PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles have been impressive since October, achieving a total of 16 wins for the second time in three seasons, showcasing all the attributes of a genuine Super Bowl contender.
Among their remarkable feats is a dominating 10-game winning streak, along with Saquon Barkley’s phenomenal performance, bringing him close to setting the NFL’s single-season rushing record. The Eagles also boast the top-rated defense in the league, six players selected for the Pro Bowl, and have even turned a relatively unknown author’s work into a bestseller.
Since October, the Eagles have a record of 14-1, which includes two consecutive victories in the home playoffs.
However, that solitary loss still stirs some concern for the Eagles. The Washington Commanders are responsible for that defeat, having executed a thrilling comeback win against the Eagles in December. This victory instilled confidence in Commanders’ coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels, suggesting that the franchise—previously synonymous with poor ownership—might finally be ready for a Super Bowl opportunity.
It would be unwise to underestimate them, especially after their formidable performance last week when they sent the top-seeded Lions packing, forcing five turnovers on defense while committing none in their triumphant 45-31 game.
The Eagles are acutely aware of the threat that the Commanders pose, with the memory of their defeat fresh in their minds. Daniels put on another show against the Lions with two touchdown passes, and Quinn remains optimistic about their performance potential.
The next chapter unfolds with the NFC championship game set for Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field, as the Eagles aim to reach the Super Bowl for the second time in three years. They enter the match as 6-point favorites according to BetMGM Sportsbook. However, they carry the weight of a left knee injury to quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Hurts, who has not missed any plays following an injury sustained during his recent match against the Rams, asserted his commitment to participate this week. His presence is crucial for the Eagles, particularly after he missed the last two regular-season contests due to a concussion acquired in the preceding game against the Commanders.
In the initial meeting between the Eagles and the Commanders in November, Hurts led with a critical go-ahead touchdown, while Barkley contributed with 146 rushing yards and two pivotal touchdowns, securing a 26-18 result. In their rematch, however, the Commanders secured a thrilling 36-33 win spearheaded by Daniels’ five touchdown passes.
Daniels’ ability to extend plays and his calm demeanor in pressured situations have earned him respect from Eagles’ coach Nick Sirianni. Despite limited outside faith in their playoff potential, Daniels has guided the Commanders to six successive victories, with their last five wins sealed on the final play.
The Commanders are not daunted by the challenge in Philadelphia. Daniels emphasized the significance of maintaining their routine and staying consistent as they advance through this critical phase.
Barkley is coming off an impressive performance with 205 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Rams. His past encounters with the Commanders have yielded mixed results. In their initial faceoff, he rushed for 146 yards, but in the rematch, he struggled following Hurts’ exit due to a concussion.
Quinn acknowledged Barkley as a remarkable competitor who requires constant focus and discipline, a sentiment shared by Barkley when referring to their past matches. He remained confident in his abilities, despite the Commanders finding success in neutralizing him during the latter portions of their last game.
On the other side of the field, Daniels is on the brink of making history as the first rookie quarterback to lead his team to the Super Bowl and is one of only six to reach a conference championship game. While previous rookie quarterbacks like Brock Purdy fell short, Daniels is not allowing future prospects to distract him from his immediate goals.
Setting a rookie record of 891 rushing yards and emerging as the leading passer in the playoffs with 567 yards, Daniels is receiving high praise from teammates. Top receiver Terry McLaurin highlighted Daniels’ professionalism, emphasizing his focus on execution, regardless of the outcomes of individual plays.
