The Philadelphia Eagles host the Washington Commanders at 3 pm on Sunday, 26 January. This game will be the NFC Championship game for the right to go to the Super Bowl. Right now, Philadelphia is a 5.5-point favorite in this game, though the Eagles and Commanders have split two previous matchups this season. Coming from the same division, they are familiar foes, and familiarity breeds contempt. The two teams last played each other in the playoffs in 1990. But the Commanders, led by superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels, can win this game despite the Eagles being favored. This is must-see television. Will you watch?
Washington Commanders Keys to Victory
The Commanders played well this season because of the play of their rookie quarterback, Daniels. He is just the sixth rookie in league history to lead his team to a Championship game. If he continues playing lights out, the Commanders may upset the Eagles. Washington wide receivers Dyami Brown and Terry McLaurin, a Buckeye, are two of the leading receivers left in the NFL playoffs. It would also be helpful if they could rush the football. Austin Eckler, being healthy, is important for opening up the playbook. The Washington defense must play well and control the explosive Philadelphia offense, especially running back Saquon Barkley.
The Commanders must avoid turnovers. So far in the playoffs, they have done that. As the road underdog, they need to keep that trend up. Shortening the game by running the ball is important, but Daniels has been so explosive he could beat the Eagles all by himself.
Washington’s Important Players
For the Commanders, it all starts and ends with quarterback Daniels. He is playing great, and Washington will need him to continue to play well if they are to win in Philadelphia. The wide receiver tandem of Brown and McLaurin must continue to make big plays. And Daniels has the ability to extend plays against the Eagles’ defense.
Washington also needs to control the ball by rushing it. So, Washington’s Brian Robinson Jr. and Ekeler need good games for the Commanders to have a chance. The team’s defense needs to play well and get off the field against an Eagles team that is good on offense. The Washington defense also needs to limit Barkley. It will be imperative for them to limit penalties and turnovers as the road underdog. Thus, every player on the Commanders’ roster is important.
Philadelphia Eagles Keys to Victory
The Eagles are home favorites and should have a great chance to win if they do not hurt themselves with penalties and turnovers. Running the ball is particularly important to Philadelphia. The so-called ‘brotherly shove‘ is important for the Eagles to convert short-yardage situations and stay on the field.
On defense, the Eagles must contain Daniels and stop the run. It would help to get a big play on special teams.
Philadelphia Eagles Important Players
The most important player for the team is Barkley. He has had his way with Washington. He is averaging about 137 scrimmage yards per game against the Commanders. The only player to average more scrimmage yards against a single opponent in NFL history is Hall of Famer Jim Brown. Also important for Philadelphia is quarterback Jalen Hurts. He is a dual-threat quarterback who also has the capability to extend plays.
Philadelphia should try to hit some big plays to its wide receivers. The Eagles’ defense needs to play well and contain Daniels. Who should they spy on?
Conclusion
The NFC championship game is steeped in history, and the teams know each other as divisional foes. Because of this, the game is likely to be hard-fought. Familiarity not only breeds contempt, it breeds close contests. This game is for a birth in the Super Bowl on February 9.
