Eagles, Saquon Barkley make NFC East assertion by pulling away from Commanders

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles prolonged their NFC East lead, scoring 20 fourth-quarter factors to beat the second-place Washington Commanders 26-18 on Thursday evening at Lincoln Monetary Discipline.

Eagles working again Saquon Barkley ran for 146 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns, whereas quarterback Jalen Hurts put Philadelphia forward with a landing run to begin the ultimate quarter. The Commanders took an early lead within the first quarter on a 1-yard landing run by Brian Robinson Jr.

Listed here are a very powerful issues to know from Thursday evening for each groups:

The story of the Eagles’ season up to now has been the unimaginable play of Barkley and the stunning efficiency of Vic Fangio’s protection. That continued in Thursday’s essential divisional win over the Commanders.

On an evening when Hurts struggled to get going, the protection stored rookie quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels in examine and got here up with a key fourth-quarter interception courtesy of security Reed Blankenship to assist create a snowball impact in Philly’s favor. There have been solely modest expectations for the protection coming into the season, however the Eagles entered the week ranked second in yards allowed per sport and tied for fifth in factors allowed per sport, figures that stand to carry up after Thursday.

Barkley scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns in a span of 20 seconds to show what was principally a nail-biter into a snug victory for Philadelphia, which has now received six in a row.

The Eagles’ possibilities of profitable the division shot up from 63% to 81%, in accordance with ESPN Analytics. They will get pleasure from their mini-bye earlier than turning their consideration to a Week 12 matchup in opposition to the Rams. Will probably be their final aircraft experience of the common season.

Most stunning efficiency: The usually dependable Jake Elliott had a subpar evening, lacking discipline purpose makes an attempt from 44 and 51 yards within the first half. He adopted up with a missed further level early within the fourth quarter after the Eagles went forward. Elliott entered the sport tied for the second-highest discipline purpose share (90.9%) amongst NFL kickers with 80-plus makes an attempt since 2021 however has now missed 5 discipline objectives this season.

Promising pattern: Barkley had his eighth sport this season with a minimum of 100 yards from scrimmage, essentially the most within the NFL this season. He completed with 198 complete yards (146 speeding, 52 receiving on two receptions). It was Barkley’s fourth straight sport with 100 scrimmage yards vs. the Commanders, marking the longest streak in opposition to Washington in his profession. — Tim McManus

Subsequent sport: at Los Angeles Rams (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday, Nov. 24)

The Commanders confirmed the NFL they wanted to be reckoned with by way of the primary 9 video games this season. However Thursday evening proved that they nonetheless weren’t ok to problem for NFC East supremacy, shedding their second sport in a row and falling 1.5 video games behind Philadelphia.

The Commanders’ protection restricted explosive Eagles receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith for a lot of the sport. However Barkley gashed them as a runner and a receiver, whereas the Commanders couldn’t match his offensive output in opposition to one of many NFL’s high defenses.

Washington has already received three extra video games than it did all of final season and is forward of schedule in coach Dan Quinn’s first season. However the Commanders additionally confirmed that in the event that they wish to win the division, they’re going to want extra firepower to fight the Eagles’ numerous and explosive assault.

The Commanders averaged a minimum of 5.3 yards per play in every of their first 9 video games. Previously two weeks they’ve averaged 4.1 and 4.2, respectively. That might want to enhance for them to progress previous being a pleasing shock this season.

Pivotal play: On fourth-and-2 from the Eagles’ 26-yard line with 8:01 remaining within the sport, Washington bypassed a discipline purpose and potential 13-12 lead, attempting to get extra factors to help a tiring protection. As a substitute, Daniels bobbled the shotgun snap, which induced a delay on a QB sweep round proper finish. Eagles linebacker Zack Baun stopped him 2 yards in need of a primary down to show the ball over to Philadelphia, which scored touchdowns on its subsequent two possessions. The Commanders had transformed their first 11 fourth-down makes an attempt this season however now has failed on their previous two.

Troubling pattern: The offense was held to fewer than 300 yards for the second consecutive sport — albeit in opposition to two of the NFL’s high defenses in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Each defenses induced issues for Daniels, however the Eagles additionally pressured him persistently. Washington transformed solely 3 of 12 third downs after going 5-14 per week in the past.

QB breakdown: Daniels had a particular begin to the season, however Thursday was his worst sport of his younger NFL profession. He was unable to attach along with his receivers Thursday — the wideouts mixed for 4 catches and 28 yards. Daniels’ legs haven’t been an element of late; he has rushed for 13 yards previously two video games as groups have performed nicely to maintain him contained within the pocket. Daniels threw one interception and did not actually threaten the Eagles’ protection. — John Keim

Subsequent sport: vs. Dallas Cowboys (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Nov. 24)