The Philadelphia Eagles solidified their hold on the NFC East with a commanding 26-18 victory over the Washington Commanders on Thursday night. Despite the final score suggesting a close contest, the Eagles outmatched the Commanders in nearly every statistical category, outgaining them 434-264 and averaging 6.2 yards per play compared to Washington’s 4.2. With this win, Philadelphia improved to 8-2 and secured a two-game lead in the loss column over Washington, who fell to 7-4 after back-to-back losses.
As the dust settles on this pivotal matchup, several narratives have emerged. Are the Eagles poised to clinch the NFC East? Has Washington’s offense been figured out? Here’s a breakdown of which overreactions from the game hold water and which ones need to be tempered.
Is the NFC East Race Over?
Overreaction or Reality: Overreaction
While the Eagles’ victory was significant, it is premature to declare the NFC East race officially over. Although Philadelphia currently holds a two-game lead, there are still seven games left in the season, and the dynamics can shift rapidly. The Eagles had a similar commanding lead at this point last season but ultimately faltered down the stretch.
Washington’s upcoming schedule is relatively favorable, featuring matchups against teams with losing records. They will face Dallas and Tennessee at home, followed by a road trip to New Orleans before their rematch with the Eagles in Week 16. With four of their next five games at home, the Commanders have the opportunity to regain momentum.
Conversely, the Eagles will have a challenging road ahead, facing tough opponents like the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens, along with home games against the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Given the unpredictable nature of the NFL, especially within a competitive division like the NFC East, it’s too early to write off Washington’s chances.
Have Jayden Daniels and the Commanders’ Offense Been Figured Out?
Overreaction or Reality: Reality
The struggles of Jayden Daniels and the Commanders’ offense in recent games cannot be overlooked. Over the past two weeks, they have faced two top-10 defenses in the Steelers and Eagles, and the results have been telling. Washington has averaged just 253 yards and converted only 30.8% of their third downs in those contests.
A key factor in the Commanders’ offensive struggles has been Daniels’ inability to leverage his mobility. Over the last two games, he has rushed for a mere 23 yards. With his running game effectively neutralized, Daniels has had difficulty executing the passing game, completing just 59.1% of his passes with a disappointing one-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio.
While Daniels may find success against weaker defenses in the upcoming weeks, the real test will be proving that he can effectively lead the Commanders against formidable opponents. The next few games will be crucial for both him and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury as they work to regain their offensive rhythm.
Should Saquon Barkley Be a Front-Runner for MVP?
Overreaction or Reality: Overreaction
While Saquon Barkley has certainly made a significant impact on the Eagles’ offense, labeling him a front-runner for the MVP award is a stretch, especially with the presence of standout candidates like Lamar Jackson. Barkley delivered an impressive performance against the Commanders, racking up 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns, along with 52 receiving yards—totaling 198 yards from scrimmage.
His stats are indeed eye-catching; he leads the NFL in rushing yards (1,137) and scrimmage yards (1,347) this season. Moreover, his ability to perform in the second half of games has been crucial for the Eagles, helping them maintain leads and secure victories. However, while Barkley’s contributions are invaluable, the MVP race is highly competitive, and Jackson’s exceptional play places him at the forefront.
Barkley has a strong case, but he is not yet the front-runner. His performances will need to remain consistently stellar to elevate his candidacy as the season progresses.
Conclusion
The Eagles’ victory over the Commanders has sparked a range of narratives, some of which require a closer examination. While Philadelphia has taken a significant step toward clinching the NFC East title, declaring the race over is premature. The Commanders have the potential to rebound, and Jayden Daniels must demonstrate that he can navigate tough defenses effectively.
As for Saquon Barkley, his impact on the Eagles cannot be understated, but he still has work to do if he aims to position himself as a legitimate MVP candidate. The final weeks of the season promise to be thrilling, with plenty of twists still ahead in the NFC East race. Fans will be watching closely as each team battles for playoff positioning and individual accolades in the weeks to come.