Commanders QB Jayden Daniels - Emilee Fails/Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles hold one of the oldest rivalries in football. Heading into week 16 of the NFL season, the stakes for this matchup were as high as ever. The Commanders needed a win to hold onto their wild card position, while the Eagles were fighting for the first seed in the NFC. Washington was able to pull out a thrilling victory against all odds.
Jalen Hurts Injury
Early in the game, Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts suffered a concussion that would force him to the sidelines for the remainder of the day. Backup Kenny Pickett took over the offense in Hurts’ absence. Without Hurts, the Eagles leaned on Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown to sustain their offensive attack. Pickett completed 14 of his 24 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Turnovers
Throughout the game, the Commanders struggled to take care of the ball. Running back Brian Robinson fumbled twice in the first half, allowing Kenny Pickett and the Eagles to take command of the game early. Near the end of the half, Jayden Daniels overthrew Luke McCaffrey over the middle of the field, leading to a C.J. Gardner-Johnson interception. Despite these turnovers, Washington entered the half down just seven points. A Dyami Brown fumble and another Jayden Daniels interception in the second half rounded out the Washington Commanders’ five turnovers. The only other team to win a game despite turning the ball over five times this year has been the Lions in week 10.
Penalties
Defensive penalties further heightened the challenge for the Commanders in the second half. Despite the offensive struggles the Eagles faced without Jalen Hurts in the game, Philadelphia was able to consistently move the ball down the field due to penalties committed by the Commanders. Washington cornerback Marshon Lattimore was called for two pass interference calls early in the second half. Those flags led to an Eagles’ field goal. Later in the half, a Daron Payne facemask penalty on third and long gifted the Eagles a first down. The Commanders continued to commit costly penalties throughout the game, finishing with 93 total yards of penalties.
Final Drive
Despite the consistent turnovers and penalties committed by the Commanders, Jayden Daniels found himself with an opportunity to win the game late in the fourth quarter. With 1:58 left in the game, the Commanders were down by five with the ball at their own 43-yard line. Jayden Daniels worked his late-game magic to push the ball all the way down the field, finishing the drive with a game-winning touchdown pass to Jamison Crowder in the back of the end zone. The Commanders notched their third game-winning drive of the season, pushing their win total to 10 and inching closer to securing a playoff spot.
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