The Philadelphia Eagles will try to end a five-game losing streak Sunday night as they visit the Washington Commanders in a matchup with major NFC East implications. Philadelphia enters Week 8 at 2-5 after Monday's 38-21 loss to Dallas. Washington is 1-4-1, giving both teams an opportunity to regain momentum in a division race that has become increasingly difficult to navigate.
Here are seven things to know before kickoff at Northwest Stadium.
1. Philadelphia has dominated the recent series
The Eagles own a 15-5 record against Washington since 2017, including playoff games, and are 7-2 at Northwest Stadium during that stretch. Philadelphia is also 9-3 against the Commanders since 2021, its most victories against any opponent over that span. The Eagles won the first meeting this season, 24-22,
but enter the rematch under considerably different circumstances.
2. Tanner McKee will face Washington instead of Jalen Hurts
The Eagles are without Hurts for the rest of the season, leaving McKee to keep Philadelphia's offense competitive.
McKee completed 14 of 22 passes for 129 yards, one touchdown and one interception against Dallas. His ability to avoid negative plays and convert third downs will be critical against a Washington defense that has struggled to finish possessions consistently.
3. Saquon Barkley's availability remains important
Barkley returned to practice Friday after missing the previous two sessions with hamstring and back injuries.
Philadelphia placed Dameon Pierce on injured reserve Wednesday, leaving Jaydon Blue as the only other healthy running back on the active roster. Elijah Mitchell remains on the practice squad.
Barkley's return to practice is encouraging, but the Eagles still must establish how much work he can handle Sunday. Philadelphia Eagles
4. Jayden Daniels appears to be progressing
Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels was a full participant Wednesday and Thursday despite a left elbow injury.
His mobility creates a difficult assignment for a Philadelphia defense that failed to record a sack or quarterback hit against Dak Prescott on Monday. The Eagles must maintain disciplined rushing lanes while generating pressure. Daniels' final game status remains important to Washington's offensive plan. Washington Commanders
5. Red-zone performance offers Philadelphia an advantage
Philadelphia ranks fourth in the NFL in red-zone touchdown rate at 73.7%, despite averaging only 18.1 points per game.
Washington has allowed touchdowns on 81.8% of opponents' red-zone possessions, the league's worst rate entering Week 8. The Eagles have scored touchdowns on six consecutive red-zone trips over their past three games. The problem has been consistently getting there.
6. Turnovers could determine field position
Washington enters the matchup with a plus-six turnover differential, compared with Philadelphia's minus-three.
That nine-turnover gap illustrates one of the biggest differences between the teams.
With McKee replacing Hurts and Philadelphia dealing with injuries at running back and receiver, protecting the football becomes even more important. The Eagles also need their defense to create shorter fields for an offense struggling to produce explosive plays.
7. Dallas Goedert is becoming Philadelphia's most reliable target
Since returning from injury in Week 5, Goedert has recorded 17 receptions for 147 yards and eight receiving first downs.
His 17 catches rank fifth among NFL tight ends over that span, giving McKee an experienced option while DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks deal with injuries.
Goedert could become an important part of Philadelphia's plan against a Washington defense vulnerable on third down and in the red zone.
The Eagles have enjoyed considerable recent success against Washington, but Sunday's matchup will require more than relying on history. Philadelphia must protect McKee, establish some offensive balance, and avoid another defensive breakdown to end its losing streak.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles vs. Commanders: 7 things to know before Week 8 showdown
