This week heading into Philly to face off against division rival; Philadelphia Eagles, the Commanders were looking to pull off the biggest upset of the season. As they were seeking to upset the best team in football and hand the Eagles their first loss of the season after starting off 8-0 for the year. While also seeking retribution for last week’s game against the Vikings. Where the Washington Commanders seemingly had the game won and let the win slip right through their hand.
Coming into the game no one really gave Washington a real chance to upset the Eagles. At best they were predicted to keep things competitive but not a true chance at upsetting them. Especially looking back at the film from their Week 3 matchup against the Eagles; where Washington was completely dominated in their 24-8 losing effort. Beating the current best team in the NFL was seen as being far-fetched for the Commanders.
However, the Commanders were not discouraged by the outside noise; and were able to make the game tough for the Eagles to get things going. As they made it a rough and rugged game; which has been their key formula to winning ball games over the previous four weeks. This was nowhere near a pretty game for the Commanders; however, that is exactly why the win was so beautiful. As they were able to overcome the ups and downs throughout the course of the game to pull off the biggest upset of the year thus far.
Big Second Quarter Propels Commanders
Leading into the game the Eagles had a 96 point differential in the second quarter. As the second quarter seemed to be where the Eagles usually take off and put the game out of reach.However, after the Commanders scored their field goal on their third drive of the game. They seemingly took over the game both defensively and offensively.
Notably, the Commanders were able to control the clock during the second quarter. Possessing the ball for almost the entire quarter; as the eagles were only able to run a total of six plays for the entire quarter. A large reason why they were able to control the clock was due to their effectiveness running the ball.
The Commanders made a concerted effort to stick with the running game throughout the entire game. As they ran the ball for a total of 16 times for 57-yards. While they didn’t have any big run plays; aside from a 11-yard from Brian Robinson, they were able to stack up yards by consistently getting 3 yards per carry.
With this it allowed for the defense to be fresh; as their defense was able to keep Philly from putting up any points on the board for the remainder of the first half and the entire third quarter. Which allowed for their offense to go on and score 13 unanswered points to give them a 23-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Making the upset go from looking like a fantasy to more of a reality.
Commanders Overcome Adversity in Upset Victory
To kick the game off Washington’s offense started with the ball in their hands looking to set the tone for the game early. Unfortunately, things would start off in the worse possible way for their offense. As the Eagles defense was able to get to Taylor Heinicke and force a fumble less than two minutes into the game. Which led to an Eagles touchdown just three plays later.
Momentarily, there was a feeling of déjà vu as it seemed like things were heading into the same direction as the Commanders first match up with the Eagles. Where the Commanders’ offensive line was unable to protect the quarterback all day; giving up nine sacks for the game. Which played a key role in their offense being so unsuccessful in their first meeting against the Eagles.
However, the Commanders are a much-improved team from their previous game earlier in the season. With that, they were able bounce back and deliver a much-needed scoring drive to tie the game up. As they leaned heavily on their running game to get things going; rushing for 35-yards on the drive. While also sprinkling in a couple of big time throws to both Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson; who made his return this week after missing the last five games.
On the ensuing drive the Eagles would come back and answer with a touchdown drive themselves to put them back ahead. This put the ball in the Commanders’ court to put up some more points on the board. Which they were able to successfully do on their next drive. As Terry McLaurin came up with two big time catches on third down to extend the drive. Thus, allowing Washington to position themselves for a field goal after being stopped on a 3rd & 1; to bring the Eagles lead to 14-10.
Unfortunately, for the Commanders the Eagles would kick off the fourth quarter by scoring a touchdown to bring them within two points. Which brought life back into the home crowd with the momentum seeming to shift in their favor.
With Washington receiving the ball back with their lead now cut down to only two points; it was imperative that they come back with points of their own to get things back under control to pull off the upset. However, a few plays into the drive Taylor Heinicke would throw an unwarranted interception. As he threw into double coverage trying to hit Terry McLaurin on a streak down the left sideline.
Once again, it seemed as if the Commanders were going to throw yet another game away following an unauthorized pick from Heinicke. Thus, could possibly cost them their chance of pulling off the upset. Fortunately for Heinicke, the defense had his back and was able to force Eagles’ tight end; Dallas Goedert, to cough up the ball on the ensuing drive.
With that it turned the momentum back over to the offense as they kicked in a field goal to give them a little bit more breathing room. After a few clutch stops from the Commanders’ defense the offense was able to play keep away and essentially run the clock out to give them the upset victory.
Turnovers Save the Commanders
Coming into this game the Eagles offense were tied with the Las Vegas Raiders for having the fewest turnovers this season. While the Commanders defense came into the game being top 10 in forced turnovers for the season thus far. After only forcing one turnover throughout the first five weeks of the season; the Commanders have been able to force a turnover in each of their last five games.
Fortunately, for the Commanders this trend would continue into this game as well; and was a huge contribution in their upset win. As the defense was able to force the Eagles into three turnovers for the game. All of which being significantly important to their tremendous victory. Being that each of their turnovers came at crucial points in the game, and also offset the two turnovers that they committed on offense.
The first turnover forced by the defense came half it a key point half way through the second quarter. As the Eagles were trying to answer after Washington had drove down to get a field goal to bring Philly’s lead to 14-10.
Jalen Hurts tried to take the top off the defense and unleashed a deep ball to AJ Brown. However, Commanders’ safety;Darrick Forrest, was there to help over the top and essentially snagged the ball out of the hands of Brown for the interception. In turn this gave Washington an energy boost that they would use to go on a big time 86-yard scoring drive to give them a 17-10 lead.
For the Commanders their next two turnovers would come in the fourth quarter during crunch time where the game was hanging in the balance. As previously stated above the Commanders second turnover for the game came on a forced fumble from Dallas Goedert.
While the fumble should have been voided by a blatant face mask, the referees did not throw the flag. Which gave the Commanders the ball right back after Taylor Hienicke had just thrown a pick himself.
The final turnover for the game was probably the biggest one for the Commanders as it came on the very next drive after they forced the fumble. With Washington only leading by five points the game was still up for grabs.
With just under six minutes left in the game, Jalen Hurts connected with Quez Watkins on a 50-yard bomb. However, after hitting the ground he was never touched by a Commanders’ defender; so he was able to get up and run again.
This would turn out to be a blessing for their defense. As Benjamin St-Juste was right there to knocked the ball loose once Watkins started to run again. With the ball up for grabs, safety; Darrik Forrest, was right there once again to help secure another turnover for the Commanders.
Once again, the Commanders’ defense was able to lift them up and carry them across the finish line to help them shock the world and upset the 8-0 Eagles. Now they must use this momentum from this big win to carry them into next week as they head to Houston to face the 1-7-1 Texans.
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