Takeaways and observations from Eagles 38-31 win over Commanders in Week 8

The Eagles defense has allowed 31 points to the Commanders twice this season, and both times, Philadelphia came away with the win.

On Sunday, All-Pro quarterback Jalen Hurts tossed four touchdowns, and A.J. Brown broke an NFL record while logging two more scores and 130 yards receiving in the win.

On defense, the Eagles allowed Washington quarterback Sam Howell to go 39-of-52 for 397 yards passing and four touchdowns, but Sean Desai’s group got a timely sack and fumble to close the game.

With a showdown against Dallas looming this week, here’s an instant analysis of the win.

D'Andre Swift

Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) hands off to Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift (0) against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Swift had 15 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown.

DeVonta Smith

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 29: DeVonta Smith #6 of the Philadelphia Eagles scores a fourth quarter touchdown against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on October 29, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Smith had another solid outing against Washington, logging 7 catches for 99 yards and a touchdown.

Brotherly Sweep

Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift (0) scores a touchdown past Washington Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (25) during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Teams and experts around the NFL have been complaining for months about the Tush Push, and the sighs will likely grow louder after Philadelphia added a remix to the play.

Kudos to offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, who, with Philadelphia deep in Commanders territory and looking to run a quarterback sneak, decided to insert a play that allows the Birds to line up in the formation and then run a jet sweep to running back D’Andre Swift who took it in for a touchdown.

Teams must now prepare for the jet sweep along with the Tush Push, and social media reacted.

Eagles secondary

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 29: Jahan Dotson #1 of the Washington Commanders runs with a reception in the third quarter of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on October 29, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Sam Howell threw for 397 yards and the Eagles secondary surrendered 8 catches for 108 yards and a touchdown to Jahan Dotson.

Julio Jones

Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Julio Jones (80) catches a touchdown pass as Washington Commanders safety Kamren Curl (31) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Jones joined the Eagles last week and scored his first touchdown on a tough red zone catch.

Scary Terry

Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) catches a touchdown pass as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends during the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

McLaurin had a costly drop, but overall, he had another successful outing, logging 5 catches for 63 yards and a touchdown.

Reed Blankenship

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 29: Reed Blankenship #32 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after a interception in the fourth quarter of a game on Commanders at FedExField on October 29, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Blankenship struggled in coverage, but had a much needed interception, and finished the day with 9 tackles and 1 pass defended.

Haason Reddick

Oct 29, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick (7) causes a fumble by Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Reddick logged 3 tackles, 1 sack and 2 QB hits.

Camden, NJ born. Temple made. pic.twitter.com/GR3Ypt8zYf

— O.J. Spivey (@OJPhilly) October 29, 2023