Few rivalries in the NFL are as consistently electrifying as the Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles. When these two NFC East powerhouses clash, it’s more than just a game — it’s a battle that echoes decades of intense competition, historic comebacks, and star-making performances.
In this article, we’re unpacking everything you need to know about one of their latest encounters by focusing on what truly defined it: the player statistics. Whether you’re a curious fan, a fantasy football strategist, or someone trying to better understand the game, this comprehensive analysis will help you connect the dots between the scoreboard and what happened on the field — one stat at a time.
What Are Match Player Stats, and Why Should You Care?
When we talk about player stats in a matchup like the Commanders vs Eagles, we’re not just listing numbers. These stats reflect execution, strategy, adaptability, and moments that shifted the game’s momentum.
From quarterback accuracy to defensive stops, stats provide a detailed story of:
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How key plays developed
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Where teams excelled or struggled
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Which players rose to the occasion — or faltered
For coaches, stats influence next week’s strategy. For fans, they provide context. For fantasy owners, they can mean a win or loss.
Quarterback Showdown: Hurts vs Howell
Jalen Hurts (Eagles)
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Completions / Attempts: 28 / 35
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Passing Yards: 312
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Touchdowns: 3
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Interceptions: 1
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Rushing: 45 yards on 7 carries
Hurts demonstrated poise and control throughout the game. His best stretch came in the second half, where he completed 12 of 14 passes and scored twice. His command of the RPO (Run-Pass Option) schemes kept Washington’s defense guessing all night.
He also made smart decisions under pressure, escaping multiple sacks while extending plays with his legs.
Sam Howell (Commanders)
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Completions / Attempts: 25 / 38
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Passing Yards: 278
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Touchdowns: 2
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Interceptions: 2
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Sacks Taken: 5
Howell showed flashes of brilliance, particularly on intermediate routes and play-action passes. However, consistent pressure from Philadelphia’s defensive line made it difficult for him to maintain rhythm. His interceptions both came on aggressive throws into tight coverage — signs of a young QB still learning to manage risk.
Rushing Attack: Which Backfield Ruled?
Eagles Running Game
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D’Andre Swift: 15 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD
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Kenneth Gainwell: 7 carries, 34 yards
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Team Total: 137 rushing yards
Swift looked explosive, especially on inside zones and outside stretch plays. His ability to change direction left multiple defenders flat-footed. In critical short-yardage situations, Gainwell stepped up and moved the chains.
Commanders Running Game
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Brian Robinson Jr.: 12 carries, 59 yards
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Antonio Gibson: 6 carries, 20 yards
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Team Total: 93 rushing yards
Robinson ran hard and picked up tough yards after contact. However, with Philadelphia controlling time of possession, Washington couldn’t fully commit to the run, limiting the impact of their ground game.
Receiving Corps Breakdown
Top Eagles Receivers
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A.J. Brown: 7 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD
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DeVonta Smith: 5 receptions, 89 yards
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Dallas Goedert: 6 receptions, 58 yards, 1 TD
Brown was dominant, particularly on back-shoulder throws and contested catches. Smith served as a precise route-runner, creating separation effortlessly. Goedert operated like a third wideout, consistently finding soft spots in zone coverage.
Top Commanders Receivers
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Terry McLaurin: 8 receptions, 98 yards, 1 TD
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Jahan Dotson: 5 receptions, 64 yards
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Logan Thomas: 4 receptions, 33 yards
McLaurin made clutch catches on third down, including a 24-yard touchdown on a fade route. Dotson was reliable in the slot, using speed and footwork to create space. Thomas added steady production over the middle.
Defense Wins Games: Who Stepped Up?
Philadelphia Defense
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Haason Reddick: 1.5 sacks, 2 tackles for loss
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Darius Slay: 1 interception, 1 forced fumble
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Jordan Davis: 4 run stops, 1 batted pass
The Eagles’ front seven generated consistent pressure. Reddick was relentless off the edge, while Davis disrupted running lanes and pass timing. Slay’s interception was a turning point, coming just as the Commanders were building momentum.
Washington Defense
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Montez Sweat: 2 sacks, 4 QB pressures
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Kendall Fuller: 5 tackles, 1 interception
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Kamren Curl: 9 tackles, 2 pass breakups
Sweat was the heartbeat of the pass rush, repeatedly getting around the edge. Fuller’s interception showcased his ability to read Hurts’ eyes, and Curl was a tackling machine in the secondary.
Special Teams and Hidden Stats
Beyond offense and defense, special teams played a subtle but important role.
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Field Goals: Both kickers were perfect — 2-for-2 each
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Average Punt Return Yards: Eagles – 9.2 | Commanders – 6.5
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Kick Coverage: Eagles allowed no returns over 25 yards
In a game this tight, every yard counted. The Eagles’ superior field position after punts and kickoffs helped give their offense shorter fields to work with.
Advanced Metrics and What They Reveal
Let’s move beyond traditional stats and look at advanced analytics:
| Metric | Eagles | Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| Time of Possession | 34:10 | 25:50 |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 8/13 (61.5%) | 6/14 (42.8%) |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 3/4 (75%) | 2/4 (50%) |
| Yards per Play | 6.3 | 5.4 |
| QB Pressure Rate Allowed | 17% | 29% |
The Eagles outperformed Washington in nearly every advanced category. Better third-down and red-zone performance were clear factors in their victory.
Debunking Common Myths
“More Passing Yards Means You Win”
Not always. The Commanders kept pace in total yardage but still lost. The key difference? Turnovers and efficiency.
“One Sack Means a Weak O-Line”
That’s misleading. Sometimes sacks are coverage-related or due to the QB holding the ball too long. Hurts avoided multiple sacks by recognizing blitzes early — a credit to both him and his offensive line.
Real-World Example: The Drive That Changed Everything
Let’s look at a sequence that flipped the game.
3rd Quarter — Eagles Ball
Start: Own 25-yard line
7 plays, 75 yards
Result: Touchdown (Jalen Hurts to Dallas Goedert)
This drive included:
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A 19-yard sideline pass to Brown
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A 13-yard scramble by Hurts on 3rd-and-10
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A perfectly placed back-shoulder throw to Goedert for the score
This was a masterclass in clock control, composure, and tactical execution.
Expert Insight: What Made the Eagles’ Defense So Effective?
“Philadelphia’s pressure packages were disguised brilliantly. They forced Howell into tough decisions without sending more than four rushers most of the time.”
— Brian Baldinger, NFL Analyst and Former Offensive Lineman
Instead of blitzing aggressively, Philly relied on its front four and trusted its coverage behind. The result? Five sacks and two turnovers — without compromising defensive depth.
Where Each Team Goes From Here
For the Commanders
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Improve Pass Protection: Howell can’t keep taking hits. Adjusting blocking schemes or making quicker throws may help.
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Fewer Penalties: 8 penalties for 77 yards set the team back during key drives.
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More Pre-snap Motion: Offensive predictability made it easier for the Eagles to anticipate plays.
For the Eagles
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Shore Up Secondary Injuries: With a few key players sidelined, slot coverage was vulnerable.
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Refine Tackling in Open Field: Missed tackles allowed the Commanders to gain more YAC than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who had the best game overall?
Jalen Hurts, with 3 total touchdowns and over 300 total yards, led the Eagles with efficiency and control.
Which defense played better?
Statistically, Philadelphia had the edge thanks to better third-down defense and two turnovers forced.
Did McLaurin outplay A.J. Brown?
Both were outstanding, but Brown’s impact on scoring drives gave him a slight edge.
Should fans be worried about the Commanders?
Not yet. Despite the loss, the performance showed promise — especially on offense. Cleaning up penalties and protecting Howell are the biggest priorities.
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Final Thoughts
Watching the Commanders and Eagles face off is always a treat, but digging into the player stats reveals the hidden battles that shaped the outcome. From Hurts’ pocket presence to McLaurin’s route-running, every snap was a chess move in a high-stakes rivalry.
These numbers aren’t just trivia — they’re tools for understanding the game’s flow, appreciating talent, and forecasting what might come next. If you’re serious about football, this kind of analysis is where the real learning — and enjoyment — begins.
