At 9–5 and firmly in control of the NFC East, Philadelphia is approaching the stretch run of the 2025 season with one clear priority: clinch the division and set the foundation for another Super Bowl run.
Against the Washington Commanders in Week 16, however, the path forward doesn't require innovation. It requires commitment.
For Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, the Eagles enter Week 16 as the only team above .500 in the division, and while the standings suggest separation, division games rarely reward complacency. And on the other side of the field for the 4-10 Commanders, who are playing spoiler, they'll attempt to muddy the game with variance in all three phases.
For the Eagles, however, the antidote is simple -- dictate terms on the ground and force Washington to prove it can hold up for four quarters with a battered and bruised roster as beaten up as there is in football.
What the Eagles have to do to take down the Commanders in Week 16
All it takes is a quick turn to the tape to understand just how bad Washington has struggled all season to stop the run, not just schematically but structurally. Their second level lacks speed, range, and consistency, fitting gaps, and creating natural lanes once offensive linemen reach the second level. When runs break through the first wave, explosive gains follow, and that vulnerability plays directly into Philadelphia’s strengths.
The last time these teams met in a game of consequence—the NFC Championship previous winter—the tone was set quickly. Two early touches resulted in two trips to the end zone for Saquon Barkley, forcing Washington into chase mode and allowing Philadelphia to control tempo from the opening snap.
That blueprint remains intact today, despite different circumstances for either roster.
And for Philadelphia, the ground game approach also benefits the rest of the offense. A productive run game simplifies reads for Jalen Hurts, reduces exposure to negative plays, and creates favorable matchups on the perimeter for A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith without forcing the ball. Rather than asking Hurts to win the game on every down, Philadelphia can lean into efficiency and patience.
Because this is late in the season, especially for a team with championship aspirations, style points are irrelevant. What matters is staying on schedule, owning time of possession, and wearing opponents down. Sustained drives keep a defense fresh and allow teams to dictate fourth-quarter conditions -where execution and complementary football matter most.
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And now, as the Eagles look to close out the NFC East and prepare for January, the matchup serves as a reminder of who Philadelphia can be at its best. Not overly complex. Not pass-heavy for the sake of balance. Just a team that understands physical, downhill football, matchups, and the value of imposing its will with its premier offensive playmaker.