Washington Commanders (4-10) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5):
The Washington Commanders’ triumph over the New York Giants 29-21 on Sunday was a big win for the team. The win ended their eight-game losing stretch, as well as marking a season sweep of the Giants. It’s the second consecutive year Washington has overcome their divisional rival in New York in both matchups.
On offense, Washington’s pass game flourished. Wide receiver Terry hauled in a 51-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Marcus Mariota — his longest of the day. Tight ends Ben Sinnott and John Bates also got involved, each with one reception for 36 and 19 yards, respectively.
Despite ball security issues with two fumbles, Washington’s run game got going behind rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. That could, however, be the effect of the Giants’ surrendering 153.6 average rush yards and 5.78 yards per carry. The Philadelphia Eagles rush defense will be more of a challenge to penetrate, averaging 125.9 rush yards allowed.
Philadelphia also got back in the win column Sunday, pitching a 31-0 shutout against the Las Vegas Raiders and ending a three-game skid. Quarterback Jalen Hurts bounced back after a rough four-turnover performance in Week 14, with the run game and defense also following suit. Tight end Dallas Goedert had a long reception of 32 yards, with wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith combining for 91 yards on four receptions.
The Eagles offensive line (63% pass rush win rate) will go up against the Commanders’ 37% pass rush win rate, an area in which both teams have been struggling as of late, in part due to injuries. Washington cornerback Mike Sainristil did intercept Dart, while the unit got one sack. The pass rush needs to put pressure on Hurts, forcing him to throw through the air and make costly mistakes; it’s what the Los Angeles Chargers defense did in their Week 14 game, and it got them the overtime win.
Philadelphia’s No. 14 defense held Las Vegas scoreless, and allowed backup quarterback Kenny Pickett and the Raiders offense just 74 all-purpose yards. Additionally, the pass rush ravaged the Raiders’ offensive line, sacking Pickett four times — without standout defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The Eagles’ No. 20 pass rush (36% win rate) will be a good test for the Commanders’ No. 4 (32% win rate) offensive line.
Washington announced Monday that quarterback Jayden Daniels, who dislocated his left elbow in the Week 9 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, will not play the rest of the season. Daniels will not go on injured reserve and will still participate in practice, which means Mariota will continue to start for the Commanders in the final three games of the season. Wide receiver Noah Brown, who has missed time for groin and ankle issues this season, was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a rib injury. Wide receiver Chris Moore was signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad in a corresponding move.
With Washington and New York knocked out of both the playoffs and division crown contention, all eyes turn to Philadelphia and the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles control their own fate, and a victory over the Commanders would seal up the division title as well as a playoff berth. If the Eagles do win, it will be the first time in 21 years that a team has repeated as NFC East champion.
As the Commanders and Eagles work to get ready on a short week, let’s take a look and see how the rest of the division is faring.