It's the most important game of the year for the Washington Commanders (7-3), who face the Philadelphia Eagles (7-2) for first place in the NFC East on this week's edition of Thursday Night Football.
Washington led the NFC East for most of the season until Sunday's heartbreaking 28-27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Meanwhile, the Eagles won their fifth straight game, defeating the Dallas Cowboys to move a half game ahead of the Commanders.
Philadelphia looks a lot different than it did last season, largely due to the addition of running back Saquon Barkley and new coordinators (OC Kellen Moore and DC Vic Fangio). Of course, Washington looks a lot different than the version the Eagles are used to, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Here are five Philadelphia players you should know before Thursday night.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) looks for a receiver against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory attribution: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The way Jalen Hurts played last season had Philadelphia fans wondering if GM Howie Roseman made a mistake in extending his contract. However, with Moore leading the offense and Barkley in the backfield, Hurts looks much more comfortable and efficient. Washington head coach Dan Quinn knows all about Hurts from his time in Dallas and understands better than anyone that to contain Hurts, you have to keep him in the pocket. Although he can beat you out of the pocket, he is more dangerous when he is a runner and passer.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) jumps with the ball over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones (22) in the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory attribution: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Commanders know Barkley well from his six seasons with the Giants. He had some big games against the Commanders. Barkley has rushed for 794 yards in nine games against Washington, but is also dangerous as a receiver, with 39 receptions and eight total touchdowns. Barkley has never played behind an offensive line like Philadelphia's and is on pace to have a career year. He is the Eagles' MVP. Here's an interesting stat about Barkley: In six games against the Cowboys when Quinn was the defensive coordinator, Barkley averaged just 49.3 yards per game.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown (11) scores a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Unfortunately for the Commanders, Brown is healthy and back on the field. Brown was slowed at times by an injury but is healthy for Thursday. In four career games against Washington, Brown is averaging six receptions, 99 yards and five touchdown receptions. When he's healthy, the Eagles are a top-five receiver, but when Brown is on the field, they're much more dangerous. Washington hoped to have the newly acquired Marshon Lattimore on the field to keep up with Brown.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory attribution: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
In his second season, Carter has shown signs of dominance, and there are more every week. While he hasn't yet developed into the game-winning force many believe he will eventually become, his film against Dallas last week was outstanding. Carter is a handful and will struggle with the run and the pass. The commanders had trouble with Cameron Heyward last week. Carter is younger and more talented, but he doesn't yet have Heyward's motor and consistent effort. He is a matchup problem
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory attribution: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The cornerback position has been a problem for the Eagles for years. So in the 2024 NFL Draft, Philly doubled down, selecting Quinyon Mitchell in the first round and Cooper DeJean in the second round. Mitchell has been excellent over the last five weeks and should see plenty of Terry McLaurin on Sunday. While the jury is out on DeJean, it looks like the Eagles hit a home run with Mitchell.
