The rivalry between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles continues to produce some of the most memorable moments in the NFL. This past season, fans were treated to three high-stakes battles that showcased explosive offense, dramatic comebacks, and record-breaking performances. Let’s break down each matchup and highlight the player stats that defined these games.
Week 11: Eagles Outlast Commanders in a Fourth-Quarter Surge
The first encounter of the 2024–25 season between these NFC East foes took place on November 14, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles secured a hard-fought 26–18 win, overcoming a spirited Commanders squad that led into the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Performance
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia’s dynamic quarterback, was efficient, completing 18 of 28 passes for 221 yards with no interceptions. On the other side, Sam Howell of Washington put up respectable numbers, going 22-of-32 for 191 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Running Game and Receivers
For Washington, Brian Robinson Jr. was a key contributor with 16 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown. In the passing game, Austin Ekeler stood out by hauling in eight passes for 89 yards.
Philadelphia’s run game was led by Saquon Barkley, who delivered a workhorse performance with 26 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Star receiver A.J. Brown added five receptions for 65 yards, continuing his consistent output.
Team Comparison
The Eagles racked up 434 total yards versus Washington’s 264. Philadelphia’s third-down efficiency (9 of 16) was a major difference, while Washington managed only 3 of 12. Time of possession also favored the Eagles, who held the ball for over 33 minutes.
The turning point came in the fourth quarter, where the Eagles scored 20 unanswered points to seal the victory, highlighting their resilience and clutch playmaking.
Week 16: Commanders Complete an Epic Comeback
In a dramatic rematch on December 22, 2024, at FedExField, the Commanders orchestrated a stunning 36–33 comeback victory over the Eagles, ending Philadelphia’s 10-game winning streak.
Jayden Daniels Steps Up
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was the undisputed star. Daniels completed 24 of 39 passes for 258 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also added 81 rushing yards on nine carries, making big plays when his team needed them most. Daniels became the first Washington quarterback since 1991 to throw five touchdowns in a single game.
Receiving and Rushing Standouts
Olamide Zaccheaus caught five passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns, while Terry McLaurin chipped in three receptions for 51 yards and a score. For the Eagles, Saquon Barkley continued his outstanding season with 29 carries for 150 yards and two touchdowns.
Philadelphia’s quarterback situation changed when Jalen Hurts exited with a concussion, paving the way for backup Kenny Pickett. Pickett managed 143 yards on 14-of-24 passing, with one touchdown and one interception. A.J. Brown remained a steady target, recording eight catches for 97 yards and a touchdown.
A Game of Swings
The Commanders’ late-game surge capped a seesaw battle, as they scored a last-second touchdown and converted a crucial two-point play. The win kept Washington’s playoff hopes alive and made a clear statement about the franchise’s future.
NFC Championship: Eagles Set the Record Straight
The stakes couldn’t have been higher when the teams met again on January 26, 2025, in the NFC Championship Game. The Eagles left no doubt, crushing Washington 55–23 and setting a new NFL record for most points scored in a conference championship game.
Eagles’ Offensive Explosion
Philadelphia’s offense was nearly unstoppable, piling up 471 total yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Saquon Barkley was the workhorse once again, gaining 118 yards on 15 carries and scoring three touchdowns. Quarterback Jalen Hurts contributed not only through the air—246 yards passing and one touchdown—but also as a rusher, adding three scores on the ground.
A.J. Brown hauled in the Eagles’ only receiving touchdown and provided a reliable presence all game.
Commanders’ Highlights and Struggles
Jayden Daniels continued to show his potential, passing for 255 yards and adding a rushing touchdown. However, the Commanders’ four turnovers proved too costly against a relentless Eagles defense. Philadelphia’s Quinyon Mitchell and C.J. Gardner-Johnson were instrumental in shutting down Washington’s passing game, each recording key tackles and coverage plays.
The Eagles dominated time of possession, kept mistakes to a minimum, and showcased why they were the NFC’s best team this season.
Defensive Performances That Shaped the Series
While much attention was paid to the quarterbacks and star skill players, both teams had defenders step up in critical moments throughout the rivalry.
For Philadelphia, rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell was particularly effective in the Week 11 matchup, shutting down Washington’s top receiver Terry McLaurin. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson added consistent play all season, ending with 59 tackles and six interceptions, and was a steady force in the playoffs.
The Commanders were led on defense by safety Quan Martin and linebacker Frankie Luvu. Luvu registered multiple sacks in the first meeting, while Martin made his presence felt with crucial tackles in the NFC title game. However, the Commanders’ defensive unit ultimately struggled to contain the Eagles’ high-powered attack.
Season Head-to-Head Summary
Here’s a quick summary of the three showdowns between Washington and Philadelphia during the 2024–25 season:
Date | Venue | Winner | Score |
Nov 14, 2024 | Philadelphia | Eagles | 26–18 |
Dec 22, 2024 | Washington | Commanders | 36–33 |
Jan 26, 2025 | Philadelphia | Eagles | 55–23 |
Philadelphia won two out of three meetings, with each game featuring different heroes and new storylines.
What the Stats Tell Us
Jalen Hurts was a difference-maker for the Eagles, consistently putting up big numbers both through the air and on the ground. Saquon Barkley dominated as one of the league’s most productive running backs, racking up over 250 yards and five touchdowns across the three games. A.J. Brown provided reliability in the passing game.
For Washington, Jayden Daniels proved he’s the future of the franchise, combining for over 500 passing yards, six touchdowns, and nearly 100 rushing yards in his two starts. Olamide Zaccheaus and Terry McLaurin were key playmakers when the Commanders pulled off their comeback win.
Defensively, Philadelphia’s secondary was the deciding factor, stifling Washington’s passing game and creating turnovers when it mattered most.
Conclusion
The 2024–25 season saw the Commanders and Eagles deliver thrilling contests filled with highlight-reel plays and memorable moments. Philadelphia ultimately advanced to the Super Bowl, but Washington showed grit and promise, especially with Jayden Daniels at the helm.
With both franchises boasting young talent and strong coaching, fans can expect this rivalry to remain one of the NFL’s best for years to come.