Philadelphia Eagles 26, Washington Commanders 18
7-4-0
8-2-0
- Saquon wore down Commanders after sluggish start. Jake Elliott missed his first two field-goal attempts – both wide left – and later missed an extra-point try that kept it a 12-10 score after the Eagles took the lead for the first time early in the fourth quarter. That’s seven points the Eagles left on the field. It felt like they had dominated the game after a Commanders’ TD drive, but the game was in doubt until late. Then Saquon Barkley delivered the second of three second-half haymakers, a 23-yard TD, with just under five minutes left to finally give the Eagles a two-score edge. Twenty seconds later – after a Jayden Daniels pick – Barkley broke off a 39-yard TD to give him 146 yards and two scores. The NFL’s leader in rushing yards and scrimmage yards blew past the 1,000-yard mark for the season in the first half and demolished the Commanders in the final few minutes. Barkley’s 43-yard catch-and-run also set up Jalen Hurts’ TD sneak earlier in the fourth quarter. It was yet another slow start for the Eagles’ offense – with some special teams gaffes mixed in – but they eventually got it going, with big thanks to Barkley. What a terrific addition he’s been to this Eagles offense.
- Daniels struggled, but his wide receivers were invisible. Jayden Daniels has been the overwhelming favorite for AP ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøOffensive Rookie of the Year since the first few weeks of the 2024 season. He’s undoubtedly been great. But is he perhaps hitting the rookie wall? That’s two straight sub-par performances in two games – Sunday’s loss to the Steelers and Thursday night against the Eagles. Those are also two very good teams, so the competition level must be considered. Daniels appeared a tick slow on some throws, was flustered at times when his first read wasn’t open and again found few scrambling lanes. Most of Daniels’ throws were short; there were just no downfield windows available most of the night. His late interception was just a forced pass, and it was costly. But the blame also can be dished out to his wide receivers, who combined for four receptions and 28 yards. Terry McLaurin didn’t see a target until the 11:11 mark of the third quarter, the second time in his career he’s had a target-less first half. His first catch came at the 10-minute mark of the fourth. Austin Ekeler also had a third-down drop with a chance at a conversion. Daniels rallied the Commanders with a late score and two-point conversion, but the Eagles fell on the ensuing onsides kick to end it.
Around the ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷Íøwill have more from Eric Edholm shortly.
