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3 takeaways from the Commanders thrilling win over the Eagles

By Jacob Troutman

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 14: Darrick Forrest #22 of the Washington Commanders celebrates after teammate Jamin Davis #52 recovered a fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 14: Darrick Forrest #22 of the Washington Commanders celebrates after teammate Jamin Davis #52 recovered a fumble against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Joey Slye #6 of the Washington Commanders kicks a 55 yard field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 14: Joey Slye #6 of the Washington Commanders kicks a 55 yard field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

3. Have a night Joey Slye

Usually, the special teams for Washington are headlined by Tress Way. Not today. Slye was 4-for-4 on field goals, perfect on his extra points, and knocked two field goals in from 55-yards plus. He hit a 58-yard field goal going into halftime, which may have been good from 70.

Without Slye, the Commanders’ chances of pulling off the upset diminish. He was automatic all night and was an absolute weapon for the squad. A few missed kicks earlier this year brought some criticism his way but he silenced those.

Quietly, the Commanders’ special teams have rounded into form. Tress Way is punting at a Pro Bowl level, the coverage unit is playing at a high level, and Slye can boot it from 60 yards out. Even Gibson has provided value as a kick returner, and Dax Milne has produced solid returns on punts as well.

This may seem trivial in nature, but special teams are incredibly important, especially for a team that operates with thin margins for error like the Commanders do.

Your Washington Commanders are 5-5, in the thick of the playoff hunt, and playing the best football of the Ron Rivera era. The margins are small, sure, but it was good enough to defeat their undefeated division rivals.

The NFC East is playing like it’s the 1980s again. Last night was a huge win. Enjoy it, Commanders fans.

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