The Philadelphia Eagles continued their winning streak on Thursday night, defeating the Washington Commanders 26-18 to notch their eighth win of the season. Leading the charge was running back Saquon Barkley, who put on a masterclass performance with 198 total yards and two touchdowns, further solidifying his impact in his first season with the Eagles.
Barkley, 27, has been a game-changer since joining Philadelphia. With this game, he recorded his sixth 100+ rushing yard performance of the season, accumulating 146 yards on 26 carries. The running back also boasts 10 touchdowns this year, including four games with at least two scores a career highlight.
Thursday’s performance showcased Barkley’s consistency and explosiveness, with both touchdowns coming in a second-half surge that saw the Eagles score 23 unanswered points to take control of the game.
Youth vs. experience: quarterbacks duel in NFC east showdown
The game featured a compelling battle between quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and rookie Jayden Daniels. Hurts led the Eagles with 221 passing yards, completing 18 of 28 attempts and managing the game effectively. On the other side, Daniels, in his first NFL season, finished with 191 passing yards and a touchdown but also threw his third interception of the year, a costly mistake that shifted momentum.
Washington started strong, with Brian Robinson scoring on a one-yard rush in the first quarter and Zane Gonzlez adding a 45-yard field goal early in the third. However, the Commanders were unable to hold off the Eagles‘ second-half rally, sparked by Barkley’s explosive plays and a suffocating defensive effort.
Eagles tighten grip on NFC East lead
With this win, the Eagles extended their winning streak to six games, maintaining their position atop the NFC East standings with an 8-2 record. The victory holds significant weight, as it came against a direct division rival, the Commanders, who now sit at 7-4.
Barkley’s stellar season has been a cornerstone of Philadelphia‘s success, and Thursday’s game was another reminder of his elite talent. As the Eagles push toward the playoffs, Barkley’s ability to dominate on the ground could be the key to achieving their championship aspirations.