The regular season has been quite the battleground in the ongoing saga between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders. For the past two years, whenever the Birds have been tagged as heavy favorites by over a touchdown against the Commanders, it has invariably resulted in unexpected outcomes.
However, one such upset shattered Philadelphia’s dream run last season when, despite being the 11-point favorites, they faced a crushing 11-point loss against Washington. Yet, in their most recent face-off, the Commanders pushed the contest into overtime. Demonstrating resilience, the Eagles managed to retain their unbeaten streak, solidifying a 4-0 record with a narrow 34-31 victory.
One name synonymous with clutch moments for Philadelphia is Jake Elliott. Arguably the second-best kicker in the NFL, Elliott’s record speaks for itself. From nailing critical kicks throughout his career to successfully converting a pressure-filled 50-plus yarder in the Super Bowl, Elliott’s poise under pressure has been nothing short of remarkable.
Analyzing the gameplay, both offenses were in top form during the encounter. Philadelphia found themselves trailing, but Jalen Hurts reaffirmed his reputation as one of the most resilient quarterbacks in the league. With a staggering record of leading five comeback wins after being down by ten or more points, Hurts showcased his trademark tenacity.
But the turning point was a debatable call involving AJ Brown. While conventional wisdom would have favored a conservative play, Brown’s audacious double move resulted in a touchdown, granting the Eagles a seven-point lead late in the game. With limited timeouts left for Washington, the Eagles could have opted for a safer play, yet they chose the bold route, which paid off.
However, the Eagles’ defense had its shaky moments, particularly at the tail end of the match. Their approach in the red zone was baffling, leaving ample space for an effortless touchdown pass by the Commanders.
While opponents might earn moral victories against Philadelphia, the Eagles, as demonstrated once more, have a knack for clinching the actual victory. Their latest win against the Commanders is a testament to their fighting spirit against a formidable adversary.
