The Philadelphia Eagles outlasted the Los Angeles Rams in a snowy matchup in the Divisional Round. Now they’re set to host the Washington Commanders, who Philadelphia split their regular season series with. The Commanders will visit the City of Brotherly Love in the Championship Round on Sunday.
In the latest edition of my Eagles mailbag, I’ll discuss the battle between Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels, Kellen Moore’s future in Philadelphia and much more regarding the team moving forward.
@richie60193 asked, “Do you think Jalen Hurts has it in him to go toe-to-toe with Jayden Daniels and the Commanders offense that is firing on all cylinders?”
It’s clear that Hurts isn’t posting the gaudy numbers that Daniels is right now, yet he continues to play efficient football. After turnover issues plagued the Eagles in 2023 and earlier this season, Hurts is avoiding turnovers in recent weeks. Considering how explosive Washington’s offense can be with Daniels running the show, it’ll be important for Hurts to take care of the football and not hand any extra possessions to the Commanders in the NFC Championship Game.
Despite Hurts’ relatively uninspiring passing production, the Eagles are still on track to continue their overall offensive success against the Commanders. Especially with Saquon Barkley’s ability to consistently breakthrough Washington’s defensive front, as if he’s wielding a sledgehammer.
Philadelphia’s defense forced a plethora of turnovers against the Commanders in Week 16 and likely would have won that game handily if Hurts never suffered a concussion or C.J. Gardner-Johnson was never ejected. The Eagles have won 12 consecutive games that Hurts was able to start and finish in, dating back to Philadelphia’s bye week. It’s safe to say that Hurts should be able to go toe-to-toe with Daniels.
@CMPXMV asked, “Any hot predictions for the NFC Championship Game?”
While it’s always fun to think of off the wall ideas and predictions to throw out there, I feel like this will be a rather conventional game for both teams. I have two relatively warm predictions for the NFC Championship Game though, with one taking place on each side of the ball.
I believe that Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert will actually lead Philadelphia in receiving yards against the Commanders. He didn’t play against Washington in Week 16 and was just five receiving yards away from being Philadelphia’s leading receiver in Week 11.
On the defensive side of the ball, I believe Eagles rookie edge defender Jalyx Hunt will record another sack. While Daniels is a tough quarterback to bring down, Hunt has the size and explosiveness to bring down Washington’s rising star quarterback.
@devinweber796 asked, “If we throw for under 150 yards this weekend in a loss is Kellen Moore back as OC? (Assuming he doesn’t get a HC job)”
The New Orleans Saints possess the final head coaching vacancy remaining , therefore it’s hard to envision Kellen Moore landing a head coaching job in 2025. While Moore is technically in the running for the job in New Orleans, I believe the Saints will likely go with either Mike McCarthy or Joe Brady to fill that void.
As far as Moore’s potential future in Philadelphia, I believe he’ll be sticking around for at least one more season regardless of the team’s offensive performance in the NFC Championship Game. While many are fixated on Hurts’ relatively uninspiring production, Philadelphia’s rushing attack remains dominant. I highly doubt the Eagles would make a change at offensive coordinator after reaching the NFC Championship Game, especially given the inconsistency of the coaching position since Hurts’ arrival in Philadelphia.
@mrcrockpot asked, “How high is Nolan Smith’s ceiling in 2025? Should Eagles fans temper expectations or is Smith the new Haason Reddick for the Birds going forward?”
Considering the current hot streak that Smith is on heading into the NFC Championship Game, it’s hard to place any limitations on Nolan Smith right now. Since the bye week, Smith is literally playing like one of the best edge defenders in the entire league. While many young players can fall short on the NFL’s biggest stage, Smith has stepped up for the Eagles in the postseason.
I don’t believe there is any need for Eagles fans to temper their expectations with Smith moving forward. He’s always been a freakishly athletic player with a high motor but now he’s putting it all together and thriving in Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme in Philadelphia.
@PhillyPhillyTP asked, “What’s your best, worst, and most realistic scenario pertaining to our offseason free agents?”
While the Eagles are still alive in the postseason, it’s never too early to take a look ahead at potential moves in free agency. Once the offseason begins, Philadelphia currently has 19 players scheduled to hit the open market. Yet there are five players that are seven free agents that are especially noteworthy for the Eagles:
- Zack Baun
- Milton Williams
- Josh Sweat
- Mekhi Becton
- Brandon Graham
- Isaiah Rodgers
- Fred Johnson
All seven of these upcoming free agents have played a role at one point or another for the Eagles this season. Yet the best case scenario wouldn’t necessarily involve bring all of them back to Philadelphia. Ideally, the Eagles should shift all of their attention to re-signing Zack Baun. While many are also fixated on the return of Milton Williams, I don’t believe he’s as important to Philadelphia’s defense as Baun is.
If the Eagles are able to re-sign Baun to a massive contract extension, I believe that would qualify as a successful offseason. Regarding the other players besides Baun, the Eagles already have in-house replacements for nearly all of them.
Moro Ojomo has shown flashes behind Williams. Both Smith and Hunt have showcased their potential behind Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham. Tyler Steen has played admirably at guard and could replace Mekhi Becton. Kelee Ringo could replaced Isaiah Rodgers as the team’s top backup cornerback. Fred Johnson has played relatively well as the team’s swing tackle, yet Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland could seemingly turn anyone into a solid offensive lineman in the NFL.
In closing, it feels like Philadelphia’s free agency plan is literally Baun or bust. Baun is such a unique player given his versatility at inside linebacker and edge defender. He truly provides a luxury for Fangio that not many other players in the league could provide for the Eagles.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
