The Philadelphia Eagles have had their fair share of turbulence in the back half of the 2025 season, but over the last two weeks, something has started to shift. With back-to-back wins over the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders, Philly is showing signs of life-and maybe even signs of the team that hoisted the Lombardi Trophy back in February.
Their latest win, a 29-18 road victory over Washington in Week 16, clinched the NFC East title. And while it wasn’t a flawless performance, it was the kind of game that reminded fans-and former players-why this team has been so successful under Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts.
Former Pro Bowl linebacker Ike Reese, now a respected voice around the team, summed it up well. Speaking after the game, Reese pointed out that while the Eagles faced some adversity in the first half, they responded exactly how a championship-caliber team should.
“That game wasn’t perfect Saturday night, but it was exactly what I needed to see,” Reese said. “They got resistance in the first half-even though I thought they played damn near a flawless first half. Missed field goals, an overthrow from Jalen to A.J.-those are fixable things.”
The Eagles trailed at halftime, but came out in the second half with purpose and poise. That second-half push wasn’t just about scoring-it was about identity. And according to Reese, that identity is rooted in the formula that’s worked for them time and again: play tough, disciplined defense, establish the run game, and let Hurts take calculated shots when they’re there.
Back to the Blueprint
That formula was on full display against Washington. Offensively, the Eagles found their rhythm by leaning into balance.
Saquon Barkley led the charge with 132 rushing yards and a touchdown, part of a 207-yard ground effort by the team. That kind of production on the ground sets the tone, opens up the playbook, and takes pressure off Hurts, who added 185 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air.
And while the offense looked more in sync, the defense arguably stole the show. Philly held Washington to just 220 total yards, continuing a trend that’s seen them allow fewer than 300 yards in back-to-back games. That’s not just solid-it’s the kind of defensive performance that wins playoff games.
Playoff Positioning and a Statement Opportunity
With the win, the Eagles improve to 10-5 and currently hold the No. 3 seed in the NFC. But there’s still plenty on the line.
Week 17 brings a heavyweight matchup against the Buffalo Bills-a team with Super Bowl aspirations of their own. It’s the kind of late-season test that can either validate a team’s resurgence or expose lingering issues.
For Philadelphia, it’s more than just about playoff seeding. It’s about momentum.
It’s about proving that the recent dip in form was just a stumble, not a sign of decline. And most importantly, it’s about showing that they’re still built for January football.
If the Eagles can keep leaning into their strengths-physical defense, a punishing run game, and smart quarterback play-they’re going to be a tough out in the postseason. Saturday night in Washington wasn’t perfect, but it felt like a step back toward the identity that’s made this team dangerous. And with the playoffs looming, that’s exactly what they needed.