Eagles Extend NFC East Lead With Thrilling Fourth-Quarter Comeback Against Commanders
Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field, the Philadelphia Eagles electrified their fans with a dramatic 26-18 win over the Washington Commanders. This NFC East clash not only showcased the Eagles' dominance in the division but also delivered some unforgettable moments in the fourth quarter, where they scored 20 points to seal the victory. Let’s break down the action, the turning points, and what this means for both teams moving forward.
Philadelphia Eagles (8-2): Soaring to New Heights
The Eagles, sitting at the top of the NFC East, continue to be powered by a dynamic duo: running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Barkley, a force of nature on Thursday, put on a clinic with 146 rushing yards and two crucial fourth-quarter touchdowns that turned the game from a nail-biter into a commanding win.
Meanwhile, Hurts shook off a slow start to deliver a pivotal touchdown run early in the final quarter, putting Philadelphia in the driver’s seat. Despite some hiccups in special teams, the Eagles showed why they’re a team to beat this season.
Key Defensive Performance
One of the most exciting aspects of Philadelphia's win was their defense, led by Vic Fangio. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels of the Commanders has been a sensation this season, but the Eagles’ defense kept him in check, forcing errors and limiting his impact. Safety Reed Blankenship's fourth-quarter interception was a game-changer, setting the stage for the Eagles to capitalize on momentum.
Entering the game, the Eagles' defense ranked second in the league in yards allowed per game and tied for fifth in points allowed—a testament to Fangio's impact. Their ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments has been a hallmark of their success.
Barkley: A Game-Changer
Saquon Barkley’s incredible performance wasn’t just a game highlight; it cemented his status as the NFL's premier running back this season. With 198 total yards, including 52 receiving, Barkley now boasts eight games with over 100 scrimmage yards—more than anyone else in the league. His dominance against the Commanders is especially notable, marking his fourth consecutive game with 100+ yards against them.
Troubling Signs for Jake Elliott
In an unexpected twist, kicker Jake Elliott struggled on Thursday. Missing field goals from 44 and 51 yards, along with a fourth-quarter extra point, Elliott had one of his worst outings. Known for his reliability—ranking among the top kickers in field goal percentage since 2021—Elliott’s recent slump (five missed field goals this season) is a concern the Eagles will need to address.
What’s Next for the Eagles?
The Eagles have won six straight games, boosting their chances of clinching the NFC East title to 81% according to ESPN Analytics. Next up, they face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Nov. 24, in what will be their final regular-season flight. With Barkley in peak form and their defense firing on all cylinders, the Eagles look primed for a deep playoff run.
Washington Commanders (7-4): Falling Short in Key Moments
The Commanders came into Thursday night as one of the season’s pleasant surprises. With a strong start under new head coach Dan Quinn, Washington has already surpassed last year’s win total. However, the loss to the Eagles revealed a gap that must be bridged if they hope to contend for the division crown.
A Defense That Held Its Ground—Until It Didn’t
For most of the game, the Commanders’ defense contained Philadelphia’s explosive wide receivers, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. But they had no answer for Barkley, who torched them both as a runner and receiver. The defensive unit, while solid, couldn’t withstand the Eagles’ relentless attack in the fourth quarter.
Offensive Struggles
Washington's offense, which had been efficient in their first nine games, has hit a roadblock. Over the past two weeks, they’ve averaged just over 4 yards per play, a steep drop-off from their earlier performance. Against a tough Eagles defense, they managed fewer than 300 total yards for the second consecutive game.
Daniels, who had a stellar start to his rookie season, struggled mightily. The Eagles' pass rush kept him under pressure, and his receivers failed to make an impact. Daniels’ mobility, often a weapon, was neutralized, leaving him with just 13 rushing yards over the past two games.
Pivotal Moments: Missed Opportunities
One critical turning point came midway through the fourth quarter. Facing fourth-and-2 from the Eagles’ 26-yard line, the Commanders opted to go for it rather than kick a field goal. Daniels mishandled the snap, leading to a failed conversion. Philadelphia took over and scored touchdowns on their next two possessions, putting the game out of reach.
Bright Spots and Room for Growth
Despite back-to-back losses, the Commanders have shown significant improvement this season. With Quinn at the helm, they’ve already won three more games than last year. However, the game against Philadelphia highlighted the need for more offensive firepower and consistency to compete with elite teams.
Looking Ahead for Washington
The Commanders return home for a divisional matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Nov. 24. It’s a chance to bounce back and solidify their position as a playoff contender. For Daniels and the offense, it will be an opportunity to recalibrate and regain the form that made them one of the league’s surprises earlier this season.
The Bottom Line
Thursday night’s clash showcased the best and worst of both teams. For the Eagles, it was another statement win that underscored their dominance in the NFC East. Their ability to adjust, rely on star players like Barkley, and deliver in crunch time is what makes them a Super Bowl contender.
For the Commanders, it was a reality check. They’ve made great strides this season, but Thursday highlighted the areas where they still fall short. As they aim to keep pace in the division, every game from here on out becomes a must-win.
The stage is set for an exciting end to the season, with both teams looking to make their mark in the playoffs. For now, though, the Eagles remain the team to beat in the NFC East.
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