“The Neighborhood”

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NFC Championship

(6) Washington Commanders at (2) Philadelphia Eagles

Commanders: What a story they have been. I remember the knock on them being they couldn’t beat teams with winning records. I say that’s completely out the window now because look at the path they’ve been on so far in the playoffs. They were in such control of the game in the Wild Card round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and pushed them around some, but what’s really standing out to me is what they did last Saturday night in Detroit. They weren’t expected to win at all nor even compete against the Lions who finished with the best record in the NFC and entered that game as the number one seed. I’ve been known to say the postseason isn’t about having the best record or top seed, it’s all about the team that plays the best when it matters the most and so far, that’s been Dan Quinn’s Washington Commanders, and they upset the Lions in the divisional round of the NFC Playoffs. I enjoyed watching Jayden Daniels during his college days at LSU before he became pro and to be so young, he has the mentality as if he’s been here before and feels he can win every single football game each time he steps on the field. In Detroit, they attacked the Lions with a quick passing game as that’s the best way to neutralize a strong defensive line is if you either run it right at them or you use the quick passing game and that’s what they did. This team believes, they play for one another and with each other. How can you not be impressed with that. This Sunday, they will look to advance to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1991. For that to happen, they will have to travel to South Philadelphia.

Eagles: It hasn’t looked the best and were there things they could’ve done better? Sure, but at the end of the day, they won their first two playoff games this year. I remember during the 2023 season when they were 10-1 and appeared to in the driver’s seat for the top seed in the NFC and were running away with the NFC East. Then, they were humbled and reeled into the playoffs only to be eliminated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even the start of this season had people questioning them as they would struggle early on in the first half of games. Then came a winning streak, a ten-game winning streak to be exact and they found their groove. I understand the talks of the MVP award and how it’s been a Quarterback centric trophy over the years as the last non-Quarterback to win the award was Adrian Peterson for his 2012 season. Saquon Barkley deserves to be at the table for consideration because where exactly would the Philadelphia Eagles be without the services of number 26? The more successful he’s been, the worst the New York Giants feel for sure. In his regular season game against the Los Angeles Rams, Saquon had the game of his life rushing for 255 yards. On Sunday in the rematch against L.A., he rushed for another 200 yards against them, 205 to be exact. This Philly group can play with balance when they have the passing game clicking for them, the Offensive Line has come around and improved throughout the year and this is the best defense in the NFC. They will look to advance to their second Super Bowl in three seasons under Nick Sirianni.

Commanders X-Factor: Austin Ekeler– This is the type of game in which the Commanders could benefit from Austin’s services. He is another weapon for Jayden Daniels in the passing game and in the one game he played against these Eagles, he finished the game with 89 yards receiving on eight receptions which was a season-high for the veteran. When it comes to Austin and what he’s capable of doing on the field, it isn’t the number of touches that are important, it’s the efficiency and big-play capability he provides. I look for him to be very crucial on Sunday afternoon.

Eagles X-Factor: Nolan Smith-He was my x-factor last weekend against the Rams in the divisional round and this week, he serves as my player to watch once again. Nolan has the speed of a slot receiver at 6’2 and 238 pounds. His speed is impactful at stopping the run and rushing the passer as he has such an electric first step which is difficult for blockers to limit as he has a strong burst to get wherever he wants and whenever. Nolan will be needed to help slow down this Washington offense.

Final Thoughts: There’s nothing like a divisional rematch in the playoffs, and we have one here with a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana on the line to play in Super Bowl 59! The first meeting between these two took place in week ten on a Thursday night and Washington looked to be in control, then Saquon took over in the fourth leading them to a win. They would next meet on December 22nd in Landover and Jalen Hurts unfortunately got injured and was sidelined the rest of the game. The Eagles defense forced five turnovers and they still lost the game! This was also when Jayden locked up Offensive Rookie of the Year in my eyes as he threw five touchdown passes. What’s in store for the rematch? I see this Eagles front getting after Jayden early and often as he’s had to clean of a jersey in these playoffs meaning his Offensive Line has been protecting him very well and keeping him upright on his feet. One thing you won’t see the Eagles do is blitz as that is what torched the Lions against the rookie Quarterback last weekend. Washington will need another superior performance from Daniels if they want to advance and get to New Orleans. One area of the game where the Commanders struggle is stopping the run, and they will be facing the front-runner for Offensive Player of the Year in Barkley in this game. All the Eagles need to do is play their brand of football which is being safe and powerful. The Commanders on the other hand can match Philly when it comes to scoring, and I think we can see a back and forth affair. I like the Eagles to win the NFC and punch their ticket to New Orleans.

Prediction: Eagles 31, Commanders 23

 

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