Eagles Settle for NFC No. 3 Seed After Resting Starters in 24 to 17 Loss to Commanders

The Washington Post

Philadelphia — The Philadelphia Eagles entered Sunday with a chance to secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC, but a decision to rest key starters reshaped their postseason path after a 24 to 17 loss to the Washington Commanders in the regular season finale.

Head coach Nick Sirianni elected to sit quarterback Jalen Hurts, running back Saquon Barkley, and several core starters with postseason health as the priority. The move guaranteed rest but removed control over playoff positioning, and the outcome dropped Philadelphia to the No. 3 seed despite entering the day as defending Super Bowl champions.

Washington capitalized late behind veteran quarterback Josh Johnson, who threw a 2 yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter and added a 1 yard rushing score with 2 minutes and 32 seconds remaining. The Commanders overturned a 17 to 10 deficit and closed the game against a Philadelphia lineup built largely from reserves.

Philadelphia finished the regular season 11 and 6 and will open the playoffs at home next weekend against San Francisco. The Eagles needed both a win and a Detroit loss to earn the No. 2 seed. Detroit defeated Chicago later in the day, confirming that even a victory would not have fully guaranteed Philadelphia the higher position.

Tanner McKee started at quarterback and completed 21 of 40 passes for 241 yards with one interception. Philadelphia failed to mount a final drive, ending with McKee being sacked as time expired. Without Hurts, Barkley, A J Brown, and Dallas Goedert, the Eagles offense struggled to sustain momentum late.

Philadelphia briefly appeared in control during the third quarter after recovering a fumble and scoring on a short run by Tank Bigsby. Jake Elliott added a 39 yard field goal to extend the lead to 17 to 10. The turning point came when Kelee Ringo was flagged for pass interference, setting up Johnson’s go ahead rushing touchdown.

Johnson, a 39 year old third string quarterback, started for Washington with Jayden Daniels inactive and Marcus Mariota sidelined by a leg injury. The performance marked one of the most notable moments of a rebuilding season for the Commanders, who finished 5 and 12 and are projected to select inside the top ten of the NFL Draft.

DeVonta Smith reached a personal milestone despite limited action. The wide receiver surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the third time in his career, finishing the season with 1,008 yards after three catches for 52 yards. Smith exited the game shortly after reaching the mark, while Brown remained sidelined having already crossed 1,000 yards earlier in the season.

The loss places renewed focus on Sirianni’s late season management strategy. Philadelphia has now reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons and appeared in two of the last three Super Bowls, but the path back will likely require winning multiple postseason games without the benefit of a second round bye.

Tight end Grant Calcaterra left the game with an ankle and knee injury, and offensive lineman Brandon Toth was evaluated for a concussion. Their availability will be monitored as the Eagles prepare for the wild card round.

The next steps for Philadelphia center on reintegrating rested starters and regaining rhythm quickly. With home field advantage still secured for the opening round, the Eagles now face a shorter margin for error as they begin their title defense without the cushion of the NFC No. 2 seed.