Backed Up

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles, resting many key starters, were unable to top the visiting Washington Commanders, falling 24-17, in a game in which they received help from the Detroit Lions. A win would have given the Eagles the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff field.

GETTY IMAGES: Philadelphia Eagles QB Tanner McKee came up short in his only start of the 2025 regular season.

Quarterback Tanner McKee completed 21 of 37 passes for 241 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Running back Tank Bigsby rushed for 75 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith started the contest, needing 44 yards to reach 1,000, and finished with 52.

Defensively, linebackers Jihaad Campbell and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. racked up double-digit tackles.

Inactive for the Eagles were LB Nakobe Dean, S Marcus Epps, OLB Jaelan Phillips, RT Lane Johnson, LG Landon Dickerson, TE Dallas Goedert and DT Jalen Carter. There were obviously several starters who did dress but didn’t play.

On Saturday, the Eagles elevated LS Charley Hughlett and DB Brandon Johnson from the practice squad. Johnson was needed as an extra safety, especially once Epps was ruled out with a concussion.

Let’s get to the observations.

*The Eagles opted to start Smith, who entered the game needing just 44 receiving yards to reach 1,000 on the season (he picked up 52 yards in the first quarter and was promptly pulled), while Tyler Steen was the other offensive starter whom the team elected to play. The starting offensive line (L-R): LT Fred Johnson, LG Brett Toth, C Drew Kendall, RG Tyler Steen and RT Matt Pryor.

Defensively, the Eagles started OLBs Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. Campbell and Trotter Jr. were the starters at off-ball linebacker. The secondary was initially comprised of CBs Jakorian Bennett and Kelee Ringo, with Sydney Brown and Brandon Johnson getting the start at safety.

*What more can you say about the third-year QB McKee? He’s poised and composed under pressure and throws with touch and anticipation. Perhaps most notable was McKee’s ability to get the ball to his receivers in a position where they can pick up yards after the catch. Sure, Jaylyx Hunt’s interception – his third of the season – gifted the Eagles favorable field position with under two minutes until the break and McKee tossed a bad interception to end the drive, but I thought the Stanford product largely answered the bell. His best throw of the afternoon was a 27-yard completion in traffic to Smith, who elevated to reel it in.

*Bigsby is such a fun player to watch. In addition to his power and acceleration, he also showcased some nice wiggle on a 31-yard catch-and-run. Whatever reason led to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ willingness to part with Bigsby, the bottom line is the Eagles got a steal. I envision the third-year running back coming up with a key play in the postseason.

* The excitement that comes from making a big play, especially when opportunities are limited, is understandable. But WR Darius Cooper picked a really bad spot to pick up a taunting penalty, which occurred following a 17-yard reception that would have set the offense up at the 5-yard line. The drive stalled three plays later, when McKee tossed an interception to S Jeremy Reaves.

* Brandon Johnson started the game at safety but exited early with an ankle injury. It was evident the team didn’t want to play Reed Blankenship, so the Eagles instead elected to move Michael Carter II back to play alongside Sydney Brown and brought in rookie Mac McWilliams to play nickel. McWilliams collected a pass breakup on a third quarter third-and-7, on a Johnson pass over the middle to WR Deebo Samuel. He also picked up a costly pass interference penalty in the fourth quarter, defending a pass to Samuel in the end zone, shortening the field and leading to a Johnson touchdown pass to TE John Bates to even the score.

* Hunt single-handedly swung momentum for the Eagles in the third quarter, recovering a Josh Johnson fumble at the Washington 30. The Eagles scored on the possession, with Bigsby surging in from two yards out to retake the lead. The second-year pass-rusher, who leads the Eagles in sacks and interceptions, has been lights out over the past month.

* There was a lot of excitement, from some, when the Eagles acquired Jakorian Bennett via trade in early August, but Bennett – charged with three penalties – struggled mightily in his first extended action of the season. Bennett was handsy and seemed to panic when the ball was in the air. There was always a reason behind Fangio’s reluctance in deploying Bennett on defense, and Sunday offered some clarity.

* The Eagles don’t have a manufactured touch player per se, but Britain Covey certainly has the traits to become one. The diminutive receiver, who accumulated 20 yards on two receptions, is excellent in space and the change of direction to elude defenders. I’d like to see what he can do offensively in that capacity.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com