It was close for a quarter. After that, things went about as expected for a team down a combined 20-plus coaches and players due to COVID-19. The healthy Philadelphia Eagles team quite literally ran all over the Washington Football Team and came away with a 27-17 victory.
Despite Washington jumping out to a 10-point lead, they had no answer for the Eagles ground game. Running Backs Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard, along with quarterback Jalen Hurts, teamed up to gash Washington for over 200-yards rushing. In fact, it’s the seventh consecutive game that the Eagles have rushed for more than 175 yards rushing. That hasn’t happened in the NFL for more than 35 years. The 1985 Chicago Bears were the last team to do so.
Gilbert’s Guts
Garrett Gilbert made the emergency start at quarterback for Washington, and did about as much as you can ask, given the situation. For a guy that only arrived Friday morning, he put on a courageous display. Especially given that the offensive line in front of him was patchwork, and didn’t protect him all that well.
His pocket was collapsing all game long.
Gilbert finished 20 of 31 for 194 yards passing. He stood in the pocket time after time. He extended plays and gave Washington a chance despite the enormous odds.
He played with “testicular fortitude.”
Clawing Back?
Washington did make a game of it early in the fourth quarter. They were aided by a pass interference call, but put together a solid drive nevertheless. Jaret Patterson scored his first NFL touchdown, and the Football Team were within three with plenty of time remaining.
But Washington couldn’t make the defensive stand they needed to. The Eagles marched down the field on the ensuing drive, and Jalen Hurts hit Greg Ward to re-establish the 10-point lead at 27-17.
What’s Next
The loss drastically hinders Washington’s playoff aspirations. At 6-8, they are currently on the outside looking in. They would ostensibly need to win their three remaining games to have a chance of getting the Wild Card.
That’s a tall order with division-leading Dallas up next, and Washington’s line-up as decimated as it currently is.
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