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Washington commanders have come a long way in less than a year. And in another season or two, they could be Super Bowl contenders.
However, the Philadelphia Eagles are not ready to give up on the NFC East just yet.
The Commanders fought hard against the Eagles, but were unable to generate much offense, came up short on a crucial fourth down gamble and ultimately fell to the Eagles, 26-18. Saquon Barkley played closer, scoring two long touchdown runs in the fourth quarter to put away the Commanders. The Eagles improved to 8-2 and for the moment turned around the challenge of the Commanders (7-4), who are a game and a half behind Philadelphia in the division.
The Commanders are coming, led by Jayden Daniels. But they still need at least one more offseason to strengthen the roster. The Eagles are already there, with a roster that has a star-studded offense and a defense that continues to improve and had a great performance Thursday night. While the Detroit Lions are the talk of the NFL, Philadelphia’s six-game winning streak has shown that the Eagles remain a threat to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Washington should be excited about its future. But the Eagles showed the Commanders that the present still belongs to them, at least for a while longer.
A slow first half for both teams
The Commanders had a tough game against the Steelers last Sunday, but they were the team that seemed most prepared to play from the start.
The Eagles made a decent drive on their first possession but missed a field goal. The Commanders defense fought back a bit, then Daniels led a touchdown drive. Brian Robinson Jr. was brought to his feet at about the 2-yard line, but he drove the pile into the end zone for a score. That was one of the first statements.
The defenses led the way in the first half, or maybe it was just typical rough play with little rest for a Thursday night game. The Eagles finally made a drive into the Commanders’ end zone late in the first half, but stalled and settled for a field goal. Jake Elliott, who missed two kicks in the first half, scored 21 yards. The Commanders took a 7-3 lead into halftime.
Thursday night was supposed to be one of the best matchups of the entire season, a game between one of the league’s biggest surprises in Washington trying to reclaim first place in the NFC East. On a Sunday, he could have lived up to it. During the first half, it was difficult for both teams to get into a rhythm.
Finally, in the fourth quarter, the Eagles woke up.
The Eagles take the lead in fourth place
The Eagles didn’t score their first touchdown until the fourth quarter. Barkley was tackled at the 1-yard line and a push from Hurts was automatic from there. Elliott failed once again, this time hooking an extra point to the left. The Eagles led 12-10.
The Eagles defense played well and the Commanders made a decision that backfired on them. Robinson was stopped twice on second and third and short. Instead of attempting a field goal to take the lead, the Commanders went for it. Daniels dodged the center, tried to run wide but was stopped long before the first attempt. That was a turning point in what was a close game.
After that, the game got away from Washington. Barkley ran for a 23-yard touchdown, then Reed Blankenship caught a rare interception from Daniels. Barkley scored a 39-yard score after that and a game that had been close for three quarters, with the Commanders looking like they could pull off an upset, had turned into a blowout.
The Eagles have done a great job building a Super Bowl contender. They have written well. They have added key additions as free agents, including Barkley, who surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the season Thursday night and has given the offense the playmaker in the running game that makes the offense very diverse.
Washington could look at its opponent on Thursday night and see what it needs to do to win the NFC East moving forward. The Eagles’ victory was a reminder of how much work they have already put into being one of the NFL’s elite teams.
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