The rubber match for a shot at the Lombardi Trophy.
We now know the next step in this epic season for the Washington Commanders. Making a sixth Super Bowl appearance in franchise history means beating the NFC East division rival Eagles in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game at 3 p.m. ET in Philadelphia. The Eagles ran to victory in the first meeting this season, only for the cardiac Commanders’ last-second triumph in Week 16.
The winner will next travel to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX. For fans, bragging rights are paramount, and playing on the biggest stage of the nation’s most popular sport is the ultimate look-at-us opportunity.
It’s time for some initial thoughts heading into this epic showdown.
History lesson
This franchise series began in 1934 and is set for its 181st meeting, but only the second time in the postseason. In a wild-card matchup during the 1990 season, Washington defeated Philadelphia 20-6 as Art Monk and Gary Clark caught touchdown passes from Mark Rypien. Washington won the Super Bowl the following season. That 1991 team was the last to reach the NFC Championship before this Dan Quinn-coached group, winners of seven consecutive games.
Road warriors
With victories over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round and the Detroit Lions in Saturday’s divisional round, Washington has already won two road playoff games in the same postseason for the first time in franchise history. Therefore, a victory at Lincoln Financial Field would be an unprecedented third. Washington is 7-3 away from home this season.
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Daniels is him
Debate if you must, but there’s a strong argument that the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is already the NFC’s top quarterback amid a rookie season that is the best of the Super Bowl era.
That statement might not sync with Jayden Daniels’ uneven one-touchdown pass performance in the 26-18 loss at Philadelphia in Week 11. He was likely still battling a rib injury, and his single touchdown toss came with 28 seconds remaining.
In the Week 16 rematch, Daniels threw three of his career-best five touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including the game winner with six seconds remaining for a 36-33 comeback victory.
Daniels delivered once more in Detroit for 299 passing yards and two touchdowns despite the crowd generating ear-splitting noise. Even if Philly fans declare him public enemy No. 1, don’t expect the kid to melt. He never does.
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Hurts is hurting
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts finished Sunday’s 28-22 home win despite needing a knee brace after suffering an injury. Hurts was limited in the snowy conditions as the game progressed. Even with a fair assumption that he faces Washington, there will be concerns about his dual-threat potential.
Hurts left the second game against the Commanders in the first quarter with a concussion. He staked Philadelphia to a 14-0 lead before the injury. Kenny Pickett aptly replaced him, but the Eagles’ offensive potential dramatically slips without Hurts.
They will also monitor impressive rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, who left the divisional-round game against the Los Angeles Rams with a shoulder injury.
Stopping Saquon
The Commanders have not done that in two meetings this season, putting them on par with the entire league. Saquon Barkley gashed Washington for 296 of his league-best 2,005 rushing yards and four of his 13 touchdowns on the ground.
Granted, the Commanders have rarely slowed any rushing attack, ranking 30th in the regular season. Detroit became the fourth team with 200-plus rushing yards against Washington this season.
The Carter problem
Losing Sam Cosmi for the remainder of the playoffs — and likely parts of the 2025 season — with an ACL tear is brutal. For this specific opponent, taking Washington’s right guard off the board is arguably the worst case for the Commanders.
Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter, typically lined up against Cosmi in games against Washington, is a disruptive game-wrecker. The Week 11 Thursday night win versus the Commanders is one of those examples.
Washington’s lacked interior depth all season, but this rarely became an issue. Tackle Trent Scott adeptly replaced Cosmi against the Lions, but playing out of position against a defensive tackle who’s one of the best at his is next level. None of the other replacement options are plug-and-play or seemingly capable enough to tangle effectively with Carter.
Irony isn’t dead
Philly fans aren’t thrilled with Josh Harris. The NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers have yet to advance past the second round of the playoffs since Harris’ ownership group purchased the franchise in 2011. The Commanders reached the NFL’s version of the third round in the second year with Harris in control. Therefore, his NFL team possibly beating the Eagles in a stadium that shares a parking lot with his NBA team is a spicy backdrop.
(Photo of Jayden Daniels and Jalen Hurts: Elsa / Getty Images)
