In an intense matchup in Landover, Maryland, the Philadelphia Eagles faced a challenging setback as their star quarterback, Jalen Hurts, exited the game in the first quarter due to a concussion. This turn of events forced fan-favorite Kenny Pickett to step in as the primary quarterback, which initially saw the Eagles build a 14-point lead.
However, as the game progressed, the Eagles struggled to maintain their advantage, ultimately falling to the Washington Commanders with a final score of 36-33. The dramatic ending came when Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels connected with Jamison Crowder for a 10-yard touchdown with just six seconds left on the clock, bringing an end to the Eagles’ franchise record 10-game winning streak and dropping their record to 12-3, now trailing behind Detroit for the top seed in the NFC.
Pickett began strong, leading the drive that established the Eagles’ early lead, throwing a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown. However, the Commanders, driven in part by the performance of former Eagle Olamide Zaccheaus—who scored two touchdowns, including a pivotal 49-yard strike in the fourth quarter—managed to turn the tide. Saquon Barkley’s resilience allowed him to accumulate an impressive 150 rushing yards despite the Commanders’ concentrated defense following Hurts’ departure.
Throughout the game, mistakes and missed opportunities haunted the Eagles. A critical interception by Pickett and a dropped pass by DeVonta Smith in the closing moments thwarted potential scoring opportunities that might have sealed the win for Philadelphia.
Hurts sustained his concussion on a 13-yard run, where he was hit by Frankie Luvu. Initially reluctant to leave the field, Hurts was ultimately evaluated for his injury and ruled out shortly thereafter.
Despite the loss, the Eagles showed resilience and flashes of brilliance. Their running game, represented well by Barkley, and a strong defensive play with Reed Blankenship’s interception demonstrated the depth and talent in the roster. Moving forward, the Eagles will need to regroup quickly to stay competitive, especially in light of Hurts’ injury.
As they prepare for their next challenge, there is hope that with the support of their talented roster and coaching staff, they can bounce back and reclaim a strong position in the playoffs.