The Eagles went on to clinch the NFC East title for the second consecutive year. In doing so, they became the first team to win the division back-to-back since 2004. The win established them as the team to beat in the league. At the same time, the Washington Commanders were hit by an injury tsunami that devastated their chances on both lines all season long.
This week showcased individual brilliance, particularly from Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua, who racked up 225 receiving yards—the most by a Rams player since Isaac Bruce in 1997. With a quarter of the season remaining and playoff dreams becoming more urgent, teams are faced with the best—and worst—of what’s around them.
Eagles’ Historic Achievement
The Eagles’ division-clinching victory was a resounding statement, as the defending champions showed just how dangerous they can be when feeling dangerous. This remarkable accomplishment goes beyond simply demonstrating their constancy, making them a unique outlier in an increasingly cutthroat league environment.
The Eagles last repeated as NFC East champions in 2004. That was the last time any team was able to accomplish this crazy cool feat. Philadelphia’s historical context further emphasizes the importance of the work they’re doing today. They are just as excited to start to build on that success as they approach the playoffs.
Dallas Goedert was one of the biggest impact players in this win. He registered his 10th receiving touchdown of the season in the third quarter. With this touchdown, he tied Pete Retzlaff for the most touchdowns by a tight end in Eagles history. Goedert continues to prove his reliable hands and Jalen Hurts’ mastery at taking advantage of defensive mismatches is increasingly evident. Together, they’ve become an unstoppable force this season.
“A lot of guys would get down on themselves and give up, lay down, but that’s not what we do, that’s not what he is. That goes around to the whole team. Excited to have a leader in Sam.” – Brady Henderson
Washington’s Injury Woes
The Eagles’ NFC East rivals, the Washington Commanders, have been plagued by injuries this year. A staggering 13 starters have missed at least one game this year. This has made a world of difference in their execution on both sides of the ball. Nine players have missed at least seven games, adding up to a frustrating campaign marked by chaos and inconsistency.
The impact of that injury plague has been acute, with eight more players lost than was the case last season. This dramatic increase in absences signals a more concerning reality for Washington, making it difficult to stay competitive on the pitch. The depth of the team has been severely tested, and they have not fared well in establishing cohesiveness while dealing with these adverse realities.
Seattle’s pass defense has been under fire as well, regularly giving up backbreaking plays when stops have been most needed. It’s their failure to bring the heat that’s doomed them for the last month, making them an easy target for opposing quarterbacks on a weekly basis. As they gear up for the rest of their games, fixing these defensive breakdowns will be key if they hope to find any redemption.
Individual Performances Shine
Though team chemistry is certainly a big factor, individuals have been making waves this week as well. Puka Nacua’s remarkable display against the opposition included 225 receiving yards over the game, showcasing his potential as a game-changer for the Rams. Over those three games, Nacua has totalled an impressive 573 receiving yards. This recent accomplishment cements his place as an invaluable resource for any team.
Sam Darnold demonstrated amazing moxie. He passed for two touchdowns in the clutch against the then-ranked No. 25 Utes, finally recovering after throwing two picks to Utah in the first half. His resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to his character and leadership on the field. Even when the chips are down, players can transcend cookie-cutter evaluation and be impactful enough to lead their team to victory, like Darnold’s performance on Saturday.
Ultimately, the Seattle Seahawks took advantage of Darnold’s late-game heroics, outpacing Darnold’s turnovers to pull out a win. Yet Washington’s lack of ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks is one of the bigger persistent problems that any coaching staff must fix in hindsight.
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