NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia Eagles’ 10-game winning streak is over thanks to a defeat by the Washington Commanders. As good as the Commanders played, the Eagles beat themselves in this game more than once. But let that be a lesson learned. Sure-handed DeVonta Smith dropped a crucial third-down catch, and the defense forgot who they were for three quarters.
No one should have expected this to be a blowout, but it was heading in that direction in the first quarter. The Eagles found a groove, but then Jalen Hurts went down, and Kenny Pickett came in. While he played decently, he showed why he’s a backup. But what did fans expect? Pickett didn’t take first-team reps; he came in cold and did what he could. It wasn’t his fault that receivers dropped passes and the defense forgot how to tackle or play coverage.
Just two weeks removed from receivers crying about not getting the ball, a player like Smith cannot afford to drop any passes, especially when the game is on the line. One catch and the game is over. It was like Week 2 all over again against the Atlanta Falcons when Saquon Barkley had a chance to ice the game but could not come down with the catch. This time, it was Smith who sold his team out.
Even so, the defense had the game in their hands with little time on the clock and they let a rookie QB lead his team down the field for the game-winning TD. This was not the same Eagles defense we’ve seen all season. Once again, this was a mirror game of the Falcons’ loss.
Let this be a learning experience for the Philadelphia Eagles. Let this be a reason to look at the foundation that the Kansas City Chiefs and even the Detroit Lions have set. In some games, the offense isn’t clicking. In some games, the defense isn’t clicking. This is what the Eagles went through against the Commanders. The offense, despite losing their starting QB still found a way to put up 33 points. However, that vaunted defense gave up 36.
DeVonta Smith cost the Philadelphia Eagles the game but the defense is just as much to blame for this loss than anyone involved. The Commanders are fighting for a playoff spot and entered the game hungry for various reasons. The Eagles were in a dogfight for the No. 1 seed and had a reason to put their best foot forward for various reasons. Did the best team win? No. The team who made the plays when it mattered most won.
