From the Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/57cakamk
The Eagles have had multiple primetime games, mini-byes, short weeks and just weird, improvised schedules this season.
This week, featuring a 5 p.m. Saturday game in Washington, has brought another.
“That’s life in the NFL, especially for a team that’s had the success that we’ve had,” coach Nick Sirianni said. “We understand that. Like everything, whether you’re on a short week, long week, you have these processes that you go through and you constantly tweak them and try to make — I love our short week schedule right now. I was just saying that to the coaches.
“I don’t want to play 30 of these, but you adapt the schedule and you adapt your process to try to get better each time.”
With a victory over the Commanders (4-10) today, the Eagles (9-5) would become the first team in 21 years to clinch back-to-back NFC East titles. No team has repeated as NFC East champion since Andy Reid’s Eagles won four straight from 2001-04, a stretch that has loomed as a historical oddity in one of the most competitive divisions in the parity-driven modern NFL.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts acknowledged the historical significance this week, even as he stressed the importance of staying grounded.
It would mean a lot,” Hurts said. “Anytime you’re able to accomplish something that hasn’t been done in a long time, that’s special. It’s always been in my mind. But for us, it’s about focusing on the process, taking care of the moment you’re in and doing what’s required to win the game in front of you. Everything else takes care of itself.”
The Eagles arrive in Washington riding their most complete performance of the season, a 31-0 shutout of the Las Vegas Raiders that snapped a three-game losing streak and restored some rhythm on both sides of the ball. Hurts was efficient and decisive, the offense leaned more heavily on under-center looks, and the defense smothered a depleted Raiders lineup from the opening drive.
Running back Saquon Barkley has been at the center of that push. He acknowledged this week that the opportunity to make divisional history has not been lost on the locker room.
“You know what’s at stake,” Barkley said. “These are the games you play for, and you have to be ready to take care of business.”
The Eagles will be without right tackle Lane Johnson (foot) and defensive tackle Jalen Carter (shoulders).
Washington, meanwhile, enters with little to lose. The Commanders have endured a turbulent season marred by injuries. Quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) has been shut down for the season, former Eagles tight end Zach Ertz suffered a torn ACL on Dec. 7, and tackle Laremy Tunsil (oblique) and tight end Colson Yankoff (ankle) have been ruled out.
Former Eagle Marcus Mariota will start at QB for the Commanders.
“I have so much respect for Marcus — the person, first and foremost, the player, the teammate,” Sirianni said. “Marcus was just a great pro, and I’ve just got nothing but the highest amount of respect for him and the things that he’s done in his career. Like I said, top-notch teammate. A lot of respect for Marcus.”
Pregame position grades
Here’s how the teams match up heading into Sunday, based on health and how they’ve been playing recently. Performances will be evaluated postgame.
QB: Eagles A-, Commanders D+
RB: Eagles A-, Commanders C
TE: Eagles A-, Commanders C-
WR: Eagles A, Commanders C
OL: Eagles B+, Commanders B
DL: Eagles A-, Commanders C
LB: Eagles A+, Commanders B
CB/S: Eagles B+, Commanders C-
ST: Eagles B+, Commanders B
On the air
Eagles (9-5) at Commanders (2-14), Today, 5 p.m., Northwest Stadium.
TV: FOX: Joe Davis, Greg Olsen and Pam Oliver.
Radio/streaming: 94.1-FM WIP: Merrill Reese, Mike Quick and Devan Kaney. Tico: Rickie Ricardo, Oscar Budejen and David Gerhardt. Westwood One: Kevin Harlan and Kurt Warner. Westwood One: Scott Graham and Derek Rackley.
Betting odds
Spread: Eagles by 7.
Over/under: 44.5.
Money line: Eagles -345, Commanders +275.
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Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc for the latest updates.