The Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles delivered two of the 2024-25 NFL season’s most statistically dramatic matchups, with player performances dictating both outcomes. Through passing yards, rushing touchdowns, and turnover differential, this rivalry revealed its strategic soul. Here’s a deep dive into the individual and unit stats that defined these battles.
Quarterback Showdown: Dual-Threat Dominance
Jayden Daniels (Commanders): In Washington’s December 36-33 comeback win, Daniels showcased elite red zone efficiency, throwing 4 TD passes—including the game-winner to Jamison Crowder with seconds left. His 11-play, 61-yard drive epitomized fourth-quarter performance, backed by 278 passing yards and 3 TDs in the final quarter alone.
Jalen Hurts (Eagles): January’s 55-23 Eagles victory highlighted Hurts’ versatility: 246 passing yards (71.4% completion), 1 TD pass, and 3 rushing touchdowns. His 9-yard scramble in the third quarter crushed Washington’s momentum.
Running Backs: Efficiency and Explosiveness
Philadelphia’s ground game proved unstoppable in their January rout:
- Saquon Barkley: Averaged 7.9 yards per carry across both games, highlighted by a 60-yard TD on Philadelphia’s first offensive snap in January. His 118 rushing yards and 3 TDs that day exemplified yards-per-carry impact.
- Brian Robinson Jr. (Commanders): Struggled in January (3.3 avg) but was pivotal in December’s win, converting critical third downs to sustain scoring drives.
Receiving Corps: Clutch Catches and Yards After Contact
- Commanders’ WR Group: Terry McLaurin’s 36-yard touchdown reception in January and 32-yard score in December showcased his receiving prowess. Olamide Zaccheaus’ two fourth-quarter TDs (including a 49-yarder) fueled Washington’s December comeback.
- Eagles’ Tight End Impact: Dallas Goedert’s 7 receptions for 85 yards in January provided essential chain-moving third-down conversions. A.J. Brown added 96 receiving yards and a TD in the same game.
Defensive and Special Teams: The Turnover Tides
Turnovers decided both games:
- December: Eagles’ 5 turnovers (including 2 fumbles by A.J. Brown) gifted Washington short fields. The Commanders converted these into 17 points.
- January: Commanders’ 4 turnovers (3 lost fumbles) led to 21 Eagles points. Zack Baun’s forced fumble and recovery epitomized Philadelphia’s situational defense.
Kicking: Jake Elliott’s 50-yard FG for Philadelphia in December contrasted with Zane Gonzalez’s perfect 3/3 FGs for Washington in January, highlighting field goal accuracy under pressure.
Game-Changing Plays: The Hidden Metrics
- Red Zone Efficiency: Eagles scored TDs on 5 of 6 red zone trips in January (83%), while Washington settled for field goals twice in their December win.
- Third-Down Conversions: Philadelphia’s 72-yard, 12-play TD drive in December’s second quarter succeeded via 4 straight third-down conversions—a key advanced metric.
Statistical Comparison: Key Players Across Both Games
| Player | Team | Dec 22 Stats | Jan 26 Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jayden Daniels (QB) | Commanders | 4 TD passes, 278 pass yards | 1 TD, 1 INT, 48 rush yards |
| Saquon Barkley (RB) | Eagles | 2 TD, 70+ yard rush | 3 TD, 118 rush yards |
| Terry McLaurin (WR) | Commanders | 32-yard TD catch | 36-yard TD catch |
| Fletcher Cox (DT) | Eagles | 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble | 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss |
Conclusion:
These matchups revealed how passing accuracy, rushing efficiency, and turnover differential transcend raw yardage. Washington’s December win leaned on Daniels’ quarterback rating in clutch moments, while Philadelphia’s January dominance emerged from Barkley’s yards per carry and Hurts’ scoring drives. For fans and analysts, these games underscored that in football, advanced metrics like red zone efficiency and third-down success aren’t just numbers—they’re the language of triumph.