In a vibrant display of dominance, the Philadelphia Eagles secured their second consecutive NFC East championship and the third in the Nick Sirianni era with a decisive 29-18 victory over the Washington Commanders. This notable triumph marks a historic moment, as it is the first time since 2004 that the NFC East has seen a repeat winner, reminiscent of the Andy Reid-led Eagles’ streak of four straight division titles.
Achieving this milestone on December 20, the earliest of their three triumphs under Sirianni, the Eagles not only secured the division crown but also ensured their fifth consecutive postseason appearance, with at least one home playoff game set to take place at Lincoln Financial Field in January. Quarterback Jalen Hurts played a pivotal role in this victory, throwing two touchdown passes, including a crucial 15-yarder to Dallas Goedert in the third quarter, solidifying the Eagles’ lead. This marked Hurts’ 24th touchdown pass of the season, setting a personal career high.
Goedert, with his dynamic performance, brought his total touchdown receptions this season to 10, tying him with franchise legend Pete Retzlaff for the most receiving touchdowns in a season by a tight end. Meanwhile, running back Saquon Barkley showcased his prowess with 21 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown, marking a significant feat as he crossed over the 1,000-yard threshold for the season.
The Eagles’ receiving corps saw A.J. Brown stepping up with nine receptions for 95 yards, inching closer to another 1,000-yard season himself, with a total of 935 yards heading into Week 17 against Buffalo.
Despite concerns arising from an ankle injury Hurts sustained in a previous game against Las Vegas, he displayed remarkable resilience. Although there were whispers that the injury might limit his running abilities, Hurts proved those doubters wrong by finishing the game with seven carries for 40 yards.
On the other side of the field, the Commanders faced significant quarterback challenges. Following a right-hand injury to Marcus Mariota, the team was left vulnerable, leading to their struggles despite an early 10-7 lead.
Strategically, the Eagles displayed their proficiency in using five-wide offensive sets and fast-paced tempo, a dynamic they may consider employing more frequently, especially during stretches when the running game falters.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Eagles. Kicker Jake Elliott had a rough outing, missing three field goal attempts—two of which were attributed to offsides penalties. Such inconsistencies in Elliott’s performance raise concerns as the playoffs approach.
The Eagles also faced challenges with their signature “tush push” tactic, attempting the controversial play three times with limited success, highlighted by two false starts and a failed attempt. This has sparked discussions about the play’s future given its recent difficulties, underscoring the team’s need to revisit their strategy moving forward.
Overall, the Eagles are riding a wave of success, but they are also acutely aware of the adjustments needed as they gear up for the upcoming playoff season. The focus now shifts to maintaining their momentum and addressing any weaknesses as they seek to make a deep run in the postseason.
