Categories: Sport

55-23 domination: Eagles torch Commanders

Philadelphia’s 55-23 rout of Washington in the NFC Championship began with a bang. On the Eagles’ first snap from scrimmage, Barkley sprinted for a 60-yard touchdown and never looked back. He finished with 118 yards and three scores on just 15 carries, terrorizing the Commanders’ defense with 7.9 yards per tote. Jalen Hurts matched Barkley’s three rushing TDs, adding 246 yards through the air—his best total since Week 14. When the Eagles’ run and pass games unite like this, they’re unstoppable.

Commanders undone by turnovers, penalties

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 22: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Northwest Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. The Commanders defeated the Eagles 36-33. (Kara Durrette/Getty Images)

Washington’s fairytale run collapsed under the weight of giveaways. Three lost fumbles—plus a late Jayden Daniels interception—gifted Philly 28 points. Costly penalties also haunted the Commanders, including a pass interference call on Marshon Lattimore in the end zone. Dan Quinn’s young squad couldn’t overcome such damaging errors against the scorching Eagles.

Daniels fights hard in defeat

Rookie Jayden Daniels showed poise, keeping Washington competitive early. He completed 29 of 48 passes for 255 yards, threw one touchdown, and ran for another—highlighting his knack for extending drives. Even so, the Eagles forced him into a late interception that slammed the door on any comeback. Washington’s future looks bright with Daniels under center.

Zack Baun, defense set the tone

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 19: Zack Baun #53 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up on the field prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)

All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun was everywhere, forcing a Dyami Brown fumble that led to an early two-score lead. Baun compiled 12 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, anchoring a unit that’s been fierce all season. Vic Fangio’s defense might not have forced many punts, but their well-timed takeaways destroyed the Commanders’ morale.

O-line resilience ahead of Super Bowl LIX

Despite multiple injuries along the offensive line, Philadelphia’s blockers allowed just two sacks and cleared the path for seven rushing touchdowns—tying an NFL playoff record. With two weeks until Super Bowl LIX, the Eagles will focus on getting key linemen healthy to maintain this balanced attack.

Herbert Bauernebel

Herbert Bauernebel has been reporting from New York since 1999 and currently works for Bild.de, OE24 TV, and US Live. He also runs the news portal AmerikaReport.de. Bauernebel has covered nearly all major US events of the past quarter-century, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama’s election, Donald Trump’s surprise victory, the pandemic, last year’s election showdown, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. He has also reported firsthand on international events, including the Asian tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and the Fukushima disaster. He lives in Brooklyn with his family and holds degrees in communication and political science from the University of Vienna. Bauernebel is the author of a book about his experiences on 9/11, And the Air Was Full of Ash: 9/11 – The Day That Changed My Life.

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