The NFC Championship Game between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles on January 26, 2025, wasn’t just a lopsided 55-23 victory. Beneath the headline scoreline lay a riveting clash of evolving football identities, hidden player efficiencies, and resilience under pressure. While the spotlight shone on Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, the match served as a deeper blueprint of modern NFL performance under playoff conditions.
In this article, we dissect the player statistics from this high-stakes encounter, revealing overlooked trends and emerging talent that defined the game’s trajectory and set the stage for future NFL strategies.
Game Overview and Context
Key Match Information
- Date: January 26, 2025
- Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
- Result: Eagles 55, Commanders 23
- Significance: NFC Championship Game, determining the Super Bowl LVIX contender
This game was played under nearly perfect weather conditions—42°F, light wind (5 mph NW), and a dry, high-traction field. The environment allowed both teams to execute nearly their entire playbook without restriction.
Summary of Game Flow
- Eagles jumped to an early lead, fueled by Barkley’s 60-yard touchdown on the opening play.
- Jalen Hurts delivered a balanced offensive performance despite a previously injured knee.
- Commanders struggled with turnovers, giving up 28 points off four giveaways.
- Daniels showed flashes of brilliance despite defensive pressure and mental mistakes.
Breaking Down the Player Stats with a Fresh Lens
Rather than only highlighting standout performances, this section investigates the nuanced statistical dimensions and underlying player contributions that shaped the contest.
Saquon Barkley – Beyond the Box Score
| Metric | Stat |
| Carries | 15 |
| Rushing Yards | 118 |
| Yards per Carry | 7.9 |
| Touchdowns | 3 |
| Rushing Yards Over Expected (RYOE) | +72 |
Insight: 112 of Barkley’s 118 yards came on outside runs. This speaks not only to his speed and vision, but also to Philadelphia’s blocking schemes and the Commanders’ edge containment issues. In contrast, he gained only 6 yards on 5 inside carries.
Jalen Hurts – Tactical Quarterbacking
| Category | Stat |
| Passing Yards | 246 |
| Passing TDs | 0 |
| Rushing TDs | 3 |
| Total Yards (Pass + Rush) | 295 |
| Pre-snap Adjustment Rate | 42% |
| Protection Adjustment Success | 94% |
Fresh Perspective: Hurts didn’t just rack up stats—he demonstrated elite mental acuity. His 42% pre-snap adjustment rate and 94% protection adjustment success rate show his mastery of game flow, audibles, and defensive manipulation.
Hidden Stars and Unsung Contributions
Zack Baun – Defensive Disruptor
- Tackles: 12
- Forced Fumbles: 1
- Fumble Recoveries: 1
- Tackles for Loss: 1
Why It Matters: Baun’s first-quarter forced fumble set the tone for the Eagles. His play in the middle disrupted Washington’s rhythm and allowed the Eagles to build an early multi-score lead. His impact wasn’t flashy, but it was foundational.
Quinyon Mitchell – The Closer
- Key Stat: One acrobatic 4th-quarter interception
Analysis: Mitchell’s interception may seem inconsequential in a blowout, but it iced the game and symbolized the Eagles’ ability to close out contests with surgical precision.
Jayden Daniels – A Rookie’s Learning Curve
| Situation | Completion/Attempts | Yards | TD | INT |
| Clean Pocket | 18/26 | 185 | 1 | 0 |
| Under Pressure | 11/22 | 70 | 0 | 1 |
| 3rd Down Conversion | 7/14 | 85 | 0 | 0 |
Takeaway: While Daniels struggled under pressure, his poise in clean-pocket situations and on third downs showed future potential. His decision-making eroded slightly in high-pressure red zone situations, but he still managed to complete over 60% of his passes.
Daniels’ Rushing Contribution
- Carries: 6
- Yards: 48
- TDs: 1
His juke-heavy 19-yard touchdown run was emblematic of his play style: dynamic and fearless.
Tactical Trends That Went Under the Radar
Eagles’ Formation Success Rates
| Formation | Success Rate |
| 11 Personnel | 74% |
| 12 Personnel | 82% |
| 21 Personnel | 68% |
| Empty Set | 65% |
Insight: Philly’s use of 12 personnel proved extremely effective, particularly in short-yardage and red-zone scenarios. This also masked injuries on the offensive line by offering additional blocking support.
Commanders’ Short Pass Strategy
| Target Zone | Completion Rate |
| Short Left | 72.7% |
| Short Middle | 77.8% |
| Short Right | 60.0% |
New Angle: Washington attempted to neutralize Philly’s pass rush with quick, short-area throws. Though effective in stretches, it lacked the explosiveness needed to overcome large deficits.
Special Teams & Turnovers – The Silent Game-Changers
Turnovers
- Commanders Giveaways: 4
- Eagles Points Off Turnovers: 28
Special Teams Impact
- Jeremy McNichols: Lost a key kickoff return fumble
- Eagles Punting Average: 47.8 yards
Turnovers and poor field position compounded Washington’s struggles. Special teams quietly tilted the game in Philly’s favor.
Implications and Forward Look
For the Eagles
- Jalen Hurts proved capable of leading even when limited physically.
- Offensive line depth will be key heading into the Super Bowl.
- Baun and Mitchell highlighted the defense’s depth and readiness.
For the Commanders
- Jayden Daniels is a franchise cornerstone.
- Turnover discipline and red zone efficiency must be top offseason priorities.
- Secondary coverage penalties and depth need addressing.
Conclusion: A Statistical Showcase of Modern Football
This NFC Championship matchup was far more than a high-scoring blowout. It showcased evolving quarterback play, adaptive strategies, and overlooked heroics on both sides. The player stats reveal a game of efficiency versus resilience, where every number told a part of the story.
As the Eagles head to the Super Bowl and Washington builds toward future contention, this matchup offers a masterclass in what separates great teams from good ones in the modern NFL era.
FAQs:
Q1: Who were the standout players in the Commanders vs Eagles NFC Championship game?
A: Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley starred for the Eagles, combining for six rushing touchdowns. For Washington, rookie QB Jayden Daniels impressed with 255 passing yards, a touchdown, and 48 rushing yards.
Q2: How did turnovers affect the outcome of the game?
A: The Commanders committed four turnovers, which the Eagles converted into 28 points. This swing in possession and momentum was a critical factor in Philadelphia’s dominant 55-23 win.
Q3: What made Jalen Hurts’ performance unique in this game?
A: Despite playing with a knee injury, Hurts scored three rushing touchdowns and posted a 94% protection adjustment success rate, showcasing elite in-game decision-making.
Q4: How did Jayden Daniels perform under pressure?
A: Daniels completed 60.4% of his passes overall and was particularly effective from a clean pocket, though he struggled under pressure with only 70 yards and an interception.
Q5: What was significant about Saquon Barkley’s rushing stats?
A: Barkley gained 118 yards on 15 carries, including a 60-yard TD. He generated +72 rushing yards over expected, most of it coming from outside runs—a testament to his speed and blocking scheme efficiency.
Q6: Did special teams play a role in the final score?
A: Yes. A fumble by Jeremy McNichols on a kickoff return set up an Eagles score, and consistent field position wins by the Eagles’ special teams helped control momentum.
Q7: What are the long-term implications of this game for both teams?
A: The Eagles continue their Super Bowl run with momentum and strategic depth. The Commanders, though defeated, solidified Jayden Daniels as a franchise QB and highlighted areas for offseason improvement, such as ball security and secondary depth.