UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the Philadelphia Eagles secured their second consecutive NFC East title by defeating the Washington Commanders 29-18 on December 23, 2023, at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. Despite a rocky start, including a fumble on the opening kickoff, the Eagles rallied to clinch the victory in decisive fashion.
The game was marked by a late brawl following a 2-point conversion by Saquon Barkley, which extended Philadelphia’s lead to 19 points. Jalen Hurts showcased his leadership, completing 22 of 30 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 40 yards on seven carries.
The Eagles, now 10-5, have rebounded from a three-game losing streak with back-to-back victories. This win makes them the first team to win the NFC East in consecutive seasons since they accomplished the feat from 2001 to 2004, ending the longest drought without a repeat division champion in NFL history.
Hurts connected with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith for key receptions, including a 6-yard touchdown to Smith in the first half and a 15-yard touchdown to Dallas Goedert during a crucial 17-play, 83-yard drive that shifted momentum to Philadelphia.
Barkley contributed significantly with a 12-yard TD run and a total of 132 rushing yards on 21 carries. The Commanders, now 4-11 and eliminated from playoff contention, faced overwhelming support for the Eagles in the stands, with fans frequently chanting “E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!”
The game also saw the Commanders’ quarterback situation take a hit as starter Marcus Mariota left the game due to an injured right hand. Third-string quarterback Josh Johnson stepped in but struggled against a relentless Eagles defense.
“We showed resilience tonight,” Hurts said after the game. “We faced adversity early, but we came together as a team to get the job done.”
Despite a series of missed field goals by Jake Elliott, who was previously reliable, the Eagles maintained control of the game. Elliott, who had entered the game with a 77% success rate, missed three attempts in the first half but managed to contribute to the scoreline.
The Eagles outgained the Commanders significantly, racking up 385 yards to Washington’s 220 yards. Tight end Dallas Goedert tied a franchise record with his 10th touchdown reception of the season, matching the record set by Pete Retzlaff in 1965.
Next Up: The Eagles will face the Buffalo Bills on December 28, while the Commanders prepare to host the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night.
As the Eagles celebrate their division title, the focus will shift to securing momentum as they eye the playoffs. Stay tuned for the latest developments as the NFL season continues to unfold.
