Dec 21, 2024
PHILADELPHIA — The NFC East title is on the line Sunday in Washington (1 p.m., FOX, 94.1-WIP FM). With a win, the Birds would take it. The Eagles, after fans panicked during a 2-2 start, have won 10 in a row. Washington, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, started the season 8-2 but has fallen back to earth with a thud. Still, the recently up-and-down Commanders are in the mix for the playoffs. “We are going about our business to try to win this football game,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said. “We know what it means if we win this football game. But our goal is just to continue to get better each and every week, focus on the things that we can control. “Just like when we made the playoffs, we said, ‘All right, congratulations,’” he said. “That’s as long as it lasted. ‘Let’s go and see how we can get better from this.’ And it will be the same conversation. We’ll congratulate each other when we have that opportunity to do so, and then we’ll move on and then get better.” Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, who had eight receptions, including a touchdown, against Pittsburgh, injured his knee in practice this week and was limited on Friday, but he told the media he’d be on the field. “I’m playing,” Brown said. “I was fine after the (Steelers) game, and the next day, and fine the day after that. It just kind of comes with the game. I guess, over a period of time, stuff like that starts to happen. You find a way to get through it. I’ve played through stuff. Nobody’s healthy this time of year, so it is what it is.” Safety Sydney Brown (concussion) is questionable. Edge-rusher Bryce Huff (wrist), who returned to practice from injured reserve, has been ruled out, as has receiver/punt-returner Britain Covey (neck). For the Commanders, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (pectoral) is out, despite his practice window being opened from IR. Former Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (concussion/shoulder) and safety Jermy Chinn (concussion) is questionable. The Eagles head into D.C. with the top defense in the league in most major categories, including yards per game (239.5), passing (147.9 ypg), points (15.1 ppg), sacks (33) and forced fumbles (12). Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, at age 66, is the older DCs in the league, yet seems to have no problem relating to young players. “I think the thing is, with highly motivated players like we have, the thirst for knowledge is huge,” Sirianni said. “These guys are motivated. They see that Vic can help them get better, and that’s where a relationship can start. “Vic has done a great job connecting with our guys, putting our guys in positions to succeed, helping our guys play well,” he said. “Our guys have played well, so it’s a true group effort. Like I said, can’t say enough good things about Vic and all the things that he’s brought to our football team and the way he’s leading our defense.” The Commanders rank fifth in the NFL in total offense, including third in rushing (155.5 ypg). Their defense has been stellar against the passing game but has struggled against the run. The Birds could return to relying on Saquon Barkley, who rested much of the week but is listed as healthy after getting banged-up against the Steelers. *** This is the first time in franchise history that the Eagles have won 10 straight games, which is also the longest winning streak of any NFL team this season. … The Eagles are in the top six in the league in both total offense and total defense. … Since Week 8, the Birds have scored 60 points off of turnovers. … Defensive tackle Jalen Carter and linebackers Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean rank in the top three at their positions in several statistical categories. … FOX’s broadcast team will be Joe Davis, Greg Olsen and Pam Oliver. —— Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc.
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