There is no love lost between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles. This weekend's NFC Championship game has more significance, but it's still a fierce division rivalry that ensures no quarter will be given by either club.
Jason Kelce was a constant thorn in the Commanders' side before his retirement following the 2023 campaign. The future Pro Football Hall of Fame center walked away from the game and is thriving across the media. But the Philadelphia roots run deep.
Jason Kelce throws shade at Commanders roster before NFC Championship game
Kelce didn't hesitate to fan the flames heading into a pivotal final-four showdown at Lincoln Financial Field. The player-turned-analyst praised the Commanders for a superb run to reach this point. However, he threw shade at the talent at Dan Quinn's disposal compared to his old employers.
"I have not expected this Commanders' team to be in this position all season long. I think that they have a tremendous quarterback who's played really well as a rookie. And their coaches have done a phenomenal job. They have good players. I'll be very candid... I think the Eagles are better at every position. I don't know if there is one position — if you put the two rosters, the depth charts — next to each other, that I would take the Washington player over the Eagle player. And that is a very honest assessment."Jason Kelce
Jason Kelce on Commanders vs Eagles in the NFC Championship:
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) January 23, 2025
“I’ll be very candid. I think the Eagles are better at every position…That is a very honest assessment.” pic.twitter.com/6pHBJRw01C
Kelce later went on to say it'll be a tough game. The Commanders are well coached under Quinn and they make very few mistakes. He also highlighted their ability to sustain drives with jaw-dropping efficiency on fourth down. Even so, he's highly confident that his beloved Eagles can get the job done comfortably to reach the Super Bowl.
This is more bulletin board material for the Commanders. They've been written off and, in some cases, completely dismissed throughout the regular-season campaign and in the playoffs. They've passed every challenge so far. Don't count them out from doing the same again.
The Commanders and Eagles are familiar with one another. There will be a few new wrinkles from both teams, but this is all about winning individual battles and plowing through adversity as a team.
That's something Kelce didn't take into account. The Commanders are battle-hardened. They almost always come through when the game is on the line and never back down from a fight. This sort of attitude or resolve in high-pressure situations won't be found on any depth chart.
Washington doesn't need any more motivation. They haven't been in this situation for more than three decades. Seizing the moment and silencing their doubters one more time on the road are the primary objectives.
Kelce's comments perfectly depict the feeling about Washington among Eagles fans. Shutting them up and confirming NFC East supremacy only sweetens the pot.
While the Eagles were expected to be in this situation, that guarantees nothing. They still have to go out and earn it. They have also lost to the Commanders already this season. Not bad for a team supposedly talent-deficient compared to Philadelphia in every area.
Let's hope Kelce will be eating a large slice of humble pie when it's all said and done.