Huge NFC East Battle Didn’t Disappoint On Thursday Night
It was Jalen Hurts the veteran versus Jayden Daniels the rookie. Both quarterbacks have been playing lights out this season so expectations for a tough fight were high. And the huge NFC East clash between the Eagles and Commanders didn’t disappoint on Thursday Night Football.
The Eagles had the first possession of the game and were moving the ball down field. However, the Commanders tightened up their zone coverage taking away the deep ball. They also contained Saquon Barkley so that the Eagles were forced to kick a field goal. But kicker Jake Elliott missed the 44-yard attempt wide left. The Eagles defense forced a quick three-and-out giving their offense another chance. They picked up one first down but a Jalen Hurts sack caused them to have to punt.
The second possession of the Commanders was much better. Jayden Daniels connected on a short pass to running back Austin Ekeler who turned it into a 34 yard completion. Brian Robinson had a 5 and an 18 yard rush and his third rush was a one-yard run into the end zone. The Commanders took the early 7-0 lead. After a punt by each team the Eagles had great field position on their next possession.
Saquon Barkley got some momentum going with a few nice runs. But the Commanders were swarming all over the place and sacked Hurts for a 13-yar loss. It took them out of field goal range. But with a six and 10 yard pass they were back to the Commanders 33-yard line. However, Elliott missed the 51-yard attempt. Before the half ended the Eagles finally got on the scoreboard with a 21-yard field goal.
Huge NFC East Battle Didn’t Disappoint On Thursday Night
As is often the case Hurts and his receivers were not in a rhythm in the first half. Whereas it was surprising that the Commanders didn’t get Terry McLaurin more involved in the game. He had no catches in the first half and the trend continued in the third quarter. Both teams scored field goals on their opening third quarter drives.
But Hurts and Barkley came alive and led the team on two scoring drives. An interception of Jayden Daniels led to another touchdown for the Eagles. Daniels didn’t panic but put together a sustained drive with some help from a roughing the passer penalty. Zack Ertz caught a five-yard touchdown pass and the Commanders converted the 2-pt. conversion. Their onside kick didn’t work so the Eagles took a knee winning the game 18-26.
Jayden Daniels may have hit the proverbial rookie wall based on his last two performances. But he’ll likely bounce back. In the meantime, the Eagles are atop their division.
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