The Philadelphia Eagles etched their name in division history on Saturday night, becoming the first team since 2004 to capture consecutive NFC East titles. In a hard-fought Week 16 matchup at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, the Eagles overcame an uneven start to dismantle the Washington Commanders 29-18. This victory not only locked in a playoff spot for Philadelphia but also showcased the team’s resilience amid injuries and on-field drama.
Eagles clinched the NFC East with a win over the Commanders
Philadelphia entered the game with a 9-5 record, needing a win to seal the division against a struggling 4-11 Commanders squad. The Eagles delivered, pulling away in the second half behind a potent rushing attack and opportunistic defense. This marks the first repeat NFC East champion in over two decades, a feat last accomplished by the Eagles themselves during their four-year run from 2001 to 2004.philadelphiaeagles.com
Early Struggles Give Way to Second-Half Dominance
The contest began on a sour note for Philadelphia when running back Will Shipley fumbled the opening kickoff, allowing Washington to recover at the Eagles’ 26-yard line. The Commanders capitalized quickly with a 20-yard field goal from Jake Moody, jumping to a 3-0 lead. However, Philadelphia’s offense responded with poise. Quarterback Jalen Hurts orchestrated a 63-yard drive, culminating in a 6-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver DeVonta Smith for a 7-3 advantage late in the first quarter.
Washington regained momentum before halftime. After Eagles kicker Jake Elliott missed a 57-yard field goal attempt, Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota connected on a 40-yard pass to Terry McLaurin, setting up a 1-yard touchdown plunge by rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Elliott’s woes continued as he shanked a 52-yard try just before the break, sending the teams into halftime with Washington ahead 10-7.delawareonline.com
The tide turned decisively after intermission. Hurts found tight end Dallas Goedert for a 15-yard touchdown strike on third-and-goal, capping an 83-yard, 17-play march that included penalties extending the drive. This score put Philadelphia up 14-10. Moments later, cornerback Cooper DeJean intercepted backup quarterback Josh Johnson, who had replaced an injured Mariota, positioning the Eagles at Washington’s 37-yard line.
From there, running back Saquon Barkley took over. He powered through for an 8-yard gain on third-and-4, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the season, before bulldozing his way to a 12-yard touchdown run that extended the lead to 21-10. Barkley’s performance was electric, finishing with 132 yards on 21 carries and earning praise for his physicality.
Late Fireworks and a Fight Seal the Deal
The fourth quarter featured more fireworks. Barkley broke loose for a 48-yard scamper, evading tackles and setting up a 22-yard touchdown dash by Tank Bigsby. Barkley then converted the two-point try himself, pushing the score to 29-10 with under five minutes remaining. Washington added a late 3-yard touchdown from Chris Rodriguez and a two-point conversion, but it was too little, too late.
Tensions boiled over after Bigsby’s score when a post-play scuffle erupted. Eagles offensive lineman Tyler Steen and Commanders defenders Javon Kinlaw and Quan Martin were ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct, underscoring the rivalry’s intensity.
Standout Performances from Key Players
Jalen Hurts anchored the offense with composure, completing 22 of 30 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns while adding 40 rushing yards. Wide receiver A.J. Brown served as his primary target, hauling in nine catches for 95 yards. DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert each contributed touchdown receptions, with Goedert’s marking his 10th of the season and tying a franchise record for tight ends set by Pete Retzlaff in 1965.
On defense, DeJean’s interception proved pivotal, while edge rusher Brandon Graham notched a sack on Mariota in the first half. The unit limited Washington to 18 points despite the early turnover.
For the Commanders, Mariota exited in the third quarter with a right hand injury after being evaluated for a concussion, though he was cleared of the latter. Josh Johnson stepped in but struggled, throwing the costly pick. Terry McLaurin paced the receivers with three grabs for 53 yards, but the offense could not sustain drives against Philadelphia’s front.
Injuries and Inactives Impact Both Sides
Philadelphia played without key starters, including right tackle Lane Johnson, sidelined for his fifth straight game with a foot injury, and defensive tackle Jalen Carter, out for the third contest due to shoulder issues. The Eagles have gone 1-3 without Johnson this season, making his absence notable.
Washington was without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, ruled out for the year after re-aggravating an elbow injury. Other inactives included tight end Zach Ertz, placed on injured reserve with a knee issue.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Positioning and Rivalry Renewed
With the division secured, the 10-5 Eagles now eye a higher NFC seed. They face the Buffalo Bills in Week 17, a matchup that could influence their path to the No. 2 spot behind the top-seeded team. A rematch with the Commanders awaits in Week 18, promising more divisional drama.
This win highlights Philadelphia’s depth and determination, blending star power with gritty execution. As the playoffs loom, the Eagles appear primed to defend their Super Bowl title from last season, building momentum at just the right time.
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