Nick Sirianni’s Gamble Backfires: Eagles Tumble to No. 3 Seed in NFC Playoffs

Key Takeaways

• Eagles coach Nick Sirianni’s decision to rest starters backfired
• The Commanders upset the Eagles 24-17 to secure the victory
• The Eagles drop to the No. 3 seed in the NFC

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HILADELPHIA — A calculated risk by Eagles coach Nick Sirianni, aiming to keep his superstar players healthy for the postseason, resulted in an unexpected setback as the Philadelphia Eagles slipped to the No. 3 seed in the NFC after a 24-17 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

Sirianni’s Risky Decision

“I knew this was an outcome that these things could happen. I couldn’t guarantee them anything else. Being healthy and going into the playoffs healthy is a big deal for us.”

Nick Sirianni, Eagles head coach

Sirianni’s decision to bench key players like Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and Dallas Goedert backfired as his backup plan failed to execute against the visiting Commanders.

The Commanders Upset the Eagles

Thanks to a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns from backup quarterback Josh Johnson, the Commanders secured their only win of the season against an Eagles team they had to beat to clinch the NFC East title. Johnson rushed in the go-ahead score from one yard out and tossed a two-yard pass to John Bates to rally Washington from a 17-10 deficit.

Eagles’ Postseason Hopes Dim

The Eagles (11-6) will now open their playoff run at home next weekend against the San Francisco 49ers instead of earning the No. 2 seed and two potential home games. They must now win three consecutive road games, including a divisional-round game at Chicago, to recapture the Super Bowl title.

Smith Hits 1,000-Yard Mark

One bright spot for the Eagles was DeVonta Smith surpassing the 1,000-yard receiving mark in his third season. Smith had 52 yards before being pulled from the game after catching three passes.

Looking Ahead

The Eagles must now refocus and prepare for their wildcard matchup against the 49ers, while the Commanders are set for a top-10 draft pick after ending their season on a high note.

Eagles Remain Confident

“It’s valuable because you get an extra week to get your body together, especially if you’ve been dealing with some stuff. Now it don’t matter. We’ve got to try and go win every game. First one at home, take care of business and on to the next.”

Brandon Graham, Eagles defensive end

Injuries and Next Game

• Eagles: RB Jason Huntley (ankle/knee) and TE Grant Calcaterra (ankle/knee) left the game, while OL Brandon Toth was evaluated for a concussion.
• Up next: The Eagles host the San Francisco 49ers in the wildcard round of the playoffs.

The Eagles’ loss was their first at home this season, with a 7-1 record entering Sunday’s game.

With a home wildcard game, the Eagles’ odds to won the Super Bowl have slightly improved, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.