.
Philadelphia’s resilience in overcoming early adversity, particularly through Barkley’s standout performance, underscores the added dimension he brings to an already potent offense as they enter the crucial final stretch of the season. Related: Eagles Trick Play Failed Miserably vs. Commanders on Thursday Night.
