Philadelphia Eagles: Birds Fight Valiantly, Fall 27-22 to Skins

The Philadelphia Eagles fought hard and valiantly this afternoon, but fell to 5-8 on the year after a 27-22 home loss to the visiting Washington Redskins.

Doug Pederson‘s team were a lot better today than a week ago in Cincinnati, but turned the ball over late on a potential go-ahead drive.

Quarterback Carson Wentz was strip-sacked by Washington star defensive end Ryan Kerrigan with under a minute to go which cost the Birds a chance for a game-winning score.

Two Caleb Sturgis field goals of 45 and 36 yards respectively had the Eagles up 6-0 early in the second quarter. Washington tailback Robert Kelley scampered in from 20-yards out to put Washington up 7-6 after a 10-play, 69-yard drive.

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Wentz connected with tailback Darren Sproles for a four-yard hook-up after a 12-play, 77-yard drive by Philly had the Eagles up 13-6 at halftime. The third quarter was all Skins, as two touchdown passes from Kirk Cousins had the visitors up 21-13 after three-quarters.

An 80-yard bomb from Cousins to former Eagle DeSean Jackson put the Skins up one before Cousins hooked up with Pierre Garcon for a 15-yard strike with 0:07 remaining. Jackson, who is in a lot of rumors to return to Philly next season, was able to torch his former side when it counted most.

However, Philly fought their way back as cornerback Leodis McKelvin picked off Cousins and raced in from 29-yards out to make it 21-19. Sturgis’ third FG of the day, this from 41-yards out had the Gang Green in front with 4:59 remaining.

An eight play, 77-yard drive was capped off with a 25-yard scamper by tailback Chris Thompson which put Jay Gruden’s side back in front 27-22. With 0:21 seconds left, and the ball at the Redskins 14-yard line it looked as if the Eagles were going to score a late winner. Kerrigan raced around right tackle Matt Tobin and stripped Wentz for a fumble, which Trent Murphy scooped up for Washington. It was heartbreak for the Eagles after a valiant effort was wasted a the end.

Overall, the opportunities were not taken advantage of by Philly as two turnovers and silly penalties were huge factors. Sproles had a punt-return score called back due to an illegal block, while an injury to long-snapper Jon Dorenbos forced tight-end Brent Celek to snap. A bobbled snap by Celek to holder Donnie Jones failed to even allow Sturgis to try an effort.

Wentz looked better than in past weeks, throwing for 314 yards and one score. He had the team 14 yards away from an impressive home win. However, he did throw an interception into the endzone in the first half, which was picked by Deshazor Everett. The return of tailback Ryan Mathews saw the gritty runner tally 60 yards on 15 carries. Zach Ertz led all receivers with 10 grabs for 112 yards.

Jordan Matthews added 79 yards on eight catches in his return from injury, while Trey Burton chipped in 65 yards receiving as well. Former Eagle DeSean Jackson led Washington with 102 yards on three grabs, while Robert Kelley grinded out 63 yards on 16 carries. Mason Foster led Washington defensively with 12 solo tackles and a sack, while Fletcher Cox had 1.5 sacks on the day.

Philly outgained Washington 383-334 while having 36:38 time of possession to the Skins 23:22. When it all comes down to it, the Eagles did not play bad on Sunday. Letting up a lead hurt, but not protecting your quarterback late hurt even more.

Next: A DeSean Jackson Reunion Should be Avoided

Now sitting at 5-8, the Eagles can use the final three games as a tune-up for 2017. Many players will be evaluated during these final few games, and the Birds will look to end the season on a high after losing their last four games.

After not showing much heart a week ago, today’s effort was a much better example of what the team should be aiming for energy-wise. Traveling to Baltimore next week will be a tough test, but the Eagles need to make the most of their opportunities and limit turnovers for any chance to win.

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