Philadelphia Eagles Clinch Second Consecutive NFC East Title with Victory Over Commanders

The Philadelphia Eagles solidified their dominance in the NFC East on Saturday night, defeating the Washington Commanders 29-18 to clinch their second consecutive division title. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the franchise and the league, ending a two-decade drought of repeat champions in what had become the NFL's most volatile division.

Game Recap and Key Performances

The victory at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, didn't come easily for the reigning Super Bowl champions. The Eagles faced early adversity when rookie Will Shipley fumbled the opening kickoff after a hit by Washington's Mike Sainristil. Philadelphia also struggled with execution at times, committing penalties on their signature "tush push" play and missing three field goal attempts in the first half. Despite these challenges and trailing 10-7 at halftime, the Eagles demonstrated the resilience that has characterized their recent success.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts delivered a composed and efficient performance, completing 22 of 30 passes for 185 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers. Hurts showed particular chemistry with his top receivers, connecting 15 times with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. His 5-yard touchdown pass to Smith in the first half and a 15-yard scoring throw to tight end Dallas Goedert in the third quarter proved crucial to the victory. Hurts also contributed 40 rushing yards on seven carries, showcasing the dual-threat capability that makes him one of the league's most dangerous quarterbacks.

Historic Achievement for the Franchise

The back-to-back division titles represent more than just another playoff berth for Philadelphia. According to ESPN's coverage, the Eagles have become the first team to win consecutive NFC East championships since they themselves accomplished the feat every year from 2001 to 2004. The twenty-year gap between repeat champions established the longest such drought for any division in NFL history, highlighting just how competitive and unpredictable the NFC East has been over the past two decades.

Head coach Nick Sirianni celebrated the achievement in the locker room while wearing a black T-shirt bearing the words "Been there, won that." The atmosphere was celebratory yet focused, with players recognizing there's more work ahead. "We've got a special team and we enjoyed it," tight end Dallas Goedert told reporters after the game, "but we know there's more work to be done."

Standout Individual Contributions

Running back Saquon Barkley delivered another exceptional performance, rushing for 132 yards on 21 carries including a 12-yard touchdown. This effort pushed Barkley's season rushing total above 1,000 yards, providing the Eagles with the balanced offensive attack that has been key to their success. "Gets better and better," Barkley said of winning division titles, "each time."

Tight end Dallas Goedert's third-quarter touchdown catch was particularly significant—his 10th of the season tied a franchise record for Eagles tight ends first set in the 1960s. The 17-play, 83-yard drive that culminated in Goedert's score consumed 10½ minutes of game clock and demonstrated Philadelphia's ability to control tempo when needed.

Commanders' Challenging Season

The Washington Commanders' season continued to disappoint as they fell to 4-11 with their ninth loss in ten games. Already eliminated from playoff contention, Washington started third-string quarterback Josh Johnson after Marcus Mariota left the game in the third quarter with a right hand injury. Mariota had been starting in place of Jayden Daniels, the reigning AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year who led Washington to the NFC Championship game last season but has been limited to just seven games in 2025 due to injuries.

The game's competitive phase ended with a late brawl after Barkley's 2-point conversion extended Philadelphia's lead to 19 points. The Commanders would add a meaningless touchdown as time expired, but the outcome had long been decided. The stands at FedExField featured significant Eagles representation, with chants of "E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!" frequently ringing out and cheers greeting Cooper DeJean's interception of Josh Johnson.

Playoff Implications and Looking Ahead

With the victory, Philadelphia improved to 10-5 and has now won two consecutive games following a three-game losing streak earlier in the season. The timing of their resurgence is ideal as the NFL playoffs approach. The Eagles have demonstrated the ability to overcome adversity and win in different ways—whether through explosive offensive performances or gritty, defensive-minded victories.

As the Eagles prepare for the postseason, they'll aim to build on the momentum from this division-clinching victory. The team's experience from last year's Super Bowl run, combined with their demonstrated resilience throughout the 2025 season, positions them as a formidable contender as they seek to defend their championship. The victory over Washington not only secured the NFC East title but also served as a statement that Philadelphia remains one of the NFL's elite teams capable of winning when it matters most.