Eagles Clinch NFC East Title as Jalen Hurts Leads Philadelphia Past Commanders

Matt Slocum/ AP Photo

The Philadelphia Eagles secured a breaking update in the NFL playoff timeline Saturday night, clinching their second straight NFC East title with a 29-8 road win over the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium.

The performance was uneven early, but Philadelphia responded with control and balance as the game progressed. Despite a fumble on the opening kickoff, multiple penalties and missed field goals, the Eagles executed when it mattered to improve to (10-5) and lock up the division crown.

Jalen Hurts played a central role in the outcome while operating under center more frequently than earlier in the season. He completed 22 of 30 passes for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns without a turnover. Fifteen of his completions went to A J Brown and DeVonta Smith, reinforcing the offense identity heading into the postseason. Hurts connected with Smith on a 5 yard touchdown in the first half and later found Dallas Goedert from 15 yards out in the third quarter to give Philadelphia a 14 -10 lead.

That score capped a 17 play drive that covered 83 yards and consumed more than 10 minutes of game clock. It proved to be a turning point in the timeline, shifting momentum permanently toward the Eagles.

Hurts also contributed on the ground with 40 rushing yards on 7 carries. Saquon Barkley added a physical presence, finishing with 21 carries for 132 yards and a 12 yard touchdown run. Barkley later added a 2 point conversion that extended the lead and was followed by a late scuffle, reflecting the rising tension as the game slipped away from Washington.

Philadelphia followed a 3 game losing streak by winning back to back games and became the first team to repeat as NFC East champions since the Eagles accomplished the feat from 2001 through 2004. The gap since that run marked the longest stretch without a repeat division winner in NFL history.

Washington fell to 4 and 11 and has now lost 9 of its last 10 games. The Commanders were already eliminated from postseason contention entering the game. Marcus Mariota started in place of Jayden Daniels, who was shut down earlier in the season after multiple injuries limited him to 7 appearances. Mariota exited early in the third quarter with a right hand injury after being evaluated and cleared for a concussion.

Josh Johnson entered at quarterback and later threw an interception to rookie Cooper DeJean, drawing loud Eagles chants from a crowd heavily favoring Philadelphia. The Eagles outgained Washington 385 yards to 220 and consistently won the possession battle.

Special teams were a concern for Philadelphia early. Jake Elliott missed 3 field goal attempts in the first half after entering the game 17 of 22 on the season. Two late misses came from beyond 50 yards, including one retry following an offsides penalty.

Dallas Goedert finished with his 10th touchdown reception of the season, tying the franchise record for an Eagles tight end set by Pete Retzlaff in 1965. Defensive end Brandon Graham added another sack at age 37, continuing a late season resurgence.

Injuries remain a developing storyline. Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean exited in the first quarter with a hamstring injury. Washington receiver Jaylin Lane left early with an ankle issue.

What this means for Philadelphia is a secured division title and a clearer playoff outlook with momentum building despite areas needing cleanup. The next steps involve monitoring health and refining execution as the Eagles prepare for postseason football. Washington now turns its focus to the offseason with roster evaluation and quarterback health at the forefront.