This season, Daniels and the Commanders are a great story, going 7-3 and finding themselves just a half-game out of the lead in the NFC East. But a closer look reveals they have topped exactly one team with a winning record, the Cardinals. They started the season with a blowout loss to the Bucs, and have been beaten by the Ravens and Steelers. Most troubling for this game is their lack of a run defense. The Commanders allow 4.8 yards per carry (28th), ranked 24th in success rate allowed per run, 25th in EPA allowed per carry, and 25th in run stop win rate at ESPN. Over the last three weeks, they’ve allowed over 500 rushing yards to 3 mediocre units (the Bears, Giants, and Steelers). That’s good news for a Philly team that runs the ball more frequently than any other team, (55.01% run-play percentage), and they are top-2 in rush yards and rush TDs per game.
But, the Eagles defense is what has driven their current 5-game winning streak as they have surrendered just 13 ppg in that stretch.
The Washington offense will have their hands full with an Eagles defense that is 2nd in yards per play and 5th in scoring defense. They’ve been even more impressive during their winning streak, giving up just 13 ppg and 3.7 yards per play.
The Commanders may find a little success tonight moving the ball but their defense will not hold up against the relentless Eagles run game. This will be a big game for Barkley and a big game for the Eagles.