Jalen Hurts injury: Eagles quarterback evaluated for concussion in Commanders game© Photo by Elsa/Getty Images.
The Washington Commanders defeated the Eagles, ending their 10-game winning streak and obstructing their path to the NFC East Title. With a 12-3 winning record, the Eagles must conquer the Dallas Cowboys to win the NFC East Title and advance to the NFL 2025 Super Bowl.
LANDOVER, Md. — The game began intensely as the Eagles and Commanders fought for NFC East Coast dominance. Though star quarterback Jalen Hurts exited the game due to a concussion, Kenny Pickett, who recently traded places from the Steelers, stood up to the challenge.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley’s dominant performance, which included two touchdowns and a 68-yard run, poised the Eagles for an easy win. However, Jayden Daniels orchestrated a dramatic comeback. The Commanders refused to back down. The Eagles were left reeling from a slew of critical mistakes, including a costly interception by Frankie Luvu after backup quarterback Pickett aimed a pass at A.J. Brown.
The first quarter ended with a 10-yard penalty for the Eagles, who trailed 21-7. In an aggressive offense, the Commanders’ Dyami Lattimore blocked another pass aimed at Brown, keeping the Eagles from advancing. The Commanders scored 7 more points, closing in on the Eagles by 21-14.
Hurt’s replacement with Pickett did not give the Eagles an effective counter-defense leverage. Though Pickett ran 143 yards with a touchdown and interception, Hurts’ injury hurt the Eagles after Luvu’s hit struck his head and neck area, slamming his head into the ground.
Barkley, who dominated the game in the first half, became an easy target for the Commanders, though he could not carry in the second half but finished running 150 yards and two scores. Trailing 27-14 into the final quarter, the Commanders doubled down on their offense, with the Commanders’ quarterback Daniels carrying his team to 22 points.
Daniels completed 24 of 39 passes for 257 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Commanders defeated the Eagles 36-33 in a stunning turn of events. The Commanders’ unexpected victory is a crushing blow to the Eagles’ 10-game winning streak and momentum this season. The Eagles’ loss raises questions about their ability to maintain their stout defense without Hurts.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ elephant in the room is whether they will be able to defeat the Cowboys or Giants without Hurts. If the Cowboys employ a mix of man-to-man and zone coverage to confuse Pickett and disrupt the Eagles’ passing game, then the Eagles will likely use a run-heavy approach, utilizing Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams to wear down the Cowboys’ defense.
The Eagles must balance their offense, regain their stout defense, and exploit their home-field advantage to clinch the NFC East title. They are locked into the second-seed conference and still have a narrow chance to win the NFL 2025 Super Bowl championship.
2024 Season Games to Watch Closely This Week
Sunday December 29, 2024
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys.
Monday December 30, 2024
- Washington Commanders vs. Atlanta Falcons
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
San Francisco 49-ers vs. Detroit Lions
January 5, 2025
- Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders.
Author Bio
Ibe Imo is a Harvard University Master of Journalism candidate, storyteller, and technology professional. He is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking and trail cycling.
