**Eagles’ Backup Plan Backfires as Washington Commanders Spoil Playoff Seeding**
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles’ backup strategy didn’t pan out as hoped, leading the Super Bowl champions to begin their postseason as the No. 3 seed in the NFC. With key starters like Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and Dallas Goedert resting despite playoff implications, the Washington Commanders capitalized on a fourth-quarter surge to secure a 24-17 victory on Sunday.
### Commanders Rally with Veteran Backup
Facing a challenging season and sitting at 5-12, the Commanders turned to their 39-year-old third-string quarterback Josh Johnson due to injuries to Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota. Johnson orchestrated a dramatic comeback in the final minutes, throwing a two-yard touchdown pass to John Bates and sealing the win with a one-yard rushing touchdown with 2:32 remaining.
### Eagles’ Playoff Seeding Impacted
The Eagles finished the regular season with an 11-6 record and clinched the NFC East title. However, their loss combined with a Detroit Lions’ 19-16 win over the Chicago Bears meant Philadelphia dropped to the No. 3 seed, setting up a home playoff matchup against the San Francisco 49ers next weekend.
To earn the No. 2 seed, the Eagles needed to win their game and rely on a Bears loss. Despite having the chance to improve their playoff positioning—potentially securing two home games—coach Nick Sirianni opted to rest his starters. Sirianni explained, “It’s not a guarantee that we can get the 2 seed, but I can rest the starters,” a decision that saw Hurts, Barkley, Brown, and Goedert sidelined.
### Mixed Feelings for Eagles Fans and Players
Eagles fans found themselves in the strange position of rooting for the Lions while watching their own team sit out key players. Cheers erupted inside the stadium whenever Detroit scored against Chicago, highlighting the bittersweet nature of the late-season scenario.
Backup quarterback Tanner McKee began the game for Philadelphia and showed some early promise, including a 15-yard touchdown pass to Grant Calcaterra, which put the Eagles up 7-0 in the second quarter. Yet overall, McKee struggled, finishing 21 of 40 for 241 yards with an interception and suffering a sack on the final drive.
### Key Moments and Penalties
Washington kicker Jake Moody gave his team a halftime edge with a 56-yard field goal, making it 10-7. The Eagles responded in the third quarter when they recovered a fumble, allowing Tank Bigsby, the backup running back behind Barkley, to score and give Philadelphia a 14-10 lead. Jake Elliott’s 39-yard field goal extended the lead to 17-10.
However, a crucial pass interference penalty by Eagles backup cornerback Kelee Ringo set up Johnson’s go-ahead rushing touchdown, swinging momentum to the Commanders and ultimately deciding the outcome.
### DeVonta Smith Surpasses 1,000 Yards Receiving
Among the Eagles’ starters who played, wide receiver DeVonta Smith reached a significant milestone, eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards for the third time in his career. Entering the game needing 44 yards, Smith recorded three catches for 52 yards, including a 27-yard reception before exiting the game early.
Notably, A.J. Brown, who did not play, had already surpassed 1,000 yards for the season (1,003 yards), giving Philadelphia two 1,000-yard receivers.
### Injuries and Next Steps
The Eagles sustained some injuries during the contest. Grant Calcaterra left with an ankle and knee injury, while offensive lineman Brandon Toth was evaluated for a concussion.
Looking ahead, the Washington Commanders are poised to secure a top-10 selection in the upcoming NFL Draft as they continue to rebuild after a disappointing season.
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The Eagles now turn their focus to the playoffs, ready to defend their Super Bowl title starting next weekend at home against the San Francisco 49ers.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/nfl/2026/01/04/eagles-commanders-nfc-playoff-seeds
