The road to victory is not always a straight line, but the Eagles have found a multitude of ways to get to the finish line. On Saturday, in front of a mostly Eagles crowd at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, the Eagles did just that.
They found a way. And in the process, they made some NFC East history.
With a 29-18 win over the Washington Commanders, the Eagles clinched the NFC East title and, of course, a postseason berth for the eighth time in nine seasons. They became the first team since the Eagles of 2001-2004 to notch consecutive-season NFC East crowns, the first step with many goals ahead.
This one wasn’t easy, but as we’ve learned through the years, it is never easy against this NFC East rival. There were mistakes to shrug off, a deficit to overcome, and in the end, a tough Washington team to defeat.
The Eagles did it, and here are some observations as Philadelphia moved to 10-5 on the season …
1. Jalen Hurts had a fantastic game
Washington brought pressure, lots of it, and quarterback Jalen Hurts was up to the challenge. Playing a lot out of the shotgun, Hurts spread the ball around in the passing game as the offense moved the ball throughout the evening. There were some moments, some throws, that were pure perfection: The touchdown pass to wide receiver DeVonta Smith on a flag route was perfect, and stepping up in the pocket and getting the ball to tight end Dallas Goedert just high enough to elude the reach of safety Quan Martin. Great throw. Hurts found openings in the Washington zone coverage inside and also outside of the hash marks. And then the damage he did with his legs – just terrific. Hurts bought time when he needed it and he ran when he had the chance, gaining 40 yards on seven carries. He was 22-of-30 for 185 yards and two touchdowns, earning a passer rating of 111.1. He led the way in the clincher.
2. Saquon Barkley showed his bruising side
The final numbers for running back Saquon Barkley as he busted through the 1,000-yard mark for the season were 21 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown. Barkley had a crazy-great 48-yard run, spinning away from a defender in the backfield and getting to the edge and showing some speed, but it was the touchdown run and many of his inside runs that showed just how tough Barkley is after contact. The 12-yard touchdown run was a highlight film as he trucked Washington defenders and reached the end zone to give the Eagles a 20-10 lead (Jake Elliott added the PAT). Barkley also scored a two-point conversion and then called it a night.