PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles celebrated a resounding victory over their NFC East contender, the Dallas Cowboys, thanks in part to their signature play known as the “tush push.” Now, as they gear up to face another division rival, the unexpected Washington Commanders, Philadelphia can aim for a legitimate shot at securing the top seed in the NFC.
With an impressive 7-2 record ahead of the upcoming match, the Eagles sit just behind the Detroit Lions, who lead the conference at 8-1. Philadelphia enters this week’s action having won five consecutive games since returning from their bye week, and they are eagerly awaiting Thursday night’s showdown with the Commanders (7-3) at Lincoln Financial Field.
In recent performances, the Eagles have dominated, winning three of their last four games by margins of over 20 points. This has allowed key players like Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley some much-needed rest in the latter half of those games, reducing the toll on their bodies and the risk of injuries. Coach Nick Sirianni noted the importance of this respite as the team prepares for a tough matchup, stressing the need to mentally and physically rally for the challenge ahead.
Hurts showcased his talent in a commanding 34-6 win over the Cowboys, throwing two touchdown passes and rushing for two scores, which propelled the Eagles to the top of the NFC East standings. Meanwhile, Washington has yet to enjoy a bye week and recently fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers, placing them a half-game behind the Eagles in the division. The Eagles start as 3-point favorites, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
Eager to make the most of this competitive game against Washington, Hurts announced he’d forego his usual practice of waiting a full day before celebrating a victory. With just three days to prepare before game day, he plans to dive straight into scouting the Commanders.
On the field, the Eagles have excelled in capitalizing on turnovers, leading the league with 33 points off turnovers in their last three games. There aren’t many aspects needing improvement; the team has demonstrated they’re capable of competing for a Super Bowl, with a potential rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs looming. However, they did experience a shaky start last Sunday, with Hurts taking two early sacks and committing two turnovers, which could prove troublesome in future playoff games—though it didn’t against Dallas.
One standout performer has been Zack Baun, formerly of the Saints, who has quickly become a valuable asset for the Eagles on a one-year, $1.6 million deal. His contributions were pivotal in the recent game against the Cowboys, where he forced two fumbles, recovered one, and recorded eight tackles. Baun’s performance has been particularly impressive, leading the Eagles with 87 tackles for the season and contributing to the team’s overall defensive success with three forced fumbles this year.
Sirianni praised Baun’s dedication and impact on the field, highlighting his skills both in open-field tackles and tight situations. Baun’s diligence while with the Saints has prepared him to seize the opportunity he’s found in Philadelphia.
Currently, there aren’t many disappointing aspects to highlight for the Eagles after a stellar team performance; rather, they are savoring their success while contrasting it sharply with the Dallas Cowboys’ struggles.
Injury-wise, there was concern as Eagles cornerback Darius Slay sustained an ankle injury during the first half of the game.
A notable statistic: for the first time since 2008, the Eagles have restricted their opponents to under 300 total yards in five consecutive games. Looking ahead, the anticipation builds as the Eagles prepare to clash with the Commanders in what promises to be an extremely significant match in their storied rivalry.