As the horns of Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke” blared across the locker room, Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni-donning a black T-shirt that read “Been there, won that”-celebrated a rare back-to-back NFC East crown.
Game Summary
The Eagles’ 29-18 victory over the Washington Commanders on Saturday night secured the division title for the second consecutive season, a feat the franchise hasn’t achieved in twenty years. The game was far from perfect, featuring a fumble on the opening kickoff, a pair of penalties on the tush push, three wide-left field-goal attempts, and a halftime deficit. Barkley, Hurts and the offense finally found rhythm, clinching the division with a decisive win.
Key Performances
“Gets better and better,” Saquon Barkley said as he walked through the scene Saturday night, “each time.” Barkley finished the game with 21 carries for 132 yards and a 12-yard touchdown run, pushing his season total over 1,000 yards. Quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 22 of 30 passes for 185 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers, including a 5-yard touchdown to DeVonta Smith and a 15-yard pass to Dallas Goedert that capped a 17-play, 83-yard drive. Goedert added his 10th touchdown reception of the season, tying a Philadelphia tight-end record first set in the 1960s.
Hurts also contributed on the ground, gaining 40 yards on seven carries (10-5). The Eagles ended a three-game losing streak with back-to-back wins, becoming the first team to top the NFC East in consecutive seasons since 2001-2004-the longest drought for any division in NFL history.
Division Significance and Future
“This division’s had so much parity throughout the years,” Sirianni said. “Obviously our goals are much higher. We’ve raised the expectations.” The win marks the Eagles’ second straight NFC East title and the franchise’s first repeat championship since the early 2000s. The Commanders, now 4-11 after losing nine of ten games, were humbled by the loss. “It certainly feels terrible,” coach Dan Quinn said, “to hear that record.”
The game also featured a late brawl after Barkley’s 2-point conversion pushed the Eagles’ lead to 19 points, before Washington scored a meaningless touchdown. The Commanders’ offense was disrupted by injuries: Marcus Mariota was sidelined with a hand injury after a concussion evaluation, and Jaylin Lane left early with an ankle injury. Eagles injuries included LB Nakobe Dean (hamstring) exiting in the first quarter.
Key Takeaways
- Eagles secure second straight NFC East title with 29-18 win over Commanders.
- Barkley, Hurts and tight end Goedert deliver standout performances.
- First back-to-back division title since 2001-2004, ending a 20-year drought.
The victory cements Philadelphia’s status as a dominant force in the NFC East and sets the stage for a playoff push as they prepare to face the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 28.
