The Philadelphia Eagles enter Sunday's NFC East showdown against the Washington Commanders, having won 10 games in a row. The Eagles haven't lost since Week 4, after falling to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As great as Philadelphia has been, Washington led the NFC East until Week 10. Remember, the Commanders won six of seven games before losing a heartbreaker to the Steelers, which began a three-game losing streak.
Speaking of that losing streak, Washington's second defeat in that stretch was a 26-18 loss to the Eagles. The Commanders led that game 10-6 going into the fourth quarter before Saquon Barkley took over. Washington held the Eagles to six points through three quarters, which is impressive. Now, the Commanders have a healthy Marshon Lattimore at cornerback.
How can Washington upset Philadelphia? We identify five keys to a Week 16 victory.
Washington needs to frustrate Hurts. It did an excellent job of doing so in the first meeting. Hurts did not play well. Barkley bailed everyone out. How can the Commanders repeat that success? Washington's defensive ends must be disciplined in their rushing lanes. If Hurts has success running the ball, it adds another layer to Philly's offense. He is also excellent at throwing on the move. So, the Commanders don't necessarily need to post huge sack numbers but just make Hurts a little uncomfortable.
You know this by now, but good things happen when the Commanders target Terry McLaurin. In the first meeting, McLaurin had only two targets. That's unacceptable. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was criticized for not moving McLaurin around the formation, which he did in recent weeks. That's the key. Kingsbury must create opportunities for McLaurin, who will make plays. The Eagles often doubled McLaurin five weeks ago with excellent rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and safety help over the top. McLaurin will surpass his target total from the first game in the first half.
Daniels was a non-factor five weeks ago, rushing for 18 yards on seven carries. Remember, Philly is the NFL's top-ranked defense and understands better than anyone the stress a dual-threat quarterback can put on a defense. Washington should use plenty of RPOs against the Eagles and move the pocket for Daniels, anything to give him potential rushing lanes. With several key injuries on offense, the Commanders need Daniels more than ever to help carry the running game.
Easier said than done, but Washington's cornerbacks were excellent against Brown and Smith five weeks ago. Remember, the Commanders didn't even have Marshon Lattimore yet. Lattimore made his Washington debut last week and was excellent. Now, head coach Dan Quinn can stick Lattimore on the opposing top receiver and feel comfortable. Even better, rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil gives the Commanders a phenomenal tandem. Sainristil was outstanding in the first game between these teams, locking up with Brown and Smith. If you take away Philadelphia's top two receivers, it puts more pressure on Hurts and Barkley.
When you face top teams, you have to play excellently in every phase. Washington's defense showed up in Week 11. Unfortunately, the offense did not. As for the special teams, that unit has played mostly well this season, but it has been a bumpy few weeks. Having to use multiple kickers hasn't helped. In this game, the Commanders must be perfect in the kicking game, including winning the battle of field position. Also, Washington could use a spark in the return game. Luke McCaffrey returned kickoffs last week and did a good job. Jamison Crowder is back as the punt returner.