Philadelphia Eagles Soar to Super Bowl LIX with Commanding Victory Over Washington Commanders
PHILADELPHIA — In a thrilling display of dominance, the Philadelphia Eagles showcased their prowess at the perfect moment, securing their place in Super Bowl LIX with a resounding 55-23 win over the ambitious Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship game on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
The week leading up to the game was filled with uncertainty surrounding Jalen Hurts‘ health after he sustained a left knee injury against the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round. However, Hurts dispelled any doubts with a stellar performance, amassing four touchdowns, including three rushing scores, marking one of his best games of the season.
The Eagles’ offensive fireworks were ignited by MVP candidate Saquon Barkley, who electrified the crowd with a 60-yard run on the Eagles’ first offensive play. Barkley finished the game with three touchdowns, joining Hurts as the first pair of teammates to each score at least three rushing touchdowns in an NFL playoff game.
On the defensive side, the Eagles were relentless, forcing three turnovers from the Commanders, maintaining their reputation for generating takeaways.
While the season concluded for the Commanders, rookie quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels made a significant impact this season, providing hope for the Washington area that the Commanders could become a formidable force in the NFC in the coming years.
For now, the NFC crown belongs to the Eagles. Just two years ago, they battled their way to the Super Bowl, only to be thwarted by the Kansas City Chiefs. The following year was challenging, marked by a late-season collapse, the dismissal of both coordinators, and questions surrounding head coach Nick Sirianni’s future.
The addition of Barkley and the lessons learned from 2023 have propelled the Eagles back to the grand stage, as they aim to capture only the second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.
Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
Promising trend: Wide receiver A.J. Brown had a breakout game after a subdued postseason. Despite dealing with a knee injury, Brown managed just three receptions for 24 yards in his first two playoff games. Against the Commanders, he returned to form with six catches for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Pivotal play: With the Eagles leading 20-12 and under two minutes left in the first half, the special teams unit forced a turnover on the ensuing kickoff. Will Shipley dislodged the ball from Jeremy McNichols, setting up a seven-play drive that culminated in a 4-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to Brown, extending the lead to 15 points.
Eye-popping stat: Hurts now boasts four career games with 200 passing yards and three rushing touchdowns, including playoffs. No other player in NFL history, regular season or playoffs, has more than one such game.
Next game: Super Bowl LIX vs. Chiefs/Bills (Sunday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m. ET, Fox)
Washington Commanders (12-5)
A dream season ended in a nightmare for the Washington Commanders.
The Commanders, who had excelled in ball security and forcing turnovers in their first two postseason victories, faltered on both fronts on Sunday, leading to a costly defeat. The Eagles, with a stronger roster, flexed their muscles and reminded the Commanders of the gap they need to close.
Washington’s four turnovers resulted in 28 points for the Eagles. The Commanders’ defense, which had forced five turnovers against Detroit in the divisional round, managed only two punts and no takeaways against Philadelphia. They also struggled to contain the run, allowing 232 rushing yards.
Despite the disappointing end to their first championship game appearance since the 1991 season, the Commanders made significant strides, improving from a 4-13 record last season to 12-5 amidst substantial organizational changes. General manager Adam Peters and coach Dan Quinn revamped the roster, with Daniels providing a beacon of hope for the future.
Troubling trend: Cornerback Marshon Lattimore struggled to make a significant impact after being acquired from New Orleans before the trade deadline. He was beaten in crucial moments against the Eagles, including a 31-yard gain on a fourth-and-5 pass. Despite being hampered by a hamstring injury, Lattimore was flagged five times in two games against Philadelphia and lost his composure in the first half on Sunday.
Pivotal play: Following Barkley’s 60-yard touchdown run, Washington receiver Dyami Brown fumbled at the Washington 48-yard line, marking the Commanders’ first turnover of the postseason. The Eagles capitalized with another touchdown six plays later, establishing a 14-3 lead that Washington struggled to overcome.
QB breakdown: Daniels was unable to perform heroics on Sunday, which the Commanders desperately needed after four turnovers. Despite this, Daniels delivered a solid performance with 255 passing yards, one touchdown, one interception, and 48 rushing yards with another score. He did not appear like a rookie and remains the primary reason for optimism in Washington’s future.
Originally Written by: Tim McManus,John Keim
