There is nothing more satisfying than knocking a hated rival out of any chance to reach the postseason. That is precisely what happened to the Philadelphia Eagles with their victory over the Washington Commanders, a divisional opponent, a result that officially eliminated the Dallas Cowboys from playoff contention. For Philadelphia, the outcome carried extra weight, as it closed the door on Dallas while strengthening their own position in the standings.
However, inside the Eagles’ camp, the mood was not entirely celebratory. Despite delivering a strong performance against the Commanders, whom they defeated 29-18, the win did not leave everyone fully content. Star running back Saquon Barkley finished the night visibly frustrated by a decision made by head coach Nick Sirianni, a choice that sparked tension late in the game and ultimately overshadowed the result.
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We got to be better, obviously we got to take care of each other. That’s a brotherhood, on their side and our side. Just to say you’re a tough guy, it’s not really worth it. And you lose a lot of money too. So we got to be better there, but I guess it was a theme,” Barkley said and added. “But this team don’t like us, this is the truth, and we don’t like them either. But we got to keep it football.
Those words point to a single message: Barkley wants unity and discipline within the team. His comments came in response to the scuffle that broke out in the final quarter, moments after the Eagles converted a two-point attempt with just 4:26 remaining on the clock. What could have been a routine ending instead turned into a flashpoint.
Several Washington players felt offended by the decision to go for two points in that situation, interpreting it as unnecessary and disrespectful. Emotions were already running high, and the call proved to be the final spark that ignited a heated confrontation between both sides.
Barkley rushed in to defend his teammate, left tackle Jordan Mailata, but ended up getting pulled into the altercation himself. The chaos resulted in a flurry of penalty flags, and the incident concluded with Javon Kinlaw, safety Quan Martin, and guard Tyler Steen being ejected from the game.
A sign of disrespect by Nick Sirianni toward the Commanders
As divisional rivals, the history between these franchises is long and complicated. They do not like each other, and that animosity has been built over years of bitter encounters. It is worth recalling the 2024 NFC Championship Game, when a 55-point differential, the largest in conference history, sent the Eagles on their way to a Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now, in Week 16 of the 2025 season, another chapter was added. Sirianni chose to send his best rushing weapon onto the field to attempt a two-point conversion following a touchdown by Tanks Bigsby, even though the game was already firmly in hand.
For Washington, the perceived disrespect came from trying that play with so little time left and the outcome virtually decided. After the points were scored, frustration boiled over, fists were thrown, and the Commanders’ anger became unmistakable.
Washington endured a disastrous season and did not want that reality rubbed in its face. Now, their focus shifts to closing the year with dignity and attempting to correct course heading into the 2026 season.
