3 takeaways from the Commanders thrilling win over the Eagles

The Washington Commanders picked up the best win of the Ron Rivera era, thoroughly outplaying the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles on Philly’s home field and in primetime. They put themselves right back into playoff contention with the win, as they sit 0.5 games back of the 5-4 San Francisco 49ers.

From top to bottom, that was a complete team win for Washington. With their backs against the wall, they were at their best. After snatching defeat from the jaws of victory against the Vikings, the Commanders left no doubt this week. They were the better team, and it was not close.

Washington still has work to do, but they have proven they are capable of beating anyone in the last two weeks. Their defense is legit, Taylor Heinicke has pure magic sometimes, and the roster has legit talent all over.

The Commanders ride a narrow line. They can beat anyone, but also can lose to anyone. Here are three takeaways from the Commanders’ exhilarating win over their division rival Philadelphia Eagles.

Three Takeaways from the Commanders’ thrilling win over Eagles

1. The Commanders out-coached the Eagles

Ron Rivera’s coaching staff can get a lot of flack for poor decisions. Rightfully so. Rivera can struggle with in-game management situations, and calling his timeouts at inopportune times. However, tonight that was not the case. Rivera and his coaching staff out-coached Nick Sirianni and his staff.

The offensive coaching staff knew Washington was playing at a disadvantage with regard to the passing game. They knew dropping Heinicke back over 35 times a game into seven-step drops with five-man protections (like they did with Carson Wentz in Week 3) wouldn’t work. Instead, they pounded the rock.

They weren’t incredibly efficient, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry, but Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson were able to grind things out due to the absence of Jordan Davis. It wore out Philly and it set the tone for the entire game.

The Commanders were incredibly efficient across the board on offense, as they stayed ahead of the chains. Washington had six third-and-1s, which helped them control the tempo of the game all night.

The defensive staff was opportunistic. The Eagles averaged 5.6 yards per play, so the Commanders weren’t necessarily efficient. Still, they forced four turnovers and cranked up the pressure on Jalen Hurts when it mattered the most.

Jack Del Rio has molded the defensive unit into a near-elite unit.