Yardbarker
x
Three keys to Commanders upsetting Eagles on Sunday
Utilizing running back Brian Robinson Jr. will be key to the Commanders beating the Eagles. Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Three keys to Commanders upsetting Eagles on Sunday

By Andrew Wright  |  Last updated Dec 19, 2024 11:04 AM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles will travel to Landover, Maryland, to take on the Washington Commanders in one of the better games of Week 16 of the NFL season.

According to ESPN Bet, the Commanders are currently 3.5-point underdogs and +160 on the money line.

The Eagles beat the Commanders 26-18 in Week 11. Philadelphia trailed 10-6 heading into the fourth quarter before scoring 20 points in the final 15 minutes.

Washington must play its best game of the season to knock off a scorching Eagles team on a 10-game winning streak. Here is what a formula for success must look like for Washington on Sunday.

Establish the run game

A strong run game is the common theme in most of the Commanders' victories this year. When running back Brian Robinson Jr. is healthy, and on the field, Washington usually finds itself coming away with a victory.

Robinson is averaging a career-high 4.4 yards per carry and is just 93 yards away from the most rushing yards in a season of his young career. Robinson had 16 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown in the first matchup between the two teams in Week 11.

Washington is a perfect 3-0 this season when Robinson rushes for over 100 yards and 5-2 when he gets into the endzone. His production will allow Jayden Daniels to thrive in the zone read game. Getting Robinson going early will be critical for Washington's success.

Win the turnover battle

This could be said for any NFL game, but Washington must try to gain as many possessions as possible.

Jalen Hurts hasn't thrown an interception since Nov. 10 against the Cowboys, and Saquon Barkley hasn't had a fumble since Nov. 3 against the Jaguars, so the Commanders will need to make a play on defense or special teams to come up with an extra possession.

In Week 8 in 2023, Washington did force a turnover on the infamous "Brotherly Shove" or "tush push" play for which the Eagles are known. Another play like that for the Commanders will be crucial.

Shut down A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith

The two Eagles receivers have torched Washington in their careers, and the Commanders must prevent that from happening again on Sunday.

Washington made a deal at this year's trade deadline that will impact this game and those two receivers. The Saints added Marshon Lattimore to shut down top receivers in the NFC, such as Brown and Smith.

If Lattimore can hold his own against Brown, whom he will most likely be matched up against, Washington should feel good about the matchup of Smith against rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil.

Excelling in these three aspects of Sunday's game will give the Commanders a real shot at beating the Eagles and keeping themselves in the mix for the NFC East title.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan. 

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.