Eagles score four red-zone touchdowns, beat Commanders 34-15

Landover, MD - Philadelphia repeatedly finished its best offensive opportunities and gradually created separation from Washington, defeating the Commanders 34-15 in Week 8.

The Eagles converted four of their five red-zone trips into touchdowns while building a balanced afternoon around Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. Philadelphia finished with 387 offensive yards, including 214 through the air and 173 on the ground, and recorded 24 first downs.

Washington produced 330 offensive yards and nearly matched Philadelphia’s rushing output, but the teams finished far apart in several situational categories. The Eagles converted 7 of 12 third downs, compared with 2 of 9 for the Commanders. Washington reached the red zone three times, coming away with one touchdown and one field goal.

The broad flow reflected those contrasts. Washington applied pressure during stretches and generated enough yardage to remain competitive, but Philadelphia played from ahead and continued expanding its advantage. By the time the Eagles had established a comfortable margin, the Commanders had not generated enough sustained scoring to make up the difference.

Hurts completed 21 of 32 passes for a game-high 214 yards and a touchdown, finishing with a 95.0 passer rating. His most productive target was Makai Lemon, who caught seven passes for a game-high 86 yards. Dallas Goedert added five receptions for 47 yards and scored Philadelphia’s receiving touchdown.

"We had a good mix, and we kept giving ourselves chances to finish possessions," Hurts said. "There are always things you want to clean up, but converting on third down and getting touchdowns in the red zone is the kind of efficiency we were looking for."

Philadelphia’s ground game gave the offense another productive dimension. Barkley handled a game-high 17 carries and rushed for a game-high 72 yards, including a touchdown. Hurts contributed 45 yards on seven attempts as part of an Eagles rushing attack that surpassed its passing production only in balance, not volume.

The Commanders found similar success on the ground. Kaytron Allen led Washington with 71 yards on 10 carries, including the game’s longest run at 27 yards. Still, the Commanders finished with nine fewer first downs than Philadelphia and did not match the Eagles’ red-zone touchdown output.

"You want those carries to mean something on the scoreboard," Barkley said. "We were able to run it, throw it and keep working through the whole game. When we got opportunities near the end zone, we did a good job finishing them."

Washington divided its passing production among three quarterbacks. Marcus Mariota led the group with 84 yards, completing 7 of 12 passes, but he also threw an interception and finished with a 45.1 passer rating. Jayden Daniels completed 4 of 6 attempts for 44 yards, while Athan Kaliakmanis went 2 of 5 for 38 yards.

Ben Sinnott was Washington’s leading receiver with 56 yards on three catches. Even with multiple quarterbacks contributing, the Commanders finished with 166 passing yards, 48 fewer than Philadelphia.

"We moved the ball in spots, but the third-down number and the red-zone number aren’t where they need to be," Mariota said. "When you’re facing an offense that is putting touchdowns on the board, you have to make more of the opportunities you get."

Philadelphia’s defense recorded three sacks and one interception. Washington finished with two sacks but did not record an interception. The Eagles also converted their only fourth-down attempt, while the Commanders were unsuccessful on their lone try.

The result gave Philadelphia a second consecutive victory after entering the game at 5-2. Washington, which came in at 3-3 and also had won its previous game, fell below .500 with the loss.

Up Next

Philadelphia will return home in Week 9 to host the New York Giants and look to build on the victory. Washington will remain home and turn its attention to the Los Angeles Rams as it tries to rebound.