Following games like this, it's hard to be positive. Sure, the Philadelphia Eagles have enjoyed a great season so far. They have won 12 games and have broken so many jinxes like winning in Cincinnati for the first time ever and winning in Arlington vs. the Dallas Cowboys for the first time since 2017. Thin lines are drawn in the NFL however, and by losing to the Washington Commanders, things have taken an intriguing turn.
Philly walked into the fourth quarter of Week 16's game with a 27-14 advantage. They had a lead and possession of the ball with just over two minutes remaining. Then, it happened.
The usually sure-handed DeVonta Smith dropped a pass that would have resulted in a first-down conversion and possibly an Eagles win. We all thought of the loss versus the Atlanta Falcons when that happened. Our fears were confirmed. The Commanders drove right down the field for a game-winning TD.
Philly's loss puts their chances of earning the number one seed in the NFC in jeopardy.
So, we'll sulk about this one for a few more hours. The Eagles' trip back to Philly won't be very enjoyable, but they'll need to refocus quickly. They host the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Most of the Eagles accept full responsibility following a crushing loss. Maybe C.J. Gardner-Johnson will feel differently about this one tomorrow.
As fans and media members, we sometimes think we care more about wins and losses than the guys playing. That isn't true. No one feels worse about losing this game than the Eagles players.
Following the loss, most accepted full responsibility for the outcome. There is, however one exception. You probably already know who we're discussing, right?
Reed Blankenship on the Jayden Daniels TD.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) December 22, 2024
“If anybody is gonna point fingers, point fingers at me at that.” #Eagles
Too many mistakes is why #Eagles lost for first time in 11 games. #Commanders score TD with seconds left in game. DeVonta Smith took responsibility for his drop late in game. pic.twitter.com/gET06NBVR2
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) December 22, 2024
Devonta Smith made no excuses. He says he just dropped the ball. pic.twitter.com/40huELgPRj
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) December 22, 2024
“We didn’t do enough. We left a lot of plays out there. Including myself”
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) December 22, 2024
Saquon Barkley says they were keying on him after Jalen Hurts left the game
“I’ve got to catch it”
“We’ve got to learn from this” pic.twitter.com/zjbbflT3R7
Kenny Pickett spoke with the media after Week 16's loss. He's banged up. He didn't take any snaps with the first team during practice this week, but in spite of the situation he found himself in, he showed heart.
If we're being honest, we aren't angry. We're disappointed, but we aren't angry. How can we bash DeVonta Smith, Reed Blankenship, and sSaquon Barkley? Philly doesn't have a chance to win without those guys.
What the heck is going on with C.J. Gardner-Johnson though? Sadly, he let his emotions get the best of him. He was ejected after being flagged for two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
He also doesn't believe that was his fault.
Respectfully got kicked out for nothing, I play with passion and fire!! Guys was chirping all day what u expect !!
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) December 22, 2024
Come on C.J.! Your reputation precedes you. It has to be expected that guys are going to try and get in your head. Earlier this season, he was voted as one of the game's most annoying players. Emotion fuels the game sometimes, but in games like this, guys must keep their emotions in check.
You can't help your teammates if you aren't on the field.