A few notes leading into this weekend’s Commanders Clash:
We noted in the preseason that Philly has a 28-18 overall record against the Redskins/WFT/Commanders since Dan Snyder purchased the team. We also noted that 11 of those 18 Commander wins came in seasons that the Eagles finished below .500. That naturally left the Eagles with a 27-7 record (.794) in seasons where Philly finished .500 or better.
Since Philly is almost certainly heading for a winning season this year, that gives the Birds a 63% shot at a sweep this season (.794 x .794).
Of note: in those 17 seasons where the Eagles were .500 or better, they are a remarkable 15-2 (.882) in this series on the road.
In these 23 seasons (1999-2021), there has not once been a season where both franchises finished above .500. The closest we’ve come was 2000 and 2001; in both seasons Philadelphia finished 11-5 and Washington finished 8-8. This season seems as likely as any to break that streak.
An Eagles-specific note to keep in mind: the offense seems to be having issues in the second half of games. Consider that in the first half the Eagles have gained 600 yards; in the second half only 341. They’ve scored 48 of the 62 total points in the first half. Related, 557 of Jalen Hurts’ 723 total yards (77%) have come in the first half. Of course, some of this is situation-related; the Birds had double digit leads at both halftimes. Still, I think this is something to monitor as the year goes along.
Philly has a substantial health advantage; Washington is down a couple starters (Young and Robinson) and have a few more starters on the injury report (Jonathan Allen, Cole Holcomb, Trai Turner). Philly has a couple guys on the injury report but none that are expected to be limited in any way.
Both Philly and Washington have played Detroit in Detroit. Philly won by three, Washington lost by nine.
I like Philly in this game, but I do think it’ll be more tight than the general public is currently thinking; something like 28-23 sounds accurate to me.
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