Instant analysis: Ward Jr. shines in important win over the Redskins

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It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t pretty, but the Eagles overthrew a resurgent Redskins team meaning that as things stand, they sit atop the NFC East with the Cowboys yet to play their week 15 matchup. Here’s everything you need to know from the 37-21 win.

Greg Ward Jr, have yourself a day

The Eagles receiving production was minimal, as was expected when it was announced that only three receivers would be active on gameday. But after just one reception from the entire group heading into the fourth quarter, practice squad promotee Greg Ward Jr. had himself a day.

Catching 7 passes for 61-yards and a remarkable touchdown that gave the Eagles the lead with just 30-seconds remaining, Ward Jr. not only proved his worth as an NFL receiver but showed that he deserves a look-in as the team’s plan after Nelson Agholor.

Ward Jr. was agile, reliable, and explosive after the catch and helped propel the Eagles to win in the most stunning fashion. The game-ball belongs to the former Houston QB today…

The Miles Sanders show

…although Miles Sanders made a pretty strong case for it. The rookie surpassed LeSean McCoy’s rookie-rushing record en-route to a 122-yard outing where he accounted for 1 rushing touchdown and another through the air.

Sanders was balanced by Boston Scott in an offense that came to life at the perfect time, but the running back duo helped push the group out of some sticky situations and were a nightmare in the open field.

Wentz shines

He wasn’t perfect, but 266 yards and 3 touchdowns highlight a quarterback performance that was as surgical as his last. Wentz does have problems when it comes to pocket-awareness and coughing the ball up, but got away with those setbacks for another week at least.

Wentz made arguably the best throw of his career on a touchdown to Miles Sanders, kind of making up for his shortcomings in the pocket.

Wentz put the team on his back once again and pushed them out of tricky territory, without much in the way of help from his wide receivers…and he has to be commended for that.

The defense is still doing defense things

Well, they made Dwayne Haskins look competent, allowing him to throw for 261 yards, 2 TD and 0 INT, while standing by and watching Terry McLaurin burn them for 130 yards of his own.

It wasn’t a good day for the defense, although there were some shining moments. But on a day where the offense was finally beginning to click in spite of the total lack of help, this wasn’t the day to be giving up penalties, missing tackles, and confusingly evading assignments.

But hey, Nigel Bradham scored a touchdown so…there’s that?

 Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports