As cocky as this may come across, we don't feel we're alone in this theory. Never at any point of the most recent NFL season did we feel the Washington Commanders were a legitimate obstacle to the Philadelphia Eagles' title hopes.
Sure, there was that nightmare finish in Landover at Northwest Stadium, Philly's lone loss after the bye week and a 2-2 start to the season. We dismissed that one fairly quickly. Surely had Jalen Hurts played for the entire contest, that one would have ended differently.
Besides, had DeVonta Smith caught that final pass from Kenny Pickett, we wouldn't be discussing this anyway, right? And, then there was the angle involving Vic Fangio's defense. After seeing them blow that fourth-quarter lead by surrendering 22 points, we were confident that wasn't going to happen again.
The Eagles vs. Commanders rivalry is must-see TV once again.
As strange as this might sound, the Eagles' loss to the Commanders in Week 16 fueled our confidence that Philly wouldn't lose to Washington in the NFC Championship Game. The element of surprise was gone. Losing to their rivals still stung, and the celebration seen by Philly's rival wasn't forgotten.
Much has happened since then. Frankie Luvu jumped over the offensive formation during an obvious 'tush push' attempt too many times. Many of us learned of a rule that we didn't know existed.
Philly demolished Washington in the NFCCG. Commanders fans became the latest to learn the dangers of tarnishing the Rocky statue. The Birds went on to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy, their second.
Who would have thought? The Eagles vs. Commanders feud is the premier rivalry in the NFC East now, and some recent information, if proven to be true can truly shift some things in football's 'Money Division'.
T.J. Watt's acquisition by an Eagles rival could set off some fireworks.
We believed Washington was a few years away from a serious championship chase of their own, but we may have to readjust that theory. The Commanders' arrival has come more quickly than expected.
Now, it appears, with the T.J. Watt rumors swirling, that they, like the Eagles, are among the favorites to land the seven-time Pro Bowler as his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers may be ending.
T.J. is already a six-time All-Pro (four First-Team mentions and two Second-Team nominations). Keep in mind the fact that Washington also traded for Laremy Tunsil and added several game-changing free agents: wide receiver Michael Gallup, guard Nate Herbig, defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., DE Jacob Martin, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, DT Eddie Goldman, cornerback Jonathan Jones, and safety Will Harris.
We'll see what happens with what appears to be a physically-declining Deebo Samuel. He's been a nightmare matchup for the Eagles in the past, but here's the kicker. Washington's young quarterback, Jayden Daniels, is certainly the real deal. He has an opportunity to get even better.
While we still grade Philly as the class of the NFC East, the Commanders are going to be a pain in the arse for a while. If they add Watt, our issues with them only increase. We'll see what happens as we move through this offseason.