Eagles draw back from Commanders in NFC East showdown

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles prolonged their NFC East lead, scoring 20 fourth-quarter factors to beat the second-place Washington Commanders 26-18 on Thursday night time at Lincoln Financial Field.

Eagles working again Saquon Barkley ran for 146 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns, whereas quarterback Jalen Hurts put Philadelphia forward with a landing run to start out the ultimate quarter. The Commanders took an early lead within the first quarter on a 1-yard landing run by Brian Robinson Jr.

Here are crucial issues to know from Thursday night time for each groups:

The story of the Eagles’ season thus far has been the unimaginable play of Barkley and the shocking efficiency of Vic Fangio’s protection. That continued in Thursday’s essential divisional win over the Commanders.

On an evening when Hurts struggled to get going, the protection stored rookie quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels in verify and got here up with a key fourth-quarter interception courtesy of security Reed Blankenship to assist create a snowball impact in Philly’s favor. There had been solely modest expectations for the protection coming into the season, however the Eagles entered the week ranked second in yards allowed per recreation and tied for fifth in factors allowed per recreation, figures that stand to carry up after Thursday.

Barkley scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns in a span of 20 seconds to show what was largely a nail-biter into a snug victory for Philadelphia, which has now gained six in a row.

The Eagles’ probabilities of successful the division shot up from 63% to 81%, in line with ESPN Analytics. They’ll take pleasure in their mini-bye earlier than turning their consideration to a Week 12 matchup towards the Rams. It might be their final airplane experience of the common season.

Most shocking efficiency: The usually dependable Jake Elliott had a subpar night time, lacking discipline objective makes an attempt from 44 and 51 yards within the first half. He adopted up with a missed additional level early within the fourth quarter after the Eagles went forward. Elliott entered the sport tied for the second-highest discipline objective share (90.9%) amongst NFL kickers with 80-plus makes an attempt since 2021 however has now missed 5 discipline targets this season.

Promising development: Barkley had his eighth recreation this season with no less than 100 yards from scrimmage, essentially the most within the NFL this season. He completed with 198 complete yards (146 speeding, 52 receiving on two receptions). It was Barkley’s fourth straight recreation with 100 scrimmage yards vs. the Commanders, marking the longest streak towards Washington in his profession. — Tim McManus

Next recreation: at Los Angeles Rams (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday, Nov. 24)

The Commanders confirmed the NFL they wanted to be reckoned with by the primary 9 video games this season. But Thursday night time proved that they nonetheless weren’t ok to problem for NFC East supremacy, shedding their second recreation in a row and falling 1.5 video games behind Philadelphia.

The Commanders’ protection restricted explosive Eagles receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith for many of the recreation. But Barkley gashed them as a runner and a receiver, whereas the Commanders couldn’t match his offensive output towards one of many NFL’s prime defenses.

Washington has already gained three extra video games than it did all of final season and is forward of schedule in coach Dan Quinn’s first season. But the Commanders additionally confirmed that in the event that they wish to win the division, they will want extra firepower to fight the Eagles’ numerous and explosive assault.

The Commanders averaged no less than 5.3 yards per play in every of their first 9 video games. In the previous two weeks they’ve averaged 4.1 and 4.2, respectively. That might want to enhance for them to progress previous being a nice shock this season.

Pivotal play: On fourth-and-2 from the Eagles’ 26-yard line with 8:01 remaining within the recreation, Washington bypassed a discipline objective and potential 13-12 lead, making an attempt to get extra factors to assist a tiring protection. Instead, Daniels bobbled the shotgun snap, which triggered a delay on a QB sweep round proper finish. Eagles linebacker Zack Baun stopped him 2 yards in need of a primary down to show the ball over to Philadelphia, which scored touchdowns on its subsequent two possessions. The Commanders had transformed their first 11 fourth-down makes an attempt this season however now has failed on their previous two.

Troubling development: The offense was held to fewer than 300 yards for the second consecutive recreation — albeit towards two of the NFL’s prime defenses in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Both defenses triggered issues for Daniels, however the Eagles additionally pressured him constantly. Washington transformed solely 3 of 12 third downs after going 5-14 every week in the past.

QB breakdown: Daniels had a particular begin to the season, however Thursday was his worst recreation of his younger NFL profession. He was unable to attach together with his receivers Thursday — the wideouts mixed for 4 catches and 28 yards. Daniels’ legs haven’t been an element of late; he has rushed for 13 yards previously two video games as groups have carried out nicely to maintain him contained within the pocket. Daniels threw one interception and did not actually threaten the Eagles’ protection. — John Keim

Next recreation: vs. Dallas Cowboys (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Nov. 24)