The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders clashed on January 26, 2025, in a thrilling NFC Championship game that sent one team to Super Bowl LIX. Fans packed Lincoln Financial Field, buzzing with excitement, as the Eagles delivered a jaw-dropping 55-23 victory. This matchup showcased standout performances, jaw-dropping plays, and a few surprises that shaped the outcome. Let’s break down the player stats, highlight the game-changers, and explore what this means for both teams moving forward.
The Stage Was Set: A Rivalry Renewed
The Eagles and Commanders have a storied rivalry, but this game carried extra weight with a Super Bowl berth on the line. Philadelphia entered with a 14-3 record, riding a wave of dominance, while Washington, at 12-5, shocked the NFL with upset wins over Tampa Bay and Detroit. Both teams split their regular-season meetings, setting up a blockbuster showdown. The stats from this game tell a tale of explosive offense, costly mistakes, and a rookie quarterback who fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome the odds.
The Eagles’ offense erupted early, and their defense capitalized on Washington’s miscues. Meanwhile, the Commanders leaned on their young star, Jayden Daniels, to keep them in the fight. What unfolded was a masterclass in execution from Philadelphia and a gritty, yet flawed, effort from Washington. Let’s dive into the numbers and see who shined brightest.
Eagles’ Offensive Firepower: Jalen Hurts Leads the Charge
Jalen Hurts stepped onto the field with something to prove, and he delivered in a big way. He completed 20 of his 28 pass attempts, racking up 246 yards and tossing one touchdown through the air. His accuracy sliced through Washington’s secondary, keeping drives alive and the crowd roaring. However, his legs stole the show, as he scampered for three rushing touchdowns, tying a playoff record for quarterbacks.
Hurts kicked off the game with a bang, handing off to Saquon Barkley for a 60-yard touchdown run on the first play. Later, he punched in a score from close range, showcasing his knack for the “tush push.” His third rushing touchdown came in the second half, sealing Philadelphia’s dominance. Hurts finished with 14 rushing yards on six carries, but his impact went beyond the stats—he controlled the game’s tempo and silenced doubters about his postseason prowess.
His favorite target, A.J. Brown hauled in six catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. Brown’s highlight was a 36-yard grab on a crucial fourth-and-five, setting up a score that crushed Washington’s momentum. DeVonta Smith chipped in with four receptions for 62 yards, while tight end Dallas Goedert added three catches for 41 yards. Hurts spread the ball around, keeping the Commanders’ defense guessing all afternoon.
Saquon Barkley: The Runaway Train
If Hurts was the conductor, Saquon Barkley was the locomotive powering Philadelphia’s offense. Barkley exploded for 118 yards on 15 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per pop, and crossed the goal line three times. His first touch—a 60-yard sprint on the game’s opening play—set the tone and sent the Philly faithful into a frenzy. He spun past defenders, broke tackles, and showcased the speed that made him a 2,000-yard rusher this season.
Barkley’s second score, a four-yard plunge, came after a Washington fumble, extending the lead to 14-3. His third touchdown, a bruising run in the fourth quarter, pushed the score to 48-23, effectively ending any comeback hopes. He also caught one pass for four yards, proving his versatility. Barkley’s 438 playoff rushing yards now rank third in Eagles history, trailing only legends Wilbert Montgomery and LeSean McCoy. His performance earned him MVP chants and a well-deserved spotlight as Philadelphia marches to New Orleans.
Commanders’ Offense: Jayden Daniels Shines Amid Chaos
Washington’s rookie sensation, Jayden Daniels, faced the NFL’s top-ranked defense and didn’t blink. He completed 29 of 48 passes for 255 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. Daniels also led the team with 48 rushing yards on six carries, including a dazzling 19-yard touchdown scamper that showcased his elusiveness. His 822 postseason passing yards set a franchise record, surpassing Joe Theismann, and marked the most by a rookie in NFL playoff history.
Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin for a 36-yard touchdown in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to 14-12. He leaned heavily on tight end Zach Ertz, who caught 11 passes for 104 yards on 15 targets against his former team. McLaurin finished with three grabs for 51 yards, while Dyami Brown added four catches for 42 yards before a costly fumble. Daniels kept drives alive with his legs and arm, converting three fourth downs, but four turnovers—including his late interception—doomed Washington’s chances.
Running back Brian Robinson Jr. managed 31 yards on eight carries, while Austin Ekeler coughed up a fumble that led to seven Eagles points. Daniels’ heroics kept the Commanders competitive early, but the rookie couldn’t overcome his team’s mistakes against a relentless Philly squad.
Eagles’ Defense: Turnovers Tell the Story
Philadelphia’s defense, ranked first in the league, didn’t dominate in yards allowed but feasted on Washington’s errors. They forced four turnovers—three fumbles and one interception—turning each into touchdowns. Linebacker Zack Baun punched the ball loose from Dyami Brown in the first quarter, setting up Barkley’s second score. Safety Reed Blankenship recovered a Jeremy McNichols fumble on a kickoff return, leading to another quick seven points.
In the third quarter, cornerback Josh Jobe pounced on an Ekeler fumble, sparking a drive that ended with Hurts’ third rushing touchdown. Late in the game, C.J. Gardner-Johnson picked off Daniels in the end zone, snuffing out Washington’s final gasp. Edge rusher Nolan Smith sealed the deal with a fourth-down sack on Daniels, finishing with five tackles and a quarterback hit.
The Eagles surrendered 350 total yards, including 251 through the air, but their knack for big plays flipped the script. They sacked Daniels three times, with Jalen Carter and Josh Sweat collapsing the pocket. This unit’s ability to capitalize on mistakes propelled Philadelphia to a record-setting 55 points—the most ever in a conference championship game.
Commanders’ Defense: Overwhelmed and Outmatched
Washington’s defense, which ranked fifth against the run, crumbled under Philadelphia’s onslaught. They allowed 229 rushing yards, including six rushing touchdowns—the most since the 1940 Bears hung 73 on them. Barkley and Hurts carved up the unit, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. The absence of defensive tackle Daron Payne, sidelined with knee and finger injuries, left a gaping hole up front.
Linebacker Frankie Luvu led with eight tackles and a pass breakup, but he couldn’t slow the Eagles’ ground attack. Bobby Wagner added seven stops, while rookie Jer’Zhan Newton notched a sack and six tackles. The secondary struggled, too, as Hurts picked apart zones and exploited mismatches. Cornerback Mike Sainristil’s unnecessary roughness penalty late in the first half gave Philly a two-point try, though it failed.
Washington’s defense forced no turnovers and couldn’t generate consistent pressure, recording just one sack. Philadelphia’s 459 total yards exposed gaps that the Commanders must address in the offseason.
Special Teams: A Mixed Bag
The Eagles’ special teams unit played a supporting role in the rout. Kicker Jake Elliott missed a 54-yard field goal in the first half but nailed all seven extra points. Punter Braden Mann averaged 43 yards on two boots, pinning Washington deep once. Return man Britain Covey gained 22 yards on a punt return, setting up decent field position.
For Washington, kicker Zane Gonzalez went 3-for-3 on extra points and made a 42-yard field goal to open the scoring. Punter Tress Way pulled off a 23-yard fake punt pass to Ben Sinnott, sparking a drive that kept them in the game early. However, Jeremy McNichols’ fumble on a kickoff return handed Philly a golden opportunity they didn’t waste.
FAQs:
How did Saquon Barkley perform in the NFC Championship game?
Saquon Barkley ran wild, piling up 118 yards on 15 carries and scoring three touchdowns. He averaged 7.9 yards per carry, with a 60-yard burst on his first touch setting the tone. His performance pushed him to third on the Eagles’ all-time playoff rushing list with 438 yards.
What were Jalen Hurts’ stats against the Commanders?
Wombwell Jalen Hurts dominated, completing 20 of 28 passes for 246 yards and one touchdown. He also ran six times for 14 yards and three touchdowns, tying a playoff record for quarterbacks. His dual-threat brilliance kept Washington’s defense on its heels all game.
How did Jayden Daniels fare as a rookie in the playoffs?
Memphis Jayden Daniels dazzled, throwing for 255 yards on 29-of-48 passing with one touchdown and one interception. He added 48 rushing yards and a touchdown on six carries, setting a franchise postseason passing record with 822 yards. He fell just short of becoming the first rookie QB to reach the Super Bowl.
To read more, Click Here