Top photos from Eagles 55-23 win over Commanders in NFC Championship game

Top photos from Eagles 55-23 win over Commanders in NFC Championship game

The Eagles dominated every facet of the game and won the turnover battle while dominating the Commanders to advance to Super Bowl 59. Philadelphia rushed for seven touchdowns, including three scores each for Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, blowing out their NFC East rival 55-23 at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.

As preparations begin for the trip to New Orleans, we’re reviewing the top photos from the historic victory.

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Highlights from first half as Eagles hold a 27-15 lead over Commanders in NFC Championship game

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 27-15 lead Commanders in NFC Championship game

The Washington Commanders have a young, ascending roster, and that youth showed in the first half. Costly penalties and crucial turnovers spurred the Eagles early on, giving them a 27-15 lead in the NFC Championship game.

Saquon Barkley’s two first-half touchdowns energized the Birds, and Jalen Hurts connected with A.J. Brown on a four-yard touchdown with 57 seconds left in the first half. We’re looking at the first-half highlights with the second half set to begin.

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NFL fans hated that the refs called a late hit on Saquon Barkley even though it was technically correct

The penalty led to an Eagles touchdown.

Over the first two weeks of the NFL playoffs, we saw officials swallow the whistle on out-of-bounds hits that likely deserved to be penalties. Unless you were Patrick Mahomes, that call wasn’t happening.

Well, it turns out that Saquon Barkley can also get the MVP treatment.

With the Eagles in the red zone after the Commanders fumbled the kickoff in the first half of Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, it appeared that Washington was poised to hold the Eagles to three points. Barkley was about to be stopped short on third down. In fact, he was already conceding the play and heading out of bounds.

But right as Barkley’s foot was reaching the ground, Mike Sainristil couldn’t help himself.

In a bang-bang play, Sainristil gave Barkley a shove, which drew the unnecessary roughness penalty for a late hit out of bounds. In real time, it looked awfully close. But the replay would show that Barkley got the foot down out of bounds just before the contact. And sure, Sainristil didn’t really have a reason to hit Barkley at all there — he was already heading out.

Yet, fans wouldn’t have minded if the officials let the play go. The hit wasn’t egregious, which goes against the spirit of the rule. The Eagles would take advantage of the fresh set of downs and score a touchdown a few plays later.

This was how Twitter/X reacted

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Marshon Lattimore had his best game vs. Lions

Marshon Lattimore was excellent against the Lions.

Could Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore be rounding into form at the perfect time?

The Commanders acquired Lattimore at the NFL trade deadline ahead of Week 10, but he missed his first four games for Washington with a preexisting hamstring injury. He first played in Week 15 against his former team, the Saints, and had an easy day.

In Week 16, Lattimore lined up across Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, and the duo had a back-and-forth battle. Unfortunately, Lattimore aggravated his hamstring in the second half and departed. Washington would hold Lattimore out for the regular-season finale and have him ready for the postseason.

In last week’s wild-card win over the Buccaneers, Lattimore faced off with archnemesis Mike Evans. Evans won that battle, particularly in the first half. Things improved for Lattimore in the second half.

On Saturday, Washington faced the top-seeded Detroit Lions and their explosive offense. Rookie Mike Sainristil covered the speedy Jameson Williams and dominated that matchup, coming away with two interceptions.

How did Lattimore perform? The eighth-year pro had his best game for the Commanders, playing 90% of the defensive snaps, including 41 coverage snaps. Lattimore was only targeted once against the Lions and did not allow a reception. He also finished with five tackles, including one for loss.

Washington forced five turnovers, including four interceptions, in the 45-31 upset over the Lions.

Next week, the Commanders face the Philadelphia Eagles for the third time this season in the NFC championship game. That means a rematch against Brown. With Washington focused on shutting down Saquon Barkley, Lattimore and Sainristil need to lock down Brown and DeVonta Smith.

The Commanders have won seven straight games, including a Week 16 win over the Eagles, heading into next week’s title game.

Commanders’ Jayden Daniels, Mike Sainristil make ESPN All-Rookie team

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and cornerback Mike Sainristil both landed on ESPN’s All-Rookie team in 2024.

The 2024 NFL season has been a complete 180-degree turn for the Washington Commanders. In 2023, the Commanders won a whole four games. In 2024, they’ve now won 13 after their Wild Card win last Sunday. A huge reason for the Commanders’ success rests on the shoulders of a couple of rookies: Jayden Daniels and Mike Sainristil.

They weren’t the only impactful rookies this season, but they made enough of a stir to land themselves on ESPN’s All-Rookie team. Daniels as the first-team quarterback and Sainristil as a second-team cornerback.

Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

2024 stats: 3,568 passing yards, 25 TDs, 9 INTs; 891 rushing yards, 6 TDs
Drafted: Round 1, No. 2

As I wrote in December, Drake Maye was the most impressive rookie quarterback given what he did in such a bad situation. But that’s just by a hair over Daniels, who also has excellent film and dramatically outproduced Maye, so I’ll happily give him the first-team nod.

Daniels was an immediate force multiplier for every player on the Washington offense. He was impossibly clutch and cool-headed for a rookie and showed more maturity in avoiding hits and working through progressions than I expected. Daniels has been absolute nails on fourth downs this season, saving a Commanders offense that doesn’t create a ton of explosives by keeping the sticks moving in key spots. He has a 92% conversion rate on fourth-down drop backs in a league that averages 53%. Daniels has an MVP ceiling — if he can stay healthy over the course of his career. I’d love to see him put on another 10 pounds this offseason.

He wasn’t a top passer in the NFL this year, but his ability to use his legs propelled the Commanders to a win on many occasions, and his 69% completion rating ranks first among rookies.

Regarding Sainristil, he was named to the second team.

Second team: Mike Sainristil, Washington Commanders (No, he didn’t play over the slot this season, but he needs to be mentioned on this list because he played very well.)

He definitely played well this season, recording 93 tackles (62 solo), one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, 14 passes defensed and 2.5 stuffs. He was the fourth-leading tackler and led in both interceptions and passes defensed this season.

Congrats to both players, definitely well deserved.

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Commanders’ 2024 NFL draft class ranked as the NFL’s best

One analyst ranks the Commanders’ 2024 draft class the best in the NFL.

The Washington Commanders have had a miraculous turnaround in 2024. In 2023, the team finished last in the division with a 4-13 record.

Entering Week 18 of the 2024 season, the Commanders areare 11-5, and they have a playoff spot locked in.

An elite class of rookies is a big reason for this turnaround. The Commanders’ brass knocked the 2024 NFL draft out of the park, starting with star quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Outside of Daniels, though, the team added other immediate impact rookies like Jer’Zhan Newton and Mike Sainristil. Tight end Ben Sinnott, left tackle Brandon Coleman, and wide receiver Luke McCaffrey have also made impacts in their first season in the league.

Bucky Brooks of NFL.com recently identified the top draft classes from 2024, and the analyst ranked the Commanders’ class as the best in the league.

Brooks mentioned the cultural impact that Daniels has had in the locker room and the immediate impact after several of these rookies became instant starters.

“With one week still left to play, they’ve already clinched a playoff berth while reaching double-digit victories for the first time since 2012 and winning 11 games in a season for the first time since 1991,” Brooks explained. “This team’s quick turnaround in Year 1 under Quinn and general manager Adam Peters is a testament to Peters’ shrewd drafting and Quinn’s superb developmental plan for this crop of rookies.”

This class has so far been what every general manager envisions each draft class to be. Even seventh-round pick Javontae Jean-Baptiste has contributed 13 tackles and one sack.

The Commanders will be in the playoffs for the first time since 2020. This stellar class of rookies is responsible for most of the success, but the new ownership group, general manager, and coaching staff also deserve credit.

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 21-14 lead over the Commanders

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 21-14 lead over the Commanders

A solid backup quarterback is the most important thing to an NFL team, and Kenny Pickett finally had his moment after Jalen Hurts was forced to exit with a concussion. The former Steelers first-round pick had one ugly interception but made some big throws as Philadelphia went into the half with a 2-14 lead.

An Eagles win would give Nick Sirianni, the head coach, his second NFC East title in four years.

Here are sights and sounds from the first half.

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WATCH: Commanders CB Mike Sainristil wishes Jayden Daniels a ‘Happy Birthday’

Mike Sainristil surprises Jayden Daniels on his birthday.

The Washington Commanders (9-5) have a big game this week. They host the Philadelphia Eagles (12-2) in a matchup that could determine their playoff future.

Washington returned to practice on Wednesday, which was a special day for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The leading contender for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award turned 24 on Wednesday.

Daniels meets with the media every Wednesday before practice. This time, Daniels was met with a surprise. Fellow rookie, cornerback Mike Sainristil, brought a cake to Daniels and sang “Happy Birthday” to the “best QB in America.”

The Commanders honored Daniels all day, beginning with a “Happy Birthday” post on X.

Then, some birthday wallpaper.

Finally, the Commanders put together this highlight reel.

Daniels and the Commanders currently hold the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff field ahead of Sunday’s game.

Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore erased one side of the field

Marshon Lattimore was phenomenal in his Washington debut.

Marshon Lattimore’s debut with the Washington Commanders could not have gone any better. After missing his first four games since last month’s trade with a hamstring injury, Lattimore played all but two of Washington’s defensive snaps.

So, how did Lattimore do in his Washington debut?

Lattimore was not targeted once, meaning he did not allow a reception against the Saints in his debut. Sure, he was playing his former team against a pair of struggling young quarterbacks, but New Orleans knew better than anyone not to give Lattimore a chance to make them pay.

How did Lattimore feel about his performance?

“I didn’t really get too much action, but just to be out there was a great feeling,” Lattimore said, per Sam Fortier of The Washington Post.

When Lattimore left the field after chatting with his former teammates, Commanders general manager Adam Peters eagerly awaited Lattimore, picking him up and hugging him before they entered the locker room.

Here’s the video, courtesy of All-Pro Reels.

The Commanders were patient with Lattimore, easing him back into the lineup for the most important stretch of the season. On Sunday, Washington hosts division-leading Philadelphia, where Lattimore will likely draw the assignment of covering wide receiver A.J. Brown.

A position that began the season as a weakness looks much different now with Lattimore’s arrival alongside rookie Mike Sainristi.

When Peters traded for Lattimore, he was looking for a player who could shut down one side of the field. Lattimore erased one side on Sunday.

A tough day for Commanders CB Benjamin St-Juste

St-Juste made an impact, but not how he wanted.

The Washington Commanders couldn’t wait to activate cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Acquired last month at the NFL trade deadline, Lattimore did not play in his first four games after the trade due to a preexisting hamstring injury.

Two weeks ago, anticipating Lattimore’s return, the Commanders waived 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes. Forbes, who struggled badly as a rookie, looked bad in Washington’s Week 1 game against Tampa Bay, and it was clear that the new regime of general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn had already seen enough.

The Commanders mainly used a cornerback rotation of rookie Mike Sainristil, Noah Igbinoghene, and Benjamin St-Juste throughout the season because there was little depth. St-Juste struggled, both in coverage and with penalties.

So, upon Lattimore’s Week 15 return, Lattimore took St-Juste’s place in the starting lineup while Sainristil and Igbinoghene continued in their respective roles.

Here’s the snap count for Washington’s cornerback in Lattimore’s first game:

  • Marshon Lattimore: 53/55 (96%)
  • Mike Sainristil: 50/55 (91%)
  • Noah Igbinoghene: 38/55 (69%)
  • Benjamin St-Juste: 3/55 (5%)

Lattimore was not on a pitch count during his first game, which is excellent news for Washington.

As for St-Juste, it’s clear he played so much early in the season because the Commanders had nowhere else to turn. The only positive was they deemed him a much better option than Forbes. With Lattimore back and Sainristil improving each week, St-Juste’s best path toward playing time is taking snaps from Igbinoghene, but that’s unlikely as he’s played well, too.

Let’s review St-Juste’s snaps on Sunday. He played just three defensive snaps and committed a costly penalty on one of those three snaps, wiping out a Dorance Armstrong sack and nine-yard loss. St-Juste was called for illegal use of hands. Had St-Juste not been called for the penalty, New Orleans would’ve faced a fourth-and-17 from its 17-yard line.

The Saints would eventually kick a field goal, meaning St-Juste’s penalty cost Washington three points.

This was one of many costly mistakes made by the Commanders on Sunday.

Peters and Quinn continue to find their guys. St-Juste is a free agent after the season and will likely play elsewhere next season. The three snaps were a career-low outside of two games during his rookie season, where he did not play on defense, only playing on special teams. He’s been a regular starter over the last three seasons.