article image source: freepik.com (Link)
Eagles Clinch NFC East Again with Gritty Win Over Commanders
A Division Title Earned the Hard Way
The Philadelphia Eagles secured their second consecutive NFC East title with a 29–18 road victory over the Washington Commanders in Landover, Maryland. While the final score suggested control, the path to another division crown was anything but smooth. Mistakes, missed kicks, and an early deficit tested the Eagles, yet resilience once again defined their season.
The win made Philadelphia the first team to repeat as NFC East champions since the franchise itself did so from 2001 to 2004, ending what had been the NFL’s longest divisional repeat drought.
advertisement
Jalen Hurts Leads with Balance and Poise
Quarterback Jalen Hurts delivered a steady and efficient performance, completing 22 of 30 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns, without committing a turnover. Fifteen of his completions went to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, reinforcing the Eagles’ offensive chemistry.
Hurts scored through the air with a five-yard touchdown to Smith in the first half and a 15-yard strike to tight end Dallas Goedert in the third quarter. The latter capped a punishing 17-play, 83-yard drive that consumed more than ten minutes and shifted momentum firmly in Philadelphia’s favor. On the ground, Hurts added 40 rushing yards on seven carries, continuing to be a dual-threat presence.
Saquon Barkley Powers the Ground Game
Running back Saquon Barkley was central to the Eagles’ offensive rhythm, carrying the ball 21 times for 132 yards and a 12-yard touchdown run. His performance pushed him past the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season, a milestone that underscored his importance to Philadelphia’s late-season surge.
Barkley also found himself at the center of controversy late in the game when a two-point conversion attempt led to a brief on-field scuffle, adding emotion to an already heated divisional matchup.
advertisement
Overcoming Early Errors and Special Teams Struggles
Philadelphia’s night began shakily. Will Shipley lost a fumble on the opening kickoff, and kicker Jake Elliott missed three field-goal attempts in the first half, all drifting wide left. Despite Elliott having been reliable throughout the season, these miscues contributed to a halftime deficit.
Head coach Nick Sirianni emphasized trust in his veteran kicker after the game, and the Eagles compensated by sustaining long drives and finishing in the end zone rather than relying on field goals.
Defense Makes Timely Contributions
The Eagles’ defense stepped up as the game progressed. Rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean intercepted Washington quarterback Josh Johnson in the second half, drawing loud “Cooooop!” chants from Eagles fans who heavily populated the stadium.
Veteran defensive end Brandon Graham, at 37 years old, recorded another sack, continuing a remarkable late-season stretch that has made him the oldest player in franchise history to consistently register sacks.
Commanders’ Season Continues to Spiral
Washington entered the game shorthanded and struggling. Marcus Mariota started at quarterback in place of Jayden Daniels, who has been shut down for the season after multiple injuries. Mariota left the game in the third quarter with a hand injury, forcing Josh Johnson into action.
The loss dropped Washington to 4–11, marking nine defeats in their last ten games. Head coach Dan Quinn acknowledged the disappointment, noting the difficulty of seeing such a record after a 12–5 season just a year ago.
Injuries Add to the Toll
Both teams dealt with injuries throughout the night. Philadelphia linebacker Nakobe Dean exited early with a hamstring issue. Washington lost multiple players to injuries or concussion evaluations, including Mariota, wide receiver Jaylin Lane, and offensive lineman Brandon Coleman.
Looking Ahead
Philadelphia improved to 10–5 and will travel to face the Buffalo Bills next, with momentum building at a critical point in the season. Washington returns home to host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night, searching for positives in a challenging year.
Conclusion: Expectations Raised, Standard Maintained
This victory was not about perfection, but about persistence. The Eagles showed that championship teams find ways to win even when conditions are far from ideal. By surviving mistakes, weathering adversity, and leaning on leadership, Philadelphia reaffirmed its place atop the NFC East.
As expectations continue to rise, the Eagles are no longer chasing history — they are setting the standard. With postseason football looming, this gritty divisional win may prove to be one of the most meaningful steps in their journey forward.
Sources
CBS Sports / Associated Press Game Recap
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/gametracker/recap/NFL_20251220_PHI@WAS/
Thank you !
