In Landover, Maryland, the Philadelphia Eagles faced off against the Washington Commanders with the chance to clinch the NFC East and secure at least the No. 2 seed in the upcoming playoffs. However, the game took an unexpected turn when quarterback Jalen Hurts left in the first quarter to be assessed for a concussion and was later ruled out.
Despite Hurts’ absence, the Eagles showcased a strong running game led by Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 122 yards on 13 carries in the first half, including an impressive 68-yard touchdown run that initially gave the Eagles a 14-point lead. Nevertheless, Washington fought back, narrowing the score to 21-14 by halftime.
Kenny Pickett stepped in for Hurts, completing 8 of 11 passes for 84 yards, but he also threw an interception. As the game progressed, the Commanders took the lead in the fourth quarter following Olamide Zaccheaus’ second touchdown of the game, marking a pivotal moment that shifted the momentum toward Washington.
The Eagles, facing additional challenges with a shorthanded secondary and kicker Jake Elliott struggling with long-range field goals, fought hard but ultimately fell short in a tightly contested game, losing 35-33 on a last-minute touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels to Jamison Crowder. This defeat marked the end of their 10-game winning streak.
Additionally, the Eagles dealt with injuries, as safety CJ Gardner-Johnson was ejected, and several players were inactive. Still, despite the loss, Barkley’s performance shone brightly, showcasing his talents as a leading running back.
In summary, while the Eagles faced setbacks with Hurts’ injury and missed opportunities, the emergence of players like Barkley offers a glimmer of hope as they prepare for the next challenges ahead. With playoffs looming, they will need to rally together, adapt, and harness the strengths of their roster to strive for success in the postseason. There is optimism that the team can regroup and maintain their competitive edge, especially with the talent still at their disposal.