Game Preview: Eagles vs. Commander | 22 December 2024

On By Littum

Fantastic scenario. Big storylines. Let’s get to the matchup…

1. Washington is a different team at home

The numbers say it all: Commanders average 411.1 yards per game at home in 2024 (ranked second in NFL behind Detroit), and Commanders average 183.5 rushing yards per game (best in NFL) and have scored 29.7 points per game at home. They have controlled the clock and the game, averaging 32 minutes, 8 seconds in time of possession. Those are impressive numbers, and they give you the sense that Washington has a great level of comfort at home and feels the home court advantage. Obviously, the Eagles need to play well, and they have done that on the road, losing only in Tampa Bay this season.

2. A quick start is a great way to play

What a difference 10 first quarter points made last week for the Eagles in their big win over Pittsburgh! Quarterback Jalen Hurts got into a rhythm early and spread the football around and had his receivers into the game from the jump and the Eagles cruised to a relatively sweat-free victory. Given the way Washington has played at home, the best way to start is to come out and put points on the board right away. Make Washington play from behind. Make that offense one dimensional. It’s all a great vision, a wonderful theory, and it certainly won’t be easy. Washington has won its last two games and the Commanders feel they have something on the defensive end.

3. CB Marshon Lattimore and his influence

Wide receiver AJ Brown stood at his locker on Friday and talked about Marshon Lattimore – “He’s a great corner and I’m always excited to go against great players for the sport, honestly.” – and then the challenge is out there. Lattimore made his Washington debut last week and went 49 snaps without a pass going his way. He changed the way the Commanders were able to play coverage in the win over New Orleans. So what does this mean for this game? Will Lattimore match up with Brown and allow the Washington secondary to play right up against Brown and DeVonta Smith, loading the box to stop Saquon Barkley and the Eagles’ running game? Washington rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil leads Washington with 11 passes defensed, two interceptions, and he gave the Eagles plenty of competition in the first meeting.