“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.
Philadelphia 34, Washington 31 – Week 4, October 1, 2023
Jake Elliott’s 54-yard field goal in overtime lifted the Philadelphia Eagles to their 34-31 win over the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field.
Washington faced a 3rd & 5 at their own 30 on the first possession of overtime. Sam Howell’s lofted pass down the left sideline was caught by Terry McLaurin, but officials ruled his second foot landed out of bounds, nullifying the Commanders’ first down.
Tress Way then uncharacteristically punted only 29 yards, and the Eagles began at their own 41-yard line.
On 4th & 1 from the 50, the Eagles ran their rugby-ugly play the “Tush Push,” converting for a first down at the Commanders’ 48.
Five plays later, the Eagles faced a 3rd & 17 at the Commanders 45. Jalen Hurts found Devonta Smith for 9 yards to the Commanders 36, setting the stage for Elliott’s game-winning field goal.
Trailing 31-24, Sam Howell led the Commanders 64 yards in ten plays. The final came on the last play of regulation when Howell found Jahan Dotson in the end zone from 10 yards. Joey Slye’s extra point then sent the game into overtime.
The Commanders offense was executing smoothly early, driving 75 yards on both of their first two possessions for a 14-7 first-quarter lead. They extended the lead to 17-7 in the second quarter with an 11-play 65-yard drive culminating in a Joey Slye field goal.
However, Hurts drove the Eagles 52 yards in 8 plays in the last minutes of the first half, and Elliott’s 40-yard field goal narrowed the Commanders lead to 17-10 at the half.