Eagles win their division and eliminate the Cowboys
After game against Washington marred by massive brawl, Philadelphia is the first team in its division to repeat as champion in 21 years
The Eagles scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to take the lead before a massive brawl broke out on the field, marring the end of the game against the Washington Commanders. However, Philadelphia celebrated the NFC East title with a 29-18 victory on Saturday night. Philadelphia (10-5) is the first team in that division to win the title in consecutive seasons in decades. The last time a team won the division twice in a row was in 2004, when the Eagles themselves did it. Andy Reid was the head coach and Donovan McNabb the quarterback of that team. Since then, Dallas, the New York Giants, and Washington had alternated with Philadelphia at the top for 20 years. An astonishing fact. The Cowboys (6-7-1), by the way, were officially eliminated from playoff contention. The brawl resulted in three players being executed. The game was practically in the bag for the reigning NFL champions after the Eagles scored a touchdown with 4:26 left in the fourth quarter and increased their lead to 29-10 by converting the two-point attempt. Then the brawl broke out. Tyler Steen, an Eagles guard, was in the middle of the melee, throwing several punches. He ended up on the ground under some Washington players. Steen was ejected from the game, as were two Commanders players: Javon Kinlaw and Quan Martin.
Good performance by quarterback Jalen Hurts
As for the game, quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 22 of 30 passes for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Saquon Barkley accumulated 132 yards on 21 carries and 1 TD. Hurts added 7 carries for 40 yards.
The Eagles, who were down 10-7 at halftime after two missed field goals by Jake Elliott (three including one nullified by penalty), took advantage of Washington losing quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee, hand) during the third quarter. Mariota had been the starter after Jayden Daniels' injury earlier in the season.
Josh Johnson relieved Mariota and didn't do a good job (5-9, 43 yards, 1 interception) as the Commanders fell to 4-11 just 10 months after reaching the conference championship game.
Philadelphia can still climb in the NFC
In a season where they haven't been as strong a team as last year, especially with inconsistency in their offense, the Eagles still realistically aspire to the No. 2 seed in the NFC. Chicago (10-4) and Green Bay (9-4-1) played Saturday night for the North Division lead.
The No. 1 seed is Seattle with a 12-3 record after their big comeback on Thursday to knock the Rams off the top spot.