Eagles’ Backup Strategy Backfires in Loss to Commanders, Dropping Them to NFC No. 3 Seed.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni accepted the risk when he chose to rest quarterback Jalen Hurts, running back Saquon Barkley, and several other starters in the regular-season finale. With the NFC’s No. 2 seed still within reach, that decision ultimately proved costly. Playing mostly reserves, the Eagles fell 24–17 to the Washington Commanders on Sunday, ending their chances of securing a higher playoff position. As a result, the defending Super Bowl champions will enter the postseason as the NFC’s No. 3 seed. Sirianni acknowledged the possibility of this outcome following the game. He emphasized that while the team could not control the result, prioritizing player health heading into the playoffs was a certainty. The Eagles finished the regular season 11–6 and will host the San Francisco 49ers in the opening round of the playoffs. Washington, despite shutting down rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and dealing with an injury to backup Marcus Mariota, rallied behind 39-year-old third-string quarterback Josh Johnson. Johnson threw a fourth-quarter touchdown pass and later scored on a one-yard run to seal the upset. Philadelphia held a 17–10 lead late in the game, but defensive pass interference by reserve cornerback Kelee Ringo extended Washington’s final scoring drive. With Hurts, Barkley, A.J. Brown, and tight end Dallas Goedert sidelined, the Eagles’ offense was unable to respond. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee finished 21 of 40 for 241 yards with one interception. While he showed promise earlier in the season, McKee struggled to close the game and was sacked on the Eagles’ final possession.

The loss was made more painful when Detroit defeated Chicago, a result that would have secured Philadelphia the No. 2 seed had the Eagles won. Veteran defensive end Brandon Graham supported Sirianni’s decision, noting the value of extra recovery time before the playoffs. Graham, who returned from retirement midseason, said the focus now shifts entirely to winning postseason games. One bright spot for Philadelphia was wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the third time in his career. Smith reached the milestone early in the game and was promptly removed from action.

The Commanders closed the season at 5–12 and are expected to hold a top-10 selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. Philadelphia, meanwhile, may now face multiple road games if they hope to return to the Super Bowl.