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Nolan Smith Jr. reveals opponent Eagles fans know will give them fits in 2025

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles
By Anthony Miller | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 10:00 AM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles only lost three games during the regular season en route to their second Super Bowl title in franchise history. One of those three teams that beat them could be a problem once again in 2025.

Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. appeared on "Good Morning Football" as he responded to a question regarding which team had the best chance to knock them out. Smith picked one of Philadelphia's most hated rivals, the Washington Commanders.

"Man, I just feel like, especially my squad, as long as we play together, and we all on our P's and Q's, and it's the best team that show up on Sunday, and that plays together the most. I'll say the team that I'm really thinking of, I hate to say it, but you know, Washington. Washington gave us a run for our money last year, and they're a good team, and Jayden Daniels at the helm. He's a good quarterback. He's a young kid, LSU guy, SEC guy, so you know he's used to maintaining and running things at the helm. I think they're a good team. We see them twice a year, so it's a good challenge, good to see them."

Eagles LB Nolan Smith Jr. shares which team has the best chance to knock them out next season!

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Commanders will be a problem, but the Eagles can handle them

In a rare treat for Eagles fans, Philadelphia and Washington played each other three times during the 2024 season, twice in the regular season and once in the NFC Championship game. The Eagles won two out of the three against the Commanders.

During the regular season, the Eagles won the first matchup on Thursday Night Football 26-18 in November. A month later, the Commanders got their revenge with a comeback win against the Eagles, 36-33, on a game-winning touchdown thrown by Daniels.

Philadelphia got the last laugh with a dominating performance against Washington in the NFC Championship game, 55-23. The 55 points scored by the Eagles were the most in NFC Title game history. Smith had a nice game as he posted four tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, and one sack in the win.

Smith is about to take on a bigger role in the defense as he stepped up with injuries to Brandon Graham and appears to be the next great edge rusher. The Eagles are looking for Smith to replace Graham and Josh Sweat after finishing second on the team in sacks with 6.5.

If there is one player who loves playing the Commanders, it's Smith, who has gotten at least one sack in the last three matchups against Washington. Philadelphia will need more of that from Smith as the Eagles try to fend off the Commanders for the NFC East and NFC title.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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