Nick Gates is fired up. The Washington Commanders center, who spent the past four seasons with the New York Giants, knows just how intense Philadelphia Eagles fans can be, especially at their home stadium, and he can’t wait to play in front of them again.
“It’s a fun, hostile environment,” he said of Lincoln Financial Field. “It’s a good time going against those guys and going to see a 6-year-old giving me the double bird while his dad couldn’t be more proud. It’s awesome.”
Gates and the Commanders (2-1) take on the Eagles (3-0) in Philadelphia on Sunday in what could be a significant measure of Washington’s talent and resilience. After a 37-3 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills in which Sam Howell was sacked nine times and intercepted four times, the Commanders will try to rebound against the reigning NFC champs.
The Commanders upset the Eagles in Philadelphia last year, sparking a three-game winning streak before the bottom fell out on the season. Pulling off another upset will be tough for myriad reasons. But it’s not unfathomable.
Advertisement
Let’s dig into the stats to get to know the Eagles.
First-quarter scoring differentials
The Commanders’ slow starts have been a problem for years, and this season is no different; they have trailed at halftime in every game. The defense and running game sparked turnarounds against the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos, but Washington’s poor play snowballed against the Bills.
Through three games, Washington has the second-worst first-quarter scoring margin: minus-17. The Eagles, meanwhile, have the league’s best first-quarter scoring margin: plus-22. Philadelphia has held all three of its opponents scoreless in the opening quarter.
McLaurin’s 230 receiving yards
Terry McLaurin has been targeted only 16 times this season, far fewer than most leading receivers in the NFL. But his battles against the Eagles — and in particular against cornerback Darius Slay — have made for prime viewing.
Advertisement
In his past two meetings with the Eagles, McLaurin has totaled 14 catches for 230 receiving yards. If he tops 100 yards again, it should bode well for the Commanders; since the start of 2021, they’re 5-2-1 in games in which he has hit triple digits.
26 points off takeaways
The Eagles are the only team with multiple takeaways in each of their first three games, and they have eight on the season, tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the second most in the league. (Only the Bills, with nine, have more.) Philadelphia has capitalized greatly, scoring 26 points off takeaways. Washington, however, has paid dearly for its turnovers; opponents have scored 27 points off them. Only one team, the Broncos, has allowed its opponents more points off turnovers.
Securing the ball will be key for the Commanders on Sunday. Since the start of 2021, they have gone 8-3 when they have won the turnover battle.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uK3SoaCnn6Sku7G70q1lnKedZMCxu9GtqmhqYGeAcHyYaGlyZ5Okuq6tzZ2cq6tdmq6ouMSsZKyskanAcA%3D%3D