Not since 1972 has an NFL staff accomplished a season with out struggling a loss. That reign continues because the Washington Commanders have a good time an underdog win towards the now-broken Philadelphia Eagles in Monday Night time Soccer.
Washington beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh after they had been 11-0 in 2020. Now, they beat the Eagles after they had been 8-0.
Whereas the NFC East-leading Eagles fell to 8-1 with the decisive 32-21 loss, the Commanders improved to 5-5. They’re now in an actual place to struggle for a wild card spot within the postseason.
Commanders Carry The Axes
The Eagles took a 14-7 lead late within the first quarter when Hurts hit tight finish Dallas Goedert for a landing. That’s when the Commanders got here alive.
The Commanders counted on QB Taylor Heinicke, and his return to the beginning lineup has breathed life into this staff. Washington has gone from a staff that trudges by means of each recreation to a synchronized machine that performs with ardour and the boldness that they’ll win.
Whereas his numbers on Monday aren’t overwhelming, 17 for 29 for 211 plus an interception, Heinicke was on course when it counted. After the Eagles compelled a turnover that led to a TD simply minutes into the sport, the QB stayed on level till the Commanders’ final drive.
Realizing the Eagles had been with out rookie defensive deal with Jordan Davis, the Commanders targeted on the bottom recreation. The operating again duo of Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson mixed for 130 speeding yards on 40 carries, together with two journeys to the tip zone.
Washington completed the sport with 152 speeding yards. The Commanders additionally managed the clock, racking up over 40 minutes of possession to the Eagles’ 19 minutes.
As the sport progressed, the 14-7 deficit was a 23-14 lead thanks, partly, to the proper purpose of Joey Slye (and maybe a couple of missed penalties). All through the competition, he made kicking discipline objectives appear to be little one’s play, nailing a career-high 58-yarder and including a 55-yard bomb that break up the uprights.
The Eagles mounted a return that introduced them to inside two factors. The Washington protection did its job, although. It picked off gamers, compelled QB Jalen Hurts out of the pocket and by no means let up. The Commanders punctuated the efficiency by selecting off a determined Eagles offense as time expired and hitting the tip zone for one more six.
Greatest Upset Of the Yr
The Eagles had been 11-point favorites going into the sport, the third time this season they’ve had a double-digit benefit. After underdogs proceed to attain large wins this season, maybe it’s time to regulate the mathematics.
BetMGM and Caesars had the Commanders at +400 to win final night time, which implies they stood to make critical losses. Caesars reported {that a} bettor put down over $15,000 on the moneyline, which resulted in a win of $62,400.
Nonetheless, a lot of the cash went on the Eagles to win, and rightfully so. Hurts was 4-0 straight up as a starter when Philadelphia had a line of 10 factors or extra. Subsequently, after somebody at BetMGM wagered $331K on the Eagles, the sportsbook breathed a sigh of aid and thanked them for his or her enterprise.
The Commanders subsequent face the Houston Texans, who sit on the backside of the AFC together with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Eagles will face the Indianapolis Colts as they appear to avenge yesterday’s loss.