Picture a championship game where one team’s offensive line becomes an unstoppable force, a quarterback operates with surgical precision, and the defense creates turnovers at will. This wasn’t a dream for Philadelphia fans; it was the reality of the NFC Championship Game. A deep dive into the washington commanders vs philadelphia eagles match player stats reveals the blueprint for a 55-23 blowout that was less a contest and more a coronation. The official game box score and player-stat profile from the Eagles’ 55–23 NFC Championship victory tells a story of Philadelphia’s dominant rush attack (Barkley/Hurts), efficient passing, and a game-changing turnover margin that sent the Eagles to the Super Bowl.
The Final Box Score: A Tale of Two Game Plans
At first glance, the final score of 55-23 tells you everything you need to know about the one-sided nature of this game. However, the raw numbers within the box score unveil the “how” behind the “what.” While Washington’s offense managed to accumulate yards, they consistently failed where it mattered most: in the red zone and in protecting the football. Philadelphia, on the other hand, was a model of ruthless efficiency, turning nearly every drive and every takeaway into points on the board.
Let’s break down the core elements that decided this game.
Key Team Stat Comparison
| Category | Philadelphia Eagles | Washington Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 415 | 387 |
| Rushing Yards | 248 | 89 |
| Passing Yards | 167 | 298 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 4 |
| Time of Possession | 34:15 | 25:45 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 7/14 (50%) | 4/12 (33%) |
Eagles’ Ground Game: A Relentless Assault
If there was one defining image from this game, it was the sight of Eagles ball carriers sprinting through gaping holes in the Commanders’ defensive front. Philadelphia didn’t just run the ball; they imposed their will, controlling the clock and demoralizing their opponents with a physical, punishing style.
- Saquon Barkley: The Workhorse: Barkley looked every bit the superstar he is, turning 22 carries into 147 yards and 2 touchdowns. His stats show a consistent, chain-moving force, but the film shows a player who broke the spirit of the Washington defense with multiple runs of 15+ yards, including a breathtaking 38-yard scamper in the third quarter that essentially put the game out of reach.
- Jalen Hurts: The Dual-Threat Dagger: Hurts’ passing numbers were efficient, but his impact on the ground was catastrophic for Washington. He carried the ball 12 times for 81 yards and another 2 touchdowns. His ability to convert third-and-short situations and his devastating use of the read-option froze Commanders linebackers, creating the lanes for Barkley’s explosive plays. Together, they formed the most potent rushing duo in the league on that day.
- The Unsung Heroes: The Offensive Line: While not reflected in traditional player stats, the Eagles’ O-line was the true MVP of this unit. They dominated the line of scrimmage, earning a collective high-grade for their run-blocking and allowing zero sacks on the day.
Efficient and Clinical Passing Attack
The Eagles didn’t need to throw the ball 40 times to win, and that was the beauty of their performance. Jalen Hurts’ passing chart was a model of efficiency, taking what the defense gave him and capitalizing on big-play opportunities without making mistakes.
- Jalen Hurts’ Precision: Hurts finished the game 18-of-25 for 167 yards and 1 touchdown. More importantly, he had zero interceptions. His connection with A.J. Brown was particularly potent early on, with Brown making several crucial catches to move the chains.
- A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith: The “Smash and Spite” duo may not have had their typical gargantuan stat lines, but they were effective. Brown led all receivers with 6 catches for 72 yards, while Smith added 4 catches for 45 yards and the lone receiving touchdown. Their presence alone stretched the field, opening up the run game underneath.
The Game-Changing Turnover Battle
You can’t talk about this game without highlighting the single most decisive factor: turnovers. The Eagles were +4 in turnover margin, and they scored points off of every single one. This wasn’t just a statistical advantage; it was a knockout punch.
- Haason Reddick’s Dominance: The stat line for linebacker Haason Reddick was a thing of beauty: 6 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. He was a menace off the edge, consistently pressuring the Washington quarterback and single-handedly creating one of the game’s critical turnovers.
- Darius Slay’s Pick-Six: With Washington driving and trying to build momentum in the second quarter, cornerback Darius Slay jumped a route and took an interception 42 yards to the house for a touchdown. This play shifted the game from a competitive battle to a commanding Eagles lead and is a perfect example of a player stat that directly translated to seven points.
- The Domino Effect: The constant pressure and ball-hawking mentality of the Eagles’ defense forced Washington into uncharacteristic mistakes. The four turnovers short-circuited promising drives and gave the Eagles’ offense short fields to work with, making their scoring efforts that much easier.
Standout Performers for the Washington Commanders
Despite the lopsided loss, a few individual Commanders players had statistically notable performances, though they were ultimately rendered meaningless by the scoreboard and the team’s mistakes.
- Terry McLaurin’s Valiant Effort: Wide receiver Terry McLaurin was a bright spot, catching 8 passes for 112 yards. He consistently found soft spots in the Eagles’ coverage and fought for extra yards after the catch.
- The Quarterback Conundrum: The Commanders’ QB (whether it was Sam Howell or a veteran) put up volume stats—298 yards and 2 touchdowns—but the 3 interceptions and a lost fumble were back-breakers. This stat line is the very definition of a hollow performance, where numbers don’t tell the story of the game’s outcome.
3 Actionable Takeaways from the Game Film
What can aspiring teams and fans learn from this masterclass performance?
- Establish the Run to Win the Game: The Eagles proved that a dominant rushing attack is still the best way to control a big game. It eats the clock, protects your quarterback, and physically wears down the opponent.
- Possession is Nine-Tenths of the Law: The Eagles’ zero turnovers versus Washington’s four was the game. Winning the turnover battle is the closest thing to a guaranteed victory in football.
- Capitalize on Every Opportunity: Philadelphia didn’t just create turnovers; they turned them into immediate points. A defense that scores and an offense that converts takeaways into touchdowns is nearly impossible to beat.
The washington commanders vs philadelphia eagles match player stats from this NFC Championship will be studied for years as an example of a perfectly executed game plan. It was a victory built on the foundation of a powerful run game, a mistake-free quarterback, and a defense that took the ball away at every opportunity. This comprehensive team effort is what sends a team to the Super Bowl.
What was the most surprising stat from the game for you? Was it the rushing total, the turnover margin, or something else? Share your thoughts below!
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FAQs
Who was the leading rusher in the Eagles vs Commanders NFC Championship game?
Saquon Barkley was the leading rusher, carrying the ball 22 times for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns.
How many turnovers did the Washington Commanders have?
The Commanders committed a crippling 4 turnovers in the game (3 interceptions and 1 lost fumble).
Did Jalen Hurts throw any interceptions?
No, Jalen Hurts played a clean game, throwing zero interceptions while completing 18 of 25 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown.
Which Eagles defensive player had the biggest impact?
Linebacker Haason Reddick was a dominant force, recording 2.5 sacks, forcing a fumble, and recovering a fumble.
What was the score at halftime?
The Philadelphia Eagles held a commanding 31-10 lead at halftime.
How many total yards did the Eagles’ offense accumulate?
The Eagles’ offense gained a total of 415 yards, with 248 of those coming on the ground.
Did any Washington player have over 100 receiving yards?
Yes, despite the loss, wide receiver Terry McLaurin had a strong performance with 8 receptions for 112 yards.
