Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats
The washington commanders vs philadelphia eagles match player stats from January 4, 2026, tell a more interesting story than the final 24-17 score alone. Washington entered the Week 18 matchup at 5-12, while Philadelphia was 11-6 and had already secured a playoff place. The Commanders still played with urgency, and their 24-17 victory at Lincoln Financial Field was built around an efficient rushing attack, timely quarterback play from Josh Johnson, defensive takeaways, and the ability to capitalize on Philadelphia mistakes. The Eagles, meanwhile, produced more through the air but struggled to turn that production into enough points.
This game also needs context. Philadelphia chose to rest several starters with the playoffs approaching, despite still having a path to the No. 2 seed. That decision significantly shaped the matchup and should be considered when evaluating individual performances. Head coach Nick Sirianni later defended the choice, explaining that keeping players healthy was a major priority.
The result was therefore not simply a conventional comparison between an 11-6 team and a 5-12 team. It was a matchup in which Washington’s available players executed better in important moments, while Philadelphia’s backups had difficulty preventing the Commanders from converting opportunities into touchdowns.
Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats: Game Overview
The final score was:
| Team | Score | Record |
| Washington Commanders | 24 | 5-12 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 17 | 11-6 |
Washington scored 10 points in the second quarter and 14 in the fourth. Philadelphia scored seven in the second quarter and 10 in the third. The Eagles were unable to score in the fourth quarter, which proved decisive.
One of the most revealing statistics was time of possession. Washington controlled the ball for 34:09, compared with 25:51 for Philadelphia. That difference helped the Commanders keep their defense fresh and prevented the Eagles from establishing a sustained offensive rhythm.
Washington also ran the football 41 times for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Philadelphia had only 19 rushing attempts for 80 yards and one touchdown. That 22-carry difference is one of the clearest indicators of how the game developed.
Score Breakdown
The scoring pattern showed two very different approaches.
Washington:
- 10 points in the second quarter
- 14 points in the fourth quarter
- 24 total points
Philadelphia:
- 7 points in the second quarter
- 10 points in the third quarter
- 17 total points
The fourth quarter ultimately belonged to Washington. That was especially important because Philadelphia had entered the final period with a 17-10 advantage.
Washington did not need a huge passing performance to recover. Instead, the Commanders leaned on the run, protected possession as effectively as possible, and used Johnson’s mobility to create an additional rushing threat.
Josh Johnson’s Passing and Rushing Performance
Josh Johnson was the most important individual offensive figure for Washington.
He completed 14 of 22 passes for 131 yards, one touchdown and one interception. His passer rating was 76.1. He was not asked to produce a high-volume passing performance, but his contribution became much larger when his rushing numbers were included.
His passing line:
| Category | Josh Johnson |
| Completions | 14 |
| Attempts | 22 |
| Completion Rate | 63.6% |
| Passing Yards | 131 |
| Passing TDs | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Passer Rating | 76.1 |
Johnson also carried the ball nine times for 45 yards and one touchdown, averaging 5.0 yards per attempt. His longest run was 13 yards.
That rushing contribution is important because Washington’s offense did not depend entirely on his arm.
His 45 rushing yards represented nearly one-third of Washington’s total rushing output. More importantly, his touchdown gave the Commanders a way to finish a scoring opportunity without requiring a successful pass into a crowded red zone.
Why Johnson’s Mobility Mattered
From an analytical perspective, Johnson’s 45 rushing yards changed the structure of the game.
Philadelphia had to account for the quarterback as a legitimate running threat. That can influence how defensive ends maintain contain, how linebackers react to play action, and how defensive backs respond to the quarterback’s movement outside the pocket.
The NFL’s postgame analysis highlighted Johnson’s fourth-quarter touchdown run after a play-action bootleg. The play worked because Johnson manipulated the nearest defender before attacking the space that opened up.
That is a good example of why quarterback statistics should not be evaluated only through passing yards.
Johnson’s 131 passing yards look modest. His total offensive contribution was considerably more valuable.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Led Washington’s Ground Attack
Chris Rodriguez Jr. was Washington’s leading rusher.
He finished with:
- 16 carries
- 65 rushing yards
- 4.1 yards per carry
- 12-yard long
- 1 rushing touchdown
Those numbers made Rodriguez the foundation of Washington’s conventional running game.
His 16 carries were the most by any Washington running back, and his touchdown gave the Commanders an important source of red-zone production.
Washington’s complete rushing distribution was:
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | 16 | 65 | 4.1 | 1 |
| Josh Johnson | 9 | 45 | 5.0 | 1 |
| Jacory Croskey-Merritt | 13 | 29 | 2.2 | 0 |
| Jeremy McNichols | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 0 |
| Deebo Samuel | 2 | 1 | 0.5 | 0 |
| Total | 41 | 143 | 3.5 | 2 |
This distribution shows that Washington did not rely on one runner exclusively.
Rodriguez provided the physical interior workload. Johnson added quarterback rushing value. Croskey-Merritt received 13 attempts and helped keep the ground game active.
The overall 3.5 yards per carry was not spectacular, but volume matters. Forty-one rushing attempts allowed Washington to control the tempo and keep Philadelphia’s defense on the field.
Terry McLaurin Was Washington’s Receiving Leader
Terry McLaurin led Washington in receiving with four catches for 57 yards.
His average was 14.3 yards per reception, and his longest catch went for 25 yards.
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| Terry McLaurin | 4 | 57 | 14.3 | 0 |
| Deebo Samuel | 2 | 20 | 10.0 | 0 |
| John Bates | 2 | 13 | 6.5 | 1 |
| Treylon Burks | 2 | 12 | 6.0 | 0 |
| Ben Sinnott | 2 | 3 | 1.5 | 0 |
| Chris Rodriguez Jr. | 1 | 18 | 18.0 | 0 |
| Jeremy McNichols | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 0 |
| Total | 14 | 131 | 9.4 | 1 |
McLaurin’s role was especially important because Washington was not throwing frequently. With only 22 team pass attempts, every meaningful completion carried more weight.
His four receptions accounted for nearly 44% of Washington’s receiving yards.
That is a strong indication of how Washington used its passing game. The Commanders were not trying to overwhelm Philadelphia with volume. They were looking for efficient gains and trusted their rushing attack to carry much of the offensive workload.
John Bates Delivered a Crucial Touchdown
John Bates did not lead Washington in receptions or yards, but his contribution was critical.
He caught two passes for 13 yards and scored Washington’s passing touchdown.
That touchdown demonstrated an important feature of the Commanders’ offensive strategy. When Washington reached scoring territory, it did not necessarily need a star receiver to finish the drive.
The combination of rushing threats, play action and tight end involvement created enough uncertainty for Johnson to make the key throw.
That is a useful lesson when evaluating the washington commanders vs philadelphia eagles match player stats. The most productive player statistically is not always the player who makes the most important play.
Tanner McKee’s Passing Numbers
Philadelphia quarterback Tanner McKee produced more passing yards than Johnson, but the Eagles still lost.
McKee completed 21 of 40 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He was sacked three times, and his passer rating was approximately 69.
His basic passing line:
| Category | Tanner McKee |
| Completions | 21 |
| Attempts | 40 |
| Completion Rate | 52.5% |
| Passing Yards | 241 |
| Passing TDs | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Sacks | 3 |
| Passer Rating | 68.8 |
The volume is striking.
McKee attempted 18 more passes than Johnson and gained 110 more passing yards. Yet Washington still won by seven points.
That contrast illustrates why raw passing yardage can sometimes be misleading.
Philadelphia needed to throw frequently because Washington’s defensive pressure and the game situation created a pass-heavy environment. More attempts naturally produced more yards, but they did not automatically produce more points.
DeVonta Smith Led Philadelphia’s Receivers
DeVonta Smith led the Eagles with three receptions for 52 yards.
His average was 17.3 yards per reception, making him Philadelphia’s most productive receiver by yards per catch among the primary contributors.
The Eagles generated 241 passing yards as a team, matching McKee’s individual total.
That means the passing game produced a respectable amount of yardage despite the final score.
The problem was not simply an inability to move the football.
The bigger issue was converting offensive opportunities into enough points.
Tank Bigsby Was Philadelphia’s Leading Rusher
Tank Bigsby led Philadelphia’s rushing attack with 16 carries for 75 yards and one touchdown.
His average was 4.7 yards per carry.
Philadelphia’s total rushing output was only 80 yards on 19 attempts. Bigsby therefore accounted for most of the team’s rushing yardage.
That workload also highlights an important strategic difference.
Washington ran 41 times.
Philadelphia ran 19 times.
The Commanders therefore had 22 more rushing attempts and 63 more rushing yards.
That was not a small statistical difference. It reflected two very different offensive approaches.
Washington’s Defensive Impact
Washington’s defense recorded:
- 55 total tackles
- 33 solo tackles
- 3 sacks
- 3 tackles for loss
- 3 passes defended
- 6 quarterback hits
- 1 interception
The defense was not statistically dominant in every category, but it produced enough pressure and disruption to prevent Philadelphia from finishing drives consistently.
Jonathan Jones led Washington with seven total tackles, including six solo tackles.
Jeremy Reaves also recorded an interception and returned it 28 yards.
The interception mattered because turnovers can dramatically change field position.
A defense does not always need multiple takeaways to influence a game. One timely interception can produce an entirely different possession sequence.
Philadelphia’s Defensive Numbers
Philadelphia recorded:
- 76 total tackles
- 33 solo tackles
- 2 tackles for loss
- 5 passes defended
- 4 quarterback hits
- 1 interception
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. led the Eagles with 12 total tackles, five solo tackles, one tackle for loss and two quarterback hits.
His tackle total was the highest individual mark listed in the provided game statistics.
However, a high tackle total can sometimes indicate that a defense was repeatedly involved in plays rather than controlling them before they developed.
Philadelphia’s 76 tackles compared with Washington’s 55 suggest that the Eagles’ defense was heavily involved throughout the game. Yet Washington’s ability to keep drives alive through the running game ultimately gave the Commanders the better offensive balance.
Turnovers Were a Major Difference
One of the most important parts of the washington commanders vs philadelphia eagles match player stats is the turnover picture.
Washington committed three fumbles and lost two of them.
Philadelphia did not lose a fumble.
Both teams recorded one interception.
That means Washington had the less favorable fumble situation but still won.
This is an important reminder that turnover statistics should be examined in context rather than reduced to a single total.
Washington gave Philadelphia extra opportunities through lost fumbles. Yet the Commanders compensated through defensive disruption, rushing efficiency and fourth-quarter execution.
The game also featured several possession swings that influenced field position.
The official drive chart shows Washington controlling more than 34 minutes of possession.
Special Teams Played a Supporting Role
Washington kicker Jake Moody made one of two field-goal attempts, with a long of 56 yards, and converted all three extra-point attempts for six points.
Philadelphia kicker Jake Elliott made his only field-goal attempt, a 39-yard kick, and converted both extra-point attempts for five points.
Washington punter Tress Way averaged 53.0 yards on three punts, including a 71-yard long punt.
Philadelphia’s Braden Mann averaged 38.3 yards on three punts.
Those numbers show a notable field-position advantage for Washington’s punting game.
Tress Way’s 71-yard punt was particularly significant because a strong punt can change the starting position of an opponent’s next drive without requiring the defense to make a stop immediately.
Field Position and Possession Tell the Bigger Story
The final score can make the game appear relatively balanced.
The underlying possession data paints a different picture.
Washington held the ball for 34:09.
Philadelphia held it for 25:51.
That is an eight-minute-plus difference.
Washington also ran 41 rushing attempts compared with Philadelphia’s 19.
This created a game in which the Commanders repeatedly reduced the number of possessions available to Philadelphia.
That strategy was particularly effective against an Eagles team using backup players.
The fewer possessions Philadelphia had, the fewer opportunities it had to overcome its mistakes and establish offensive rhythm.
This is one of the strongest strategic conclusions from the matchup.
Why Philadelphia’s Passing Volume Did Not Produce a Win
Philadelphia’s 241 passing yards exceeded Washington’s 131 by 110 yards.
At first glance, that seems like a major advantage.
But the Eagles needed 40 attempts to reach that total.
Washington needed only 22 attempts to produce 131 yards.
The Commanders compensated for the passing-yardage gap with 143 rushing yards.
Their total offensive yardage was therefore 274 yards.
Philadelphia also finished with 321 total offensive yards based on its 241 passing yards and 80 rushing yards.
So Philadelphia produced more total yardage but still lost.
That is perhaps the clearest lesson from the game.
Yardage does not equal efficiency, and efficiency does not always equal victory.
The team that scores more points wins. Washington was better at turning its opportunities into touchdowns when the game was decided.
Fourth Quarter Execution Decided the Matchup
The fourth quarter was the defining period.
Washington entered the final quarter trailing but scored 14 unanswered points.
Philadelphia scored zero.
That is where the game shifted from Philadelphia control to Washington control.
Washington’s ability to run the ball helped sustain its fourth-quarter offense. Johnson’s rushing threat added another dimension, and the defense prevented Philadelphia from responding.
The Commanders did not need a spectacular offensive explosion.
They needed two scoring drives and a defensive stop.
They got both.
What the Player Stats Say About Washington’s Game Plan
Washington’s statistical profile points toward a straightforward but effective formula:
- Run the football frequently.
- Use the quarterback’s mobility.
- Let McLaurin provide chunk-play potential.
- Avoid depending on high-volume passing.
- Create defensive pressure.
- Win field position through special teams.
- Execute better in the fourth quarter.
The Commanders followed that structure successfully.
The offense had only 131 passing yards, but it did not need more because the rushing attack generated 143 yards.
That balance helped Washington control the game.
What the Player Stats Say About Philadelphia’s Game Plan
Philadelphia’s numbers suggest a different formula:
- Rely heavily on the passing game.
- Give McKee a large passing workload.
- Use Bigsby as the primary rushing option.
- Attempt to recover through offensive volume.
- Allow the defense to create stops.
The problem was that the Eagles did not consistently convert their yardage into points.
Their 40 passing attempts created statistical volume, but Washington’s defense managed to produce three sacks and six quarterback hits.
That pressure affected the rhythm of the offense even when it did not always appear directly on the scoreboard.
Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles Match Player Stats Comparison
Here is a compact comparison of the most important numbers:
| Category | Washington | Philadelphia |
| Final Score | 24 | 17 |
| Passing Yards | 131 | 241 |
| Rushing Yards | 143 | 80 |
| Passing TDs | 1 | 1 |
| Rushing TDs | 2 | 1 |
| Total Rushing Attempts | 41 | 19 |
| Time of Possession | 34:09 | 25:51 |
| Sacks | 0 allowed | 3 allowed |
| Interceptions | 1 | 1 |
| Fumbles Lost | 2 | 0 |
| Total Tackles | 55 | 76 |
| QB Hits | 6 | 4 |
The biggest contrast is the relationship between passing and rushing.
Philadelphia had the passing advantage.
Washington had the rushing advantage.
Washington also had the possession advantage.
That combination was enough to overcome Philadelphia’s 110-yard passing advantage.
Key Individual Performers
Josh Johnson
Johnson was the game’s most important offensive player for Washington because he contributed through both passing and rushing.
His 131 passing yards were modest, but his 45 rushing yards and rushing touchdown expanded his impact.
Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Rodriguez gave Washington its most consistent conventional rushing threat.
His 65 yards and one touchdown formed the foundation of the Commanders’ ground game.
Terry McLaurin
McLaurin led Washington’s receiving group with 57 yards.
His 25-yard longest reception provided valuable explosive-play potential in an offense that otherwise relied heavily on the ground game.
Tanner McKee
McKee produced 241 passing yards and one touchdown but also threw one interception and took three sacks.
His statistical volume was strong, but the final offensive output was not enough.
Tank Bigsby
Bigsby carried 16 times for 75 yards and a touchdown.
He was Philadelphia’s most productive rusher and accounted for nearly all of the team’s rushing yardage.
DeVonta Smith
Smith led Philadelphia’s receiving corps with 52 yards on three receptions.
His 17.3 yards per catch showed that Philadelphia still had the ability to generate downfield production.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Trotter Jr. recorded 12 tackles, leading all players in the supplied defensive statistics.
His workload demonstrated how involved Philadelphia’s defense was throughout the game.
What Fantasy Football Players Should Take From the Numbers
This game is also a useful reminder for fantasy analysis.
A player can have a productive statistical profile without producing the type of fantasy line people expect.
McKee’s 241 passing yards look useful, but one touchdown, one interception and three sacks limit the value.
Bigsby’s 75 rushing yards and one touchdown provided a much stronger fantasy profile.
Johnson’s rushing touchdown was especially important because rushing scores can compensate for modest passing numbers in quarterback formats.
McLaurin’s 57 receiving yards were respectable, but his lack of a touchdown limited his ceiling.
The broader fantasy lesson is simple: workload, scoring opportunities and efficiency need to be considered together.
Why the 24-17 Result Matters
Washington’s victory was meaningful because it demonstrated that a team with a losing record could still execute a coherent game plan against a playoff-bound opponent.
At the same time, the result should not be used to suggest that Washington was suddenly the stronger overall team.
Philadelphia’s decision to rest starters materially changed the competitive circumstances.
The Eagles finished the regular season 11-6, while Washington finished 5-12. The matchup therefore says more about that specific game environment than about the overall strength of the two rosters.
That distinction is essential for responsible sports analysis.
The Most Important Statistical Takeaways
The key numbers can be summarized in five points.
1. Washington won through the run
The Commanders ran 41 times for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
2. Philadelphia won the passing-yardage battle
The Eagles produced 241 passing yards compared with Washington’s 131.
3. Washington controlled possession
The Commanders held the ball for 34:09, more than eight minutes longer than Philadelphia.
4. Johnson’s legs mattered
The Washington quarterback added 45 rushing yards and a touchdown.
5. The fourth quarter decided everything
Washington scored 14 fourth-quarter points while Philadelphia was held scoreless.
These numbers explain why the final score favored Washington despite Philadelphia’s larger passing output.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Washington and Philadelphia?
Washington defeated Philadelphia 24-17 on January 4, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field.
Who was Washington’s leading rusher?
Chris Rodriguez Jr. led Washington with 16 carries for 65 yards and one touchdown.
How did Josh Johnson perform?
Josh Johnson completed 14 of 22 passes for 131 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed nine times for 45 yards and one touchdown.
Who led Philadelphia in passing?
Tanner McKee completed 21 of 40 passes for 241 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Who led the Eagles in rushing?
Tank Bigsby led Philadelphia with 16 carries for 75 yards and one touchdown.
Who led the Eagles in tackles?
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. recorded 12 total tackles, including five solo tackles, one tackle for loss and two quarterback hits.
Conclusion
The washington commanders vs philadelphia eagles match player stats show why football games cannot be understood through one category such as passing yards.
Philadelphia threw for 241 yards, 110 more than Washington, yet the Commanders won because they built the game around 143 rushing yards, 41 rushing attempts, more than 34 minutes of possession and timely fourth-quarter execution.
Josh Johnson was central to that formula. His passing numbers were modest, but his mobility gave Washington an additional offensive weapon. Chris Rodriguez Jr. supplied the primary rushing production, while Terry McLaurin provided the biggest receiving contribution. On defense, Jonathan Jones led Washington in tackles and Jeremy Reaves produced an interception.
Philadelphia’s strongest statistical contributors included Tanner McKee, Tank Bigsby, DeVonta Smith and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. McKee produced significantly more passing yardage than Johnson, while Bigsby carried most of the Eagles’ rushing workload. However, Philadelphia could not turn its offensive yardage into enough points.
The game also requires context because Philadelphia rested starters with the postseason ahead. That makes the 24-17 result more useful as a detailed study of game execution than as a simple measure of the two teams’ overall quality. The official NFL game materials provide the underlying statistics and drive information for readers who want to verify the numbers. NFL official game statistics
The clearest conclusion is that Washington won the areas that mattered most when the game was decided. The Commanders ran effectively, controlled possession, received a valuable dual-threat performance from Johnson and finished the fourth quarter with 14 unanswered points. Philadelphia’s superior passing production could not overcome that combination.
