10 quick thoughts from Week 17 as Washington is eliminated from playoff contention

Game-changing conversion: After taking all of the momentum heading into halftime, Washington’s defense allowed Philadelphia to travel 75 yards on 14 plays all the while taking over seven minutes off the clock.

The D blew multiple opportunities to get off the field, but none were bigger than a 3rd and 14 after a false start pushed the Eagles back. Given ample time in the pocket, Jalen Hurts connected with Greg Ward for 27 yards. A few plays later Boston Scott ran for a touchdown on fourth down to pull Philly within two points.

Washington entered the game ranked 31st in third-down defense, and those struggles were on full display in this one, allowing the Eagles to go two-for-two on that drive and 4-of-12 for the game

OL injuries taking a toll: It was always asking a lot for Washington’s ravaged offensive line to continue to outperform its talent level.

Well, without Ereck Flowers, Chase Roullier and Sam Cosmi, the OL was a turnstile against the Eagles’ vaunted front seven. Pro Football Focus’ pressure stats aren’t out yet, but Heinicke was sacked three times for 29 yards and it felt like each one swung the momentum back in Philly’s favor.

You don’t even have to look at the numbers for validation. It felt like Heinicke was under duress on every one of his drop-backs.

Putrid fourth quarter play-calling: If you were displeased with the play-calling at the end of the first half, you were no doubt livid with Scott Turner’s late-game blueprint because it was a trainwreck.

From continuing to get cute on designed screens and jet sweeps — when the offensive line showed zero ability to hold blocks all game — and the fourth down out route to Dax Milne, of all people, Turner had a nightmare second half.

Milne dropped the pass, but he would’ve been short anyway. The Eagles were in man-to-man coverage and you call a play for your seventh-round pick that had one catch in each of the last three games?

What about Terry McLaurin, John Bates or Adam Humphries? Even Cam Sims would’ve made more sense than Milne.

Fittingly enough, the Eagles proceeded to march down the field to kick a field goal that ultimately proved to be the difference, as Washington was unable to find the end zone on their final possession of the game.

It was another gut-wrenching lost for Washington, but at least the team bolstered its draft position.

Not all doom and gloom.