The Philadelphia Eagles lead the Washington Commanders 21-14 at halftime of their Week 16 rematch from Northwest Stadium.
Here are four quick takeaways from the first 30 minutes of action:
Turnovers the difference
The Commanders have taken care of the football all season, only turning it over nine times through the first 14 games. In the first half, Washington turned the ball over three times, including two fumbles by running back Brian Robinson Jr., one of which ended a promising drive at the Philadelphia 10-yard line.
And just before halftime, quarterback Jayden Daniels missed a wide-open Luke McCaffrey across the middle, resulting in an interception and slowing Washington’s momentum. Those turnovers have proven to be the difference.
Commanders knocked out Jalen Hurts
Washington knocked Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts out in the first quarter with a concussion, and he will not return. Kenny Pickett replaced Hurts and threw a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown shortly thereafter.
No running game
We mentioned Robinson’s fumbles, but he has eight carries for 14 yards with the two fumbles. Daniels leads the Commanders with 32 yards and five attempts. Chris Rodriguez carried the ball three times for five yards. Washington is struggling to handle Philadelphia’s defensive front. The Commanders must be able to keep the Eagles honest in the second half, even if it means using Daniels more in the running game.
No stopping Saquon
Saquon Barkley has 13 carries for 122 yards and two touchdowns, including a 68-yard scoring run. The Commanders did a better job later in the second quarter of limiting Barkley, but his presence and Washington’s fumbles are why Washington trails. With Hurts out, the Eagles will continue to lean on Barkley in the second half, so the Commanders will be tested. Washington’s corners must win individual matchups to afford to dedicate more resources to stopping Barkley.
