Tim McManus
John Keim
John Keim
ESPN Workers Author
John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Publish. He began masking the group in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored 4 books. It’s also possible to take heed to him on ‘The John Keim Report’, which airs on ESPN Richmond radio, and comply with him on Twitter @john_keim
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 Monetary Subject.
Eagles operating again Saquon Barkley ran for 146 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns, whereas quarterback Jalen Hurts put Philadelphia forward with a landing run to begin the ultimate quarter. The Commanders took an early lead within the first quarter on a 1-yard landing run by Brian Robinson Jr.
Listed below are a very powerful issues to know from Thursday night time for each groups:
The story of the Eagles’ season to date has been the unimaginable play of Barkley and the stunning 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 test 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 have 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 received six in a row.
The Eagles’ possibilities of profitable the division shot up from 63% to 81%, in response to ESPN Analytics. They will take pleasure in their mini-bye earlier than turning their consideration to a Week 12 matchup in opposition to the Rams. Will probably be their final airplane experience of the common season.
Most stunning efficiency: The usually dependable Jake Elliott had a subpar night time, lacking discipline purpose makes an attempt from 44 and 51 yards within the first half. He adopted up with a missed further level early within the fourth quarter after the Eagles went forward. Elliott entered the sport tied for the second-highest discipline purpose proportion (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 at the least 100 yards from scrimmage, probably the most within the NFL this season. He completed with 198 whole 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 in opposition to Washington in his profession. — Tim McManus
Subsequent 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 way of the primary 9 video games this season. However 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 a lot of the recreation. However Barkley gashed them as a runner and a receiver, whereas the Commanders couldn’t match his offensive output in opposition to one of many NFL’s prime defenses.
Washington has already received three extra video games than it did all of final season and is forward of schedule in coach Dan Quinn’s first season. However the Commanders additionally confirmed that in the event that they need to win the division, they’re going to want extra firepower to fight the Eagles’ various and explosive assault.
The Commanders averaged at the least 5.3 yards per play in every of their first 9 video games. Previously two weeks they’ve averaged 4.1 and 4.2, respectively. That might want to enhance for them to progress previous being a pleasing 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 purpose and potential 13-12 lead, making an attempt to get extra factors to help a tiring protection. As an alternative, Daniels bobbled the shotgun snap, which brought on a delay on a QB sweep round proper finish. Eagles linebacker Zack Baun stopped him 2 yards wanting 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 in opposition to two of the NFL’s prime defenses in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Each defenses brought on issues for Daniels, however the Eagles additionally pressured him persistently. 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 along 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 prior to now two video games as groups have accomplished properly to maintain him contained within the pocket. Daniels threw one interception and did not actually threaten the Eagles’ protection. — John Keim
Subsequent recreation: vs. Dallas Cowboys (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Nov. 24)
