The Washington Commanders made life difficult for themselves in Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles. They shot themselves in the foot on countless occasions. Individual errors were rife and all signs pointed to another loss versus their division rivals.
But they kept fighting.
The Commanders showed the correct resolve. They didn't flinch in the face of extreme pressure. A stunning end to the contest saw them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
This was a remarkable game that had everything. It was also another sign of the fighting spirit within the Commanders' locker room under the exceptional guidance of Dan Quinn and his staff.
After some results went their way elsewhere, the Commanders are now within touching distance of confirming their playoff place. They might not need another win, but Washington can leave no doubt with success over the Atlanta Falcons next time out at Northwest Stadium.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five winners and two losers from Washington's incredible triumph over the Eagles.
Winners and losers from the Commanders' success vs. the Eagles
Winner No. 1
Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB
This was a big game where big performers were needed. The Washington Commanders needed the top studs to step up and make their presence felt. Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner was one of them.
Wagner's been a revelation throughout the campaign. He's brought a winning mentality and respected leadership on and off the field. The future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer isn't getting any younger, but the production defies his aging years.
It was a significant milestone for Wagner, who was competing in his 200th regular-season game since entering the pros. Things started slowly versus the Philadelphia Eagles. However, he picked things up after the half-time break en route to an accomplished performance.
Whenever Saquon Barkley had the football, Wagner was often there to meet him. The former second-round pick also came up with a crucial pass breakup in coverage, which could have flipped the scales in Philadelphia's favor when push came to shove.
This was another superb effort from Wagner. If the second-level enforcer wants to continue his illustrious career, the Commanders should be more than willing to give him another deal.
Loser No. 1
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
Not having Austin Ekeler meant the pressure was on Brian Robinson Jr. to produce the goods. The running back hasn't enjoyed the best fortunes against the Philadelphia Eagles throughout his relatively short career. This was another difficult afternoon at the office.
Just how the Commanders won this game after giving up five turnovers is anyone's guess. Robinson was the biggest culprit and was taken out of the firing line after two fumbles early in the contest.
This was not what the player or the Commanders had in mind. They need Robinson to be the workhorse and take the heat off Jayden Daniels. The former third-round selection gained just 24 rushing yards from 10 carries, which was a significant step back after an encouraging campaign overall.
The Commanders got the victory, which was the most important thing. However, a big bounce-back is needed from Robinson if Washington wants to make some noise in the postseason.
He's already proven capable of rising to the occasion following adversity. Robinson needs to do the same again when the Atlanta Falcons come to town for Washington's regular-season home finale on Sunday Night Football next weekend.
Winner No. 2
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
Identifying Frankie Luvu as a high-priority target in free agency was a masterstroke by the Commanders. The formidable linebacker turned down more money from the Carolina Panthers to join Dan Quinn's ambitious project. This has been a match made in heaven.
Luvu is a difficult proposition to stop. He's flourishing this season, boasting a unique blend of size, explosiveness, and awareness. This was another performance of the highest caliber from one of the league's best.
The former undrafted free agent out of Washington State was always around the football. Luvu created havoc in the backfield and even secured an interception after baiting quarterback Kenny Pickett perfectly. He also cemented his status as one of the offseason's most important signings.
It's been an incredible journey for Luvu to get to this point. He went from an afterthought with the New York Jets to a dominant presence in a few short years. Linking up with a shrewd defensive mind such as Quinn is helping the player reach a completely different stratosphere.
Winner No. 3
Olamide Zaccheaus - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders decided that K.J. Osborn wasn't quite ready. This piled more pressure on other wide receivers to step up without the presence of Noah Brown and pass-catching running back Austin Ekeler to depend upon.
Olamide Zaccheaus — a player the Philadelphia Eagles deemed unworthy of contract extension after the 2023 season — answered the call. He was eager to silence doubters and prove his old employers made a mistake. This was his best performance since joining the Commanders at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Zaccheaus was dependable and made things happen with the football in his hands. Jayden Daniels trusted him to get the job done in key moments. That was arguably the biggest positive above all else from the player's perspective.
The former undrafted free agent out of Virginia hauled in five receptions from eight targets for 70 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Zaccheaus' score in the fourth quarter when the Eagles had 12 men on the field was a testament to his elusive playmaking prowess — something the Commanders will need when the postseason arrives.
LEAD = TAKEN
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 22, 2024
📺 #PHIvsWAS FOXpic.twitter.com/XoiQFFdEI4
Winner No. 4
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
Running back Saquon Barkley was the primary danger. It looked like the NFL MVP candidate was in for another exceptional performance after blazing an early trail. But credit to the Commanders for finding the right answers as the contest progressed.
Jalen Hurts going down through injury was a big reason. Kenny Pickett wasn't a threat running out of the backfield, which allowed the Commanders to stack the box and make things more difficult. Even so, it was great to see increased production against the league's most dynamic playmaker in 2024.
Rookie second-round pick Johnny Newton turned in an accomplished display. The No. 36 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft is coming along nicely. He's evolving as a run-stopper and has no trouble generating pressure from the interior when opportunities arise.
Newton flashed plenty on tape during this game. He gained three tackles for loss and proved the moment wasn't too big. This restricted Barkley's influence in the second half and put the game in Pickett's hands. It was a recipe for success.
If the same trend continues, other teams around the league will be kicking themselves for passing on Newton before the Commanders ended his draft slide.
Loser No. 2
Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB
Marshon Lattimore didn't back down from the fight. The Washington Commanders traded for the gifted cornerback for games like this — to go up against the opposition's best wide receiver and shadow them all over the field.
This saw Lattimore test his skills against A.J. Brown. It was not the easiest challenge in his second game back, but he displayed outstanding resolve despite not having things all his way.
Nobody can stop Brown from getting his numbers. Lattimore competed hard on every snap and secured three pass breakups. However, some frustrating defensive pass interference calls were frustrating in key moments.
Lattimore lands on this list because he left the game through injury. It looked like a hamstring issue from which the former first-round selection spent weeks recovering. This is something to monitor in the coming days.
If Lattimore is forced to miss more time, it'll be a body blow to Washington's playoff hopes. Hopefully, head coach Dan Quinn will provide an encouraging update on his status during his next media availability.
Winner No. 5
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels' impact on the Commanders cannot be overstated. The rookie quarterback changed everything. It's not a one-man show, but the sensational start from the No. 2 pick has fans dreaming of profitable days ahead.
Daniels doesn't admit defeat, ever. His will to win and fierce competitive nature came to the fore once again in Week 16. Just when the Commanders looked down and out, the relentless signal-caller brought them back from the brink.
It wasn't perfect. Daniels threw two interceptions, including one late in proceedings. But when the time came to step up with the game on the line, he duly delivered.
The Heisman Trophy winner's poise, mobility, and nerves of steel with the spotlight glaring were astonishing. Daniels threw five touchdowns, gained 338 combined yards, and secured a phenomenal 95.8 QBR. More importantly, the Commanders secured a memorable comeback victory at the expense of their division rivals.
The race for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year is over. Daniels is a superstar in every sense of the term.