‘Monday Night Football’ Delivers a Blow to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Egos

Posted on: November 15, 2022, 02:45h. 

Last updated on: November 16, 2022, 06:59h.

Erik Gibbs Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Gaming Business, Global Gaming.

Not since 1972 has an NFL team completed a season without suffering a loss. That reign continues, as the Washington Commanders celebrated an underdog win against the now-broken Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.

Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Jack Stoll is tackled during Monday night’s game against the Washington Commanders. Washington took control of the game to break Philadelphia’s perfect record. (Image: Getty Images)

Washington beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh when they were 11-0 in 2020. Now, they beat the Eagles when they were 8-0. While the NFC East-leading Eagles fell to 8-1 with the decisive 32-21 loss, the Commanders improved to 5-5. They are now in a real position to fight for a wild-card spot in the postseason.

The Eagles took a 14-7 lead late in the first quarter when quarterback Jalen Hurts hit tight end Dallas Goedert for a touchdown. That’s when the Commanders came alive.

The Commanders counted on QB Taylor Heinicke, whose return to the starting lineup has breathed life into this team. Washington has gone from a team that trudges through every game to a synchronized machine that plays passionately and is confident they will win.

Commanders Bring the Axes

While his numbers on Monday aren’t overwhelming, 17 for 29 for 211 plus an interception, Heinicke was on target when it counted. After the Eagles forced a turnover that led to a TD just minutes into the game, Heinicke stayed on point until the Commanders’ last drive.

Knowing the Eagles were without rookie defensive tackle Jordan Davis, the Commanders focused on the ground game. The running back duo of Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson combined for 130 rushing yards on 40 carries, including two trips to the end zone.

Washington finished the game with 152 rushing yards. The Commanders also controlled the clock, racking up over 40 minutes of possession to the Eagles’ 19 minutes.

As the game progressed, the 14-7 deficit turned into a 23-14 lead, thanks in part to the perfect aim of Joey Slye (and perhaps a few missed penalties). Throughout the contest, Slye made kicking field goals look like child’s play, nailing a career-high 58-yarder and adding a 55-yard bomb that split the uprights.

The Eagles mounted a return that brought them to within two points. The Washington defense did its job, though. It picked off players, forced Hurts out of the pocket, and never let up. The Commanders punctuated the night’s performance by picking off a desperate Eagles offense as time expired and hitting the end zone for another six.

Biggest Upset of the Year

The Eagles were 11-point favorites going into the game, the third time this season they’ve had a double-digit advantage. After underdogs continue to score big wins this season, perhaps it’s time to adjust the math.

BetMGM and Caesars had the Commanders at +400 to win on Monday night, which means they stood to suffer serious losses. Caesars reported that one bettor put down more than $15K on the moneyline, which resulted in a win of $62,400.

Most of the money went to the Eagles to win, and rightfully so. Hurts were 4-0 as a starter when Philadelphia had a line of 10 points or more. Therefore, after someone at BetMGM wagered $331K on the Eagles, the sportsbook breathed a sigh of relief and thanked them for their business.

The Commanders face the Houston Texans, who sit at the bottom of the AFC along with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Eagles will face the Indianapolis Colts to avenge Monday’s loss.