“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.
Washington 24, Philadelphia 17: Week 18, Jan. 4, 2026
The Commanders went to Philadelphia in a meaningless game for the Eagles and left with a 24-17 win in the season finale for both teams.
Trailing 17-10 in the final quarter, Josh Johnson connected with John Bates for a two-yard touchdown pass, tying the game 17-17 with 9:35 remaining. Then, with 2:32 remaining in the contest, Johnson scored from one yard, giving the Commanders (5-12) the 24-17 final score.
Josh Johnson takes it in himself for the leadpic.twitter.com/kRaculynNa
— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) January 5, 2026
Interestingly, half the fan base enjoyed the win over the NFC East Rival Eagles (11-6), while the other half was
just as energized because they wanted the Commanders to lose. The Commanders had the No. 5 draft pick to themselves, and then surprisingly beat the Eagles.
The Giants beat the Cowboys, and the Browns beat the Bengals. All the Commanders had to do was do what they had done all season: lose. If the Commanders lost to the Eagles, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft was Washington’s. The Commanders won, so they earned the No. 7 overall choice in the draft and chose Ohio State LB Sonny Styles.
The Commanders ran the ball 41 times for 143 yards (3.5 yards per carry). Chris Rodriguez led Washington runners with 65 yards on 16 carries. The run game was effective enough that the Commanders led in time of possession, 34:09 to 25:51.
Terry McLaurin led Washington with four receptions for 57 yards, while Punter Tress Way unleashed a 71-yard punt on his three punts for 159 yards.
Safety Jeremy Reaves, playing in his 81st NFL game, came up with an interception at the goal line in the second quarter, the second interception of his career.
When Jake Moody connected from 56 yards to close out the first half, providing Washington a 10-7 lead, it was the longest of his NFL career. In Super Bowl LVIII, he connected from 55 yards for the 49ers.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: What happened when the Commanders last played the Eagles?
