Commanders Seek Cleaner Play After Beating Eagles

The Washington Commanders overturned an early 10-point deficit to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 on November 1, scoring the game’s final 27 points. The win lifted Washington’s record to 2-4-1, but coach Dan Quinn said recurring penalties kept the team from playing a complete game.

Washington was flagged nine times for 70 yards. Two consecutive false starts on its opening drive helped turn a third-and-1 into a third-and-11, and the drive ended with a missed field goal. A defensive penalty later erased an interception. Across seven games, the Commanders have committed 55 penalties for 429 yards.

Quinn said the team needs to correct its mistakes, particularly false starts, and acknowledged there was no single explanation for the flags. Washington has also lost scoring chances in earlier games to penalties, including a disallowed touchdown against San Francisco and an erased interception against the New York Giants.

The defense provided a bright spot despite missing defensive linemen Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw and Jer’Zhan Newton. Washington recorded five sacks and held Eagles running back Saquon Barkley to 30 yards on 13 carries. Payne’s foot injury has placed him on injured reserve, while Kinlaw missed the game with a knee injury.

Rookie receiver Antonio Williams led Washington with five catches for 54 yards on seven targets. With leading wideout Terry McLaurin sidelined for the remainder of the season, Williams could continue to get more opportunities. Jeremy McNichols is dealing with a foot injury, and Quinn said the team was concerned and expected to provide an update later in the week.

Washington hosts the Los Angeles Rams on November 8. Rams coach Sean McVay said Myles Garrett would return to practice, beginning a 21-day window to come off injured reserve, but did not say whether he would play against Washington.