Eagles vs. Commanders: 5 Things to Watch as Philly Eyes the NFC East Crown

It’s Week 16, and the Eagles are flying high at 12-2. A win or tie against the 9-5 Washington Commanders punches their ticket to an NFC East title. Can they handle business? Let’s dive into the five biggest storylines for this divisional showdown.

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1. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith vs. Washington’s Secondary

Remember the Commanders’ cornerback situation back in Week 1? Rookie Mike Sainristil, Benjamin St-Juste, and Emmanuel Forbes were the top dogs. Well, fast forward to now, and only Sainristil remains standing—barely. Forbes got the boot, St-Juste hit the bench, and Marshon Lattimore rolled into town via trade.

Lattimore missed the first Eagles-Commanders clash, but he’s back now, and he’s a certified Eagles pest. Four career picks against Philly—including a gut-wrenching one in the 2018 playoffs—have made him public enemy number one for Birds fans.

Sainristil, meanwhile, has been holding it down outside despite being undersized and a bit out of his depth. He’s scrappy but giving up inches and pounds to Philly’s star duo. If Jalen Hurts avoids testing Lattimore too often, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith could absolutely feast on this secondary.

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2. Can The Eagles Run Game Bulldoze Washington’s Front?

Here’s a fun fact: Washington’s run defense was bad in Week 11, and it’s somehow gotten worse. They’re giving up 132.1 rushing yards per game (25th) and 4.8 yards per carry (28th). Yikes.

This is tailor-made for the Eagles’ bruising ground attack. Saquon Barkley looks more comfortable in the offense each week, and Philly’s O-line, led by mauler Cam Jurgens, has been opening lanes like it’s their job (because, well, it is).

Washington’s defensive game plan will no doubt revolve around stopping the run, but the Commanders haven’t proven they can actually do it. Advantage: Eagles.

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3. Jayden Daniels and Brian Robinson vs. the Eagles’ Front Seven

The Commanders’ rushing offense ranks third in the league, largely thanks to dual-threat QB Jayden Daniels and bruising back Brian Robinson. When these teams met in Week 11, the Eagles held Daniels to just 18 rushing yards, though he wasn’t 100% healthy.

Stopping Daniels will once again be the priority for Vic Fangio’s defense. Fangio has kept things simple this season—let his players play fast and physical—but he’s hinted that a wrinkle or two could be in the cards to keep Daniels guessing.

As if the Eagles needed any extra motivation, Robinson decided to stir the pot this week, saying Washington has “the better team.” Let’s see how well that comment ages after Sunday.

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4. The Terry McLaurin Problem

Year after year, Terry McLaurin torments the Eagles. The man’s been a one-man army for Washington’s passing attack, and this season is no different.

McLaurin has 68 catches for 969 yards and 11 touchdowns, far outpacing the Commanders’ next-best option. With Zach Ertz likely sidelined and several other weapons on IR, it’s clear who Philly needs to stop.

Here’s the thing: In Week 11, the Eagles did just that. McLaurin had one catch for 10 yards as Philly’s young corners, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, locked him down. If they can replicate that performance, Washington’s passing game will be in serious trouble.

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5. Philly’s D-Line vs. Washington’s O-Line: A Recipe for Chaos

Washington’s offensive line is healthy, but it’s far from formidable. The Eagles’ defensive front feasted on this unit in Week 11, with Jalen Carter and company creating havoc all game long.

The Commanders’ O-line looks like this:

• LT: Brandon Coleman
• LG: Nick Allegretti
• C: Tyler Biadasz
• RG: Sam Cosmi
• RT: Andrew Wylie

It’s not exactly a murderer’s row, and the Eagles’ D-line should have no problem asserting dominance again. Expect Carter, Haason Reddick, and Josh Sweat to make life miserable for Jayden Daniels in the pocket.

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Prediction

The Eagles are just too stacked for Washington to keep up. Between the firepower on offense and the relentless front seven on defense, Philly should take care of business and clinch the NFC East in style.

Final score? Let’s call it 31-17, Eagles.

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What’s your prediction for this matchup? Drop your takes in the comments below.

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