Five Commanders players Eagles fans should know ahead of the NFC title game

The Eagles will host the Washington Commanders in the NFC championship game on Sunday. They already played twice already this season, splitting the series, but if you are just tuning in — or need a refresher — here are five Commanders players Eagles fans should know about …

Jayden Daniels, quarterback

The Commanders went from having no players in the Pro Bowl last year to having two this year, one of them being their rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The No. 2 overall pick has completely transformed the Commanders in his first season.

Daniels threw for 3,568 yards with 25 touchdowns this season. On the ground, he set a rookie record with 891 yards and added six more scores. His performance made him a lock for offensive rookie of the year, as the Commanders went 12-5 and Daniels played a huge part in their success — including in their upset of the Lions.

Frankie Luvu, linebacker

Frankie Luvu’s name may sound familiar to Eagles fans. In the team’s Week 16 loss to the Commanders, Jalen Hurts suffered a concussion after taking a hit from the linebacker. Luvu then intercepted backup Kenny Pickett to turn the tide.

Luvu filled up the stat sheet this season. He finished with 99 tackles, eight sacks, 14 quarterback hits, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and an interception. His 33 quarterback pressures rank No. 2 in the league among all linebackers. He recovered another fumble Saturday in the Commanders' win over the Lions.

Terry McLaurin, wide receiver

Nicknamed “Scary Terry,” veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin earned his second Pro Bowl nod while having his best season as a pro. In the Commanders' two postseason games, he has 176 receiving yards and two scores.

McLaurin posted 1,096 yards this year, and his 13 touchdowns were second in the NFL and first in the NFC. The Eagles, led by rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, held him to one catch for 10 yards in their first meeting, but couldn’t keep him out of the end zone in their second. And Mitchell's status is uncertain for Sunday.

Bobby Wagner, linebacker

Bobby Wagner signed a one-year deal with the Commanders in March. Since then, the nine-time Pro Bowler and 10-time All-Pro selection has made an immediate impact in Washington, leading the team with 132 tackles.

Wagner is regarded as one of the best linebackers in recent NFL history, becoming a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and winning a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. Wagner’s presence, both on and off the field, can be seen as one of the big factors behind the Commanders’ success this season.

Zach Ertz, tight end

Most fans are already familiar with this name, but may have forgotten he’s now in Washington. Ertz played for the Eagles from 2013-21 — scoring the decisive touchdown in Super Bowl LII — before he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals.

Ertz is in his first season with the Commanders and, at 34, has embraced his role as a mentor. This season, he had 66 receptions for 654 yards and seven touchdowns, and many of his receptions came in critical moments. Ertz also had a confrontation with Eagles coach Nick Sirianni after the Eagles’ 36-33 loss in December.