Philadelphia Eagles (4-0) – Washington Commanders (2-2): 34-31 after overtime
Clearly, the Eagles like close matches at the start of the season. Each time, the coin lands on the right side. This time, it was in overtime that Nick Sirianni’s men came out on top, with a 54-yard field goal from Jake Elliott. Washington held on, even snatching overtime with 2 seconds left. But Philadelphia’s experience during overtime made the difference.
Washington more efficient
The first act sees the attacks take over the defenses at first. DeAndre Swift (14 races, 79 yards, 1 TD) responding to Curtis Samuel (7 REC, 52 yards, 1 TD). More aggressive and more biting, the Commanders regained the advantage with a touchdown… on a ball lost on the ground by Brian Robinson Jr., covered by… Terry McLaurin (8 REC, 86 yards).
Then, the defenses take over afterwards. A false start penalty on a QB sneak, Philadelphia’s specialty, derails the attack which no longer advances. A statistic to summarize Philadelphia’s irregularity: the following series garnered fewer yards than the entire first series.
AJ Brown superstar, Jahan Dotson clutch
The Eagles come back with better intentions, and go 14-0. AJ Brown (9 REC, 175 yards, 2 TDs) dominates rookie Emmanuel Forbes, and exceeds 100 yards on his first touchdown. We see a lot more of DeVonta Smith (7 REC, 78 yards). Despite a running game on alternating current and a Jalen Hurts (25/37, 343 yards, 2 TDs) not in symbiosis with his receivers, Philadelphia seems to have got its hands on the match.
But Washington is hanging on. Brian Robinson Jr. equalizes on a 15-yard run. Both teams have a chance to win the match, but neither is going to do it. First of all, it was Nick Sirianni’s players who thought they were on the right track with a new touchdown from AJ Brown, and a new sack from an unstoppable Nicholas Morrow (3 sacks in total). But, Sam Howell snatches overtime with 2 seconds remaining by finding Jahan Dotson.
Washington will have another chance in overtime. Unfortunately, a spike out of bounds from Terry McLaurin prevents the Commanders from having a first attempt. On the contrary, it is Philadelphia which will find the key with Jake Eliott’s field goal to give the Eagles victory.
The following
After this overtime victory, the Eagles will travel to the Rams to continue their winning streak. Short rest period for the Commanders as they will host the still winless Bears during the night from Thursday to Friday.
.@EAGLES STAY UNDEFEATED. #WASvsPHI pic.twitter.com/ekkfTqQQcj
— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2023