The Washington Commanders’ dream season got here to an abrupt finish within the NFC Championship recreation, as they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 55-23.
Washington jumped out to the lead late in its first possession, settling for a area aim after getting two fourth-down conversions. It was all downhill from there although. Saquon Barkley rushed for a 60-yard rating on the Eagles’ first play since Scrimmage and Dyami Brown fumbled the following Commanders’ possession, permitting Philadelphia to take a fast 14-3 lead.
There was a short second the place the commanders obtained a rating. Jayden Daniels threw a 36-yard landing to make it 14-12 within the second quarter, however the Commanders have been unable to transform a two-point conversion. The Eagles prolonged their result in 20-12 on the following drive and the Commanders fumbled the kickoff return. This allowed Philadelphia so as to add to its lead and go up 27-15 at halftime.
The dangerous performs continued to snowball for the Commanders within the second half, and the closest they have been capable of reduce to the Eagles’ lead was 11 factors. As the fourth quarter unfolded, it grew to become obvious that the clock was nearing midnight on Washington’s season.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn acknowledged the ache of shedding within the NFC championship recreation when he spoke to Fox Sports’ Tom Rinaldi afterward. However, he additionally wished his staff to understand what they completed this season.
“These are tough occasions in a competitor’s life,” Quinn mentioned when requested what he instructed his staff. “The second factor I mentioned was to savor this time with their teammates. They created one thing collectively, this brotherhood, that’s second to none. Not each locker room is similar 12 months to 12 months. So, I wished do It positively took a couple of minutes to know what they created right here and hopefully that is the sort of type and vitality we wish to play with for years to return.”
Dan Quinn shares his message to commanders following the Eagles loss
The Commanders’ shock run to the NFC championship recreation adopted a daily season that nearly nobody anticipated. Washington went 12-5, enhancing its win complete by eight with Quinn and rookie quarterback Daniels of their first seasons with the staff.
There have been some miraculous wins for the Commanders alongside the way in which, like their Hail Mary landing on the buzzer to beat the Chicago Bears in October. But because the season progressed, the Commanders established themselves as among the best groups within the NFC, selecting up a shocking win over the Eagles in Week 16. Soundly beating the top-seeded Detroit Lions within the divisional spherical.
Those wins pushed the Commanders’ profitable streak to seven video games, however they have been fully outplayed by the Eagles on Sunday. Philadelphia outgained Washington 459 yards to 350 because the Commanders dedicated 4 turnovers with out forcing anybody.
Philadelphia Eagles NFC Championship Trophy Ceremony
Quinn praised his staff and tipped off the Eagles for the sport they performed on Sunday.
“It’s an amazing group. I’ve had an absolute blast teaching these youngsters,” Quinn mentioned. “There are some actual contenders. Give Philadelphia credit score tonight. NFC championship 12 months at their place. We’ve performed good, complementary ball for seven weeks. We did not try this right this moment.”
Even although the Commanders’ season led to a thud, they’re trending in the proper course, which hasn’t occurred a lot since their final Super Bowl win in 1991. After Rookie Daniels’ season, Washington gained a Super Bowl within the predictable future appears extra believable than it has in a very long time.
Quinn appeared to sense this too.
“There are loads of classes that we’ll take from this 12 months that we’ll use for years to return,” he mentioned. “Tonight stings, because it ought to. But I’m pleased with that locker room, who they’ve grow to be as ballplayers and as males.”
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