Eagles’ offense stifled again in 27-10 loss to Commanders; six-game losing streak is longest since 2012
The Birds jumped out to a 10-0 lead but could not sustain the momentum against one-win Washington and fell to last place in the NFC East.
LANDOVER, Md. — The Eagles’ nightmare of a season continues, and they’re not even halfway through it.
Their losing streak extended to six games on Sunday with a 27-10 defeat at the hands of the Washington Commanders, with the Birdscollapsing in prime time on a third occasion this season. They squandered an early 10-0 lead, conceding 27 unanswered points to a lowly Commanders team.
Here’s our instant analysis from the Eagles’ latest loss:
A series of unfortunate events
In his third start in place of the injured Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee had his worst outing to date, although he wasn’t given much help by his protection.
McKee went 23-for-34 for 212 yards and an interception (72.2 quarterback rating) in the first road start of his career. He was sacked five times, including a costly strip sack late in the third quarter when the Eagles were seeking a comeback down 13-10.
On third-and-4 from the Commanders’ 37-yard line, Markel Bell was put on skates by outside linebacker Dorance Armstrong. As McKee was looking to his left, unaware that the pocket was collapsing, Armstrong swatted at the quarterback’s right arm and knocked the ball loose. Commanders defensive tackle Charles Omenihu corralled the loose ball at Washington’s 40.
In a tough position, the Eagles defense managed to limit the Commanders to a field goal off the turnover, as Washington took a 16-10 lead late in the third quarter.
The Eagles had an opportunity to take the lead on the ensuing drive. They managed to drive from their own 39-yard line all the way to the Commanders’ 13, as Elijah Mitchell was stopped for no gain on a third-and-4 dump down
But the Eagles’ comeback attempt was foiled when rookie right tackle Markel Bell took a false start penalty, forcing the Eagles to settle for a field goal. Jake Elliott initially made the 36-yard field goal, but it was nullified by Jordan Mailata’s illegal formation penalty.
The Eagles took a five-yard penalty and were forced to retry. But on the second attempt, this time from 41 yards, Elliott’s kick hit the upright.
On a last-ditch fourth-and-25 late in the fourth quarter, McKee tossed a deep ball intended for Darius Cooper into quadruple coverage. Commanders cornerback and former Eagle Rasul Douglas intercepted his pass and returned it to the Eagles’ 28, helping set up a Rachaad White rushing touchdown that gave the Commanders a 27-10 lead after they converted the ensuing two-point try.
Up-and-down Eagles defense
One week after conceding a season-high 416 yards of offense to the Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles defense fared slightly better against the Commanders, but it wasn’t enough.
The Commanders amassed 339 yards of offense, primarily via the arm of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who went 16-for-29 for 217 yards and a touchdown (90.7 quarterback rating).
The Eagles conceded two touchdowns. The first was an 8-yard snag from Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs late in the second quarter. Tight end Chig Okonkwo set a pick on safety Kenny Moore II, who lost a step on Diggs on his way to the end zone. Diggs’ touchdown tied the game, 10-10.
The Eagles defense failed to come up with enough stops early during drives. The Commanders made four field goals.
There were some highlights, particularly from the Eagles’ defensive front. Jalen Carter notched his first sack since his two-sack performance in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. On third-and-9 from the Commanders’ 30 in the third quarter, he had a free shot at Daniels up the middle, as Moro Ojomo freed Carter up on a stunt. His big play forced the Commanders to punt.
In his return from a concussion that sidelined him last week, Nolan Smith Jr. had a late fourth-quarter sack of Daniels that forced the Commanders to settle for a field goal, going up 19-10.
Barkley on a pitch count
Like last week, Saquon Barkley was on a pitch count as he manages hamstring and back injuries.
He sought to provide the offense with a spark despite his ailments. He succeeded in the first half, both as a receiver and as a rusher. On the Eagles’ third possession of the game, up 3-0, McKee connected with Barkley on a wheel route down the left sideline for 24 yards to the Commanders’ 2-yard line.
He was tackled for a loss on the ensuing handoff, but the Eagles went back to Barkley again. On second-and-goal from the Commanders’ 3, the Eagles utilized a package with seven offensive linemen, with Fred Johnson lined up to the right of Jordan Mailata. Willie Lampkin aligned as a fullback in the backfield.
In Wildcat formation, Drew Kendall snapped the ball directly to Barkley, who cut to his right and won a race to the pylon for the touchdown to put the Eagles up, 10-0.
But even though the Commanders were missing starting defensive tackles Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw due to injury, they still managed to make plays against the run. Late in the second quarter, after the Commanders had tied the game, 10-10, Barkley was swallowed up for a loss of four yards by Commanders defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. The play put the Eagles behind the sticks, a deficit they failed to overcome, as they ultimately punted.
Mitchell, Barkley’s running mate, would also get stuffed for a loss of three yards on the opening drive of the third quarter on third-and-3 by Commanders safety Nick Cross, forcing the Eagles to punt.
Barkley finished the game with 30 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Mitchell led the team with 34 rushing yards on 11 attempts. In total, the Eagles rushed for just 91 yards and Barkley’s touchdown on 29 carries.
Injury report
Michael Carter II made his return to action after missing the last two weeks with an abdominal injury. However, the Eagles defensive back exited the game in the third quarter with another abdominal injury and was deemed questionable to return.
