Washington Commanders (3-5) – Philadelphia Eagles (7-1): 31-38
The Eagles played to scare each other. Trailing for most of the match, they ended up overcoming valiant Commanders who were never able to be decisive. Philadelphia overcame two costly fumbles and, through wear and tear, scraped away a victory that had long seemed uncertain. The team was able to count on a gala AJ Brown (6th consecutive game with more than 125 yards caught), a luxury joker DeVonta Smith, a reliable Dallas Goedert and a resurgent Julio Jones, but above all a Jalen Hurts of great evenings ( for his best statistical output of the year). In addition, they were able to improve on Sam Howell’s only error, taking the advantage following an interception.
Opposite, Washington had a good evening, led a good part of the match, and both in attack and defense showed excellent qualities. But the game gradually faded as the two sides met. First of all, the Commanders never managed a real break to leave the opponent in the rearview mirror. Then they failed in their bets (3 turnovers on downs, no fourth attempt converted) and were betrayed at the worst moment by balls released by Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. They can blame themselves.
Commanders in charge
The offensive squads of both teams started the meeting slowly. Where Washington seeks very rapid aerial plays, particularly on the outside, to counter the pressure of the opposing line, Philadelphia displays a more classic strategy by emphasizing ground play. The game was unlocked when Brian Robinson (RB, 79 yards) rolled up the defense to gain 30 yards, just before Terry McLaurin (WR, 63 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) caught a long pass from Sam Howell (QB, 39 /52, 397 yards, 4 TDs) in the paint. In response, the Eagles turned on their aerial game with some success, but stumbling against an incisive and reactive defense, only reduced the gap in the score thanks to a field goal.
Nothing to worry about the Commanders who have found their rhythm. Howell emphasizes Philadelphia’s weak points and it is without incident that he alerts Jahan Dotson (WR, 108 yards, 1 TD) in the in-goal for the break. Stung, the visitors decided to rely on their playmakers to regain their footing. Jalen Hurts (QB, 29/38, 319 yards, 4 TDs) regularly connects with AJ Brown (WR, 130 yards, 2 TDs) and Dallas Goedert (TE, 36 yards) to get dangerously close to the end red zone. A missed opportunity since Kenneth Gainwell (RB, 30 yards) escapes the leather a few meters from the line and loses possession. However, the Eagles redeemed themselves in the following series. A few seconds from the end of the half, DeVonta Smith (WR, 99 yards, 1 TD) advances the Raptors to allow Brown to score on a wonder of one-handed reception in coverage. Philadelphia is in the game again. Aware of the danger, the Commanders force their game in order to grab a few more precious points before the break. At the end of the clock, Joey Slye planted a 61-yard field goal to allow the two teams to return to the locker room with a score of 17 to 10.
The Eagles regain control
Upon returning to the field, Washington took advantage of a new turnaround in the situation. After a good progression, Philadelphia attempts its famous tush push a few centimeters from the end, but a poor ball transmission gives possession back to the Commanders on a second fumble. Yet miracles don’t happen on every series, and the Eagles only took a step back to jump better. As soon as the ball was recovered, Hurts found Brown in the middle of double coverage, and the star receiver offered himself a high-flying double. Both teams are tied.
The last period opens with the Commanders knocking on the door to the green goal. And despite a lot of pressure, Howell shoots towards the precious Logan Thomas (TE, 44 yards, 1 TD) to regain the advantage. Response from the shepherd to the shepherdess, Philadelphia nibbles the field until Hurts touches a Smith strangely alone in the back of the defense for a 38-yard touchdown. And the momentum really shifts when Howell forces a full-center pass directly into the hands of Reed Blankenship (S,), an opportunity directly converted by veteran Julio Jones (WR). The Eagles lead for the first time in the game. Especially since McLaurin releases two consecutive passes to cut off any reaction from the Commanders. The Eagles drive the point home through D’Andre Swift (RB, 64 yards, 1 TD) who rolls and scores the winning touchdown, the debate is over. Philadelphia trembled, but was able to take the measure of its evening opponent. And it’s not a final score from Jamison Crowder (WR, 95 yards, 1 TD) for form in the final seconds that changes things.
AJ BROWN AGAIN. @1kalwaysopen_
📺: #PHIvsWAS on FOX
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