The Washington Commanders lead the Philadelphia Eagles 7-3 at halftime

On By Littum

PHILADELPHIA – The Washington Commanders get the week started with NFL action against the Philadelphia Eagles in pursuit of their eighth win of the season and first place in the NFC East Division.

Before a single snap was played, Commanders tight end Zach Ertz received a warm welcome from the Eagles fans in attendance in a cool moment as he stood on the field as team captain against the team he won a Super Bowl with in 2018.

Washington won the coin toss, something that has become a habit this season, and deferred until the second half, when defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.’s unit started the game against quarterback Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia offense.

Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.

November 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu (4) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Knowing that the Eagles’ offense thrives on explosive plays, the Commanders’ secondary knew they would face a big challenge this week, and that challenge came early.

Getting the ball into Washington territory on its first possession hurt connected with Philadelphia receiver AJ Brown for a catch and run that produced 25 yards. The play put the ball at the Commanders’ 23-yard line, but three solid defensive plays later, the Eagles were forced to attempt a 44-yard field goal that kicker Jake Elliott missed, keeping the game locked at zero points for either side.

Washington wasted no time getting the first explosive play of the game, and on the first play of its second possession, quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered the ball into the flat of running back Austin Ekeler, who turned up the field for a 34-yard gain down to the Philadelphia 24- yard line.

Two plays later, Brian Robinson Jr. the team’s second explosive play with an 18-yard run, and on the next play he punched it in from two yards out on a push assist from offensive lineman Sam Cosmi. Kicker Zane Gonzalez kicked his extra point and Washington led 7-0.

The Eagles got into field goal position again in the early moments of the second quarter, and again Elliott failed to convert the kick attempt. Because of that, despite the fact that the Commanders had three three-and-out possessions in their first four, the team still held a 7-0 lead into the always valuable middle quarter.

Washington failed to convert its first possession of the middle quarter into points, and Philadelphia was able to use its four-minute offense to drain all but 19 seconds of the first half and get its first points of the half on a 21-yard field goal with Elliott, his first mark of the night.

Washington wasn’t satisfied heading into halftime without trying to put up any more points, and with nine seconds left in the half, Daniels appeared to connect with receiver Dyami Brown at the Eagles’ 30-yard line, but a review overturned the play.

That ended any hope that the Commanders had put something together to score before the half and we went into the locker room up 7-3 in favor of the maroon and gold.

Washington gets the ball to start the second half.

Stick to CommanderGameday and Locked on commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

• If Commanders Defense has its way, there won’t be much fireworks on TNF

• Commanders Coach Dan Quinn ‘Fired Up’ About NFC East Division Battle

• Staff predictions ahead of Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles

• Commanders hope to bounce back and reach milestones against Eagles in Week 11