At a Glance
- Eagles lost to Josh Johnson 24-17, dropping to No. 2 seed.
- Wild-card opponent will be the San Francisco 49ers.
- Road record under Nick Sirianni is 30-13, best in the league.
Why it matters: The loss forces Philadelphia onto a tougher playoff path and tests its road-game resilience.
The Eagles slipped to the second seed after a 24-17 defeat by Washington’s veteran quarterback Josh Johnson, setting up a wild-card clash with the San Francisco 49ers and a potential second-round trip on the road.
Game Highlights
The Eagles were outplayed by Johnson, who turned a 1-10 career record into a victory for Washington. Backup quarterback Tanner McKee struggled, throwing 5-14 for 40 yards in the fourth quarter and an interception in the red zone. Defensive backups also faltered, allowing Johnson to move the ball through the air more than expected.
- McKee’s fourth-quarter performance: 5-14, 40 yards, 1 interception.
- Backup defense forced 2 turnovers but missed key stops.
- Johnson finished 24-17, 1-10 career record.
Player Performances
- Tank Bigsby: 16 carries for 75 yards, 1 touchdown, and a 31-yard catch-and-run for 106 scrimmage yards.
- DeVonta Smith: 44 yards, completing his third 1,000-yard season.
- Jalyx Hunt: 3 interceptions, first career fumble recovery, leading the team in both sacks and interceptions this season.
- Jakorian Bennett: 3 defensive penalties, including two pass interference calls that set up Washington’s touchdowns.
- Darius Cooper: Taunting penalty cost the Eagles 15 yards and a likely touchdown.
Road Record Context
| Season | Road Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6-2 | Only losses: Meadowlands (Week 6) and Chargers (last month) |
| 2020-24 | 30-13 | Best in league; only team with winning road record all five seasons |
The Eagles finished 6-2 on the road in 2024, and under Sirianni they have a 30-13 record over five seasons, the highest in the NFL. This record gives confidence that they can win on the road if they stay healthy.
Key Takeaways
- The loss to Johnson forces a wild-card matchup with the 49ers and a potential second-round road trip.
- McKee’s poor fourth-quarter play was a key factor in the defeat.
- Despite defensive struggles, players like Bigsby, Smith, and Hunt had standout performances.
- The Eagles’ strong road record under Sirianni suggests they can survive the tougher playoff path.
The Eagles face a challenging playoff road ahead, but their proven resilience on the road could keep them alive in the postseason.
