The Washington Commanders offense opened the NFC Championship Game with an impressive 18-play drive—however, the opening possession ended with a 34-yard field by kicker Zane Gonzalez.
The Commanders converted two fourth downs on the drive, including a 4th-and-5 from the 43-yard line.
Washington’s efforts proved to be all for naught as the Eagles responded quickly. After a 35-yard kickoff return, Philadelphia needed just one play to score. All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley took a toss to the outside, beating Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner to the edge for a 60-yard touchdown.
The Commanders’ second offensive possession didn’t last as long as their first one. On the third play of the drive, wide receiver Dyami Brown fumbled the ball before Eagles safety Reed Blankenship recovered the ball in bounds.
Philadelphia capitalized on the good field position, taking six plays to get into the end zone. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts found wide receiver DeVonta Smith on a toe-tapping 20-yard catch. Barkley’s second run of the game went four yards for his second touchdown.
Washington is having a dreadful start to the NFC Championship Game. Despite running 22 offensive plays, the Eagles hold an early 14-3 lead in the first quarter. The Commanders have had to earn every yard along with the turnover.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are rolling, and Saquon Barkley looks unstoppable.
