Watching the Philadelphia Eagles face off against the Washington Commanders on the 22nd of December 2024 was more than just another late-season NFL game.
As someone who has followed both teams for years, it was clear from the opening minutes that this Week 16 matchup would be etched into memory for a long time.
Played under the floodlights at Northwest Stadium, in front of 64,128 roaring fans, this clash had everything explosive plays, momentum swings, and individual brilliance.
What made it even more thrilling was the sheer unpredictability of it all. The Eagles raced ahead, but the Commanders, led by a fearless rookie quarterback, clawed their way back. The game was a showcase of elite-level football with top-tier player performances, dramatic shifts in tempo, and a nail-biting finish.
Let’s delve into the full match statistics, break down key performances, and analyse how the Washington Commanders edged out the Philadelphia Eagles with a 36-33 win, ending the Eagles’ impressive 10-game winning streak.
How Did the Game Unfold Between the Eagles and Commanders?
The game started at a blistering pace. Within the first seven minutes, the Eagles were already ahead by 14 points, asserting dominance early. Saquon Barkley’s 2-yard rush and A.J. Brown’s touchdown reception from Kenny Pickett stunned the Commanders, setting the tone.
But Washington was far from rattled. They answered back with a Jamison Crowder touchdown and eventually trailed just 21-14 at halftime.
The third quarter belonged to the Eagles, with Jake Elliott converting two crucial field goals to stretch their lead to 27-14. However, it was the final quarter that defined the match.
Jayden Daniels engineered a masterful comeback. His two touchdown passes to Olamide Zaccheaus turned the game on its head. Even with the Eagles pushing back through field goals, Daniels’ final touchdown pass to Crowder with just six seconds left, followed by a gutsy two-point conversion, sealed the deal for the Commanders.
Who Were the Standout Performers on Both Sides?
From standout offensive drives to defensive resilience, several players rose above the rest in this clash.
Philadelphia Eagles
- Saquon Barkley: Dominated on the ground with 150 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns from 29 carries.
- A.J. Brown: Remained a top target with 8 receptions for 97 yards and 1 touchdown.
- Nakobe Dean: The linebacker led the team with 12 total tackles, 6 of which were solo.
Washington Commanders
- Jayden Daniels: The rookie QB stole the spotlight with 258 passing yards, 5 touchdowns and 81 rushing yards.
- Olamide Zaccheaus: Was clinical in the red zone with 2 touchdowns from 5 receptions.
- Bobby Wagner: Anchored the defence with 9 total tackles and a solid solo performance.
Each of these players made significant contributions that shifted the momentum and shaped the outcome of the game.
What Impact Did Jayden Daniels’ Performance Have on the Result?
Jayden Daniels delivered a breakout performance when it mattered most. Despite facing early pressure and an initial two-touchdown deficit, he remained composed throughout the game.
Performance Highlights
- 24 completions from 39 attempts
- 258 passing yards
- 5 touchdown passes
- 2 interceptions
- 81 rushing yards on 9 carries
His ability to scramble under pressure extended drives and demoralised the Eagles’ defence. Daniels showed exceptional vision, especially in the fourth quarter, orchestrating drives that led to 22 points. His final touchdown and two-point conversion were a testament to his mental toughness and ability to deliver in clutch moments.
How Did Saquon Barkley’s Rushing Game Shape the Eagles’ Offence?
Saquon Barkley was a standout for the Eagles, giving them a powerful edge in the running game.
Stat Breakdown
| Player | Carries | Rushing Yards | Touchdowns |
| Saquon Barkley | 29 | 150 | 2 |
His explosive 68-yard touchdown run in the first quarter was not only visually impressive but also energised the Eagles and silenced the home crowd.
Barkley consistently picked up yardage, keeping the chains moving and helping Philadelphia dominate time of possession for most of the match.
His presence forced the Commanders’ defence to adjust, opening up play-action opportunities for Pickett.
Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats
This table outlines a comparative look at the key stats from both teams in the match.
Team Performance Comparison
| Category | Eagles (PHI) | Commanders (WSH) |
| Total Yards | 338 | 368 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 5 |
| First Downs | 20 | 23 |
| Penalties | 10-91 | 6-93 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 3/16 | 7/13 |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 2/4 | 3/4 |
| Time of Possession | 36:18 | 23:42 |
Despite the Eagles having more time on the ball and fewer turnovers, the Commanders were more efficient in the red zone and on third downs, which proved crucial.
What Were the Key Scoring Drives That Defined the Match?
The game was filled with memorable drives, but a few stand out due to their timing and impact.
First Quarter
- Barkley’s 2-Yard TD: Opened the scoring.
- Brown’s 4-Yard Reception: Made it 14-0 quickly.
- Barkley’s 68-Yard Run: Electrified the stadium.
Fourth Quarter Turnaround
- Zaccheaus’ 4-Yard TD: Brought the Commanders within six points.
- Zaccheaus’ 49-Yard TD: Took the lead.
- Crowder’s Game-Winning TD: With 6 seconds left, sealed the stunning comeback.
Each of these moments came at critical junctures, either extending leads or swinging momentum.
How Did Each Team Perform in the Red Zone and on Third Downs?
Efficiency in pressure moments often decides close games.
Key Stats
- Eagles Red Zone: 2/4
- Commanders Red Zone: 3/4
- Eagles 3rd Downs: 3/16
- Commanders 3rd Downs: 7/13
The Eagles struggled on third downs, especially in the second half, stalling several promising drives. In contrast, the Commanders consistently converted third downs, allowing them to build momentum, particularly in the fourth quarter.
Which Defensive Players Made the Biggest Impact?
Defensive plays helped keep both sides in contention.
Top Defensive Contributors
| Player | Team | Tackles | Sacks |
| Nakobe Dean | Eagles | 12 | 0 |
| Bobby Wagner | Commanders | 9 | 0 |
| Nolan Smith Jr. | Eagles | 1 | 1 |
| Dante Fowler Jr. | Commanders | 1 | 1 |
Dean’s ability to read the play and Wagner’s leadership were evident throughout. Smith and Fowler added pressure at key moments, disrupting the quarterbacks and closing lanes.
What Do the Team and Player Stats Reveal About the Game’s Outcome?
Though the Eagles led in time of possession and forced more turnovers, the Commanders capitalised better on scoring opportunities. Philadelphia’s inefficiency on third downs and a missed red-zone opportunity proved costly.
Notable Differences
- Eagles had more possession but fewer conversions.
- Commanders had more explosive plays late in the game.
- Daniels was more effective under pressure in the final quarter.
The stats confirm that Washington’s situational execution won them the match.
How Did Special Teams Contribute to the Final Score?
Special teams played a quiet but essential role in this game.
Jake Elliott (Eagles)
- 4 field goals (24, 40, 50, 40 yards)
- Converted all extra points
Elliott kept the Eagles’ scoreboard ticking, particularly in the third and fourth quarters. His 50-yarder was a standout.
Zane Gonzalez (Commanders)
- Converted all extra points
His reliability gave Washington stability, while the final two-point conversion executed by McNichols made all the difference.
What Does This Loss Mean for the Eagles’ Playoff Hopes?
Losing to the Commanders drops the Eagles to a 12-3 record. While still strong, the defeat raises questions about their consistency against high-energy opponents late in games.
2025 NFC East Standings (Post-Game)
| Team | Record | Win % | Points For | Points Against |
| Philadelphia | 12-3 | .800 | 270 | 249 |
| Washington | 10-5 | .667 | 262 | 323 |
The Commanders, now 10-5, gained significant ground. For the Eagles, the loss is a wake-up call. Their playoff future still looks solid, but tightening up defence and third-down execution will be crucial in the post-season.
Conclusion
The clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders delivered every ounce of drama fans hoped for.
From Barkley’s early dominance to Jayden Daniels’ astonishing comeback heroics, the game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts and brilliant plays.
The 36-33 victory not only snapped the Eagles’ 10-game winning streak but also signalled that the Commanders, with a confident young quarterback at the helm, are not to be underestimated. As the playoff picture sharpens, this match will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most thrilling of the 2024 NFL season.
FAQs
What was the final score of the Eagles vs Commanders Week 16 game?
The Washington Commanders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 36-33.
Who was the top performer for the Commanders in the game?
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels stood out with 258 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and 81 rushing yards.
How many touchdowns did Saquon Barkley score?
Saquon Barkley scored 2 rushing touchdowns for the Eagles.
How efficient were the teams on third down conversions?
The Eagles converted 3 of 16, while the Commanders had 7 of 13 third down conversions.
Who made the game-winning play for the Commanders?
Jamison Crowder caught a 9-yard touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels, followed by a successful two-point conversion by McNichols.
What were the total offensive yards for each team?
The Eagles recorded 338 total yards and the Commanders had 368 total yards.
How many turnovers did each team commit?
The Eagles committed 2 turnovers, while the Commanders had 5.
