Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat reacts after sacking Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)AP
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles’ bid for an undefeated season is over.
The Washington Commanders turned methodical drives into scores and took advantage of turnover-prone Philadelphia, stunning the Eagles 32-21 on Monday night and sending them to their first loss in nine games this season.
Behind Jalen Hurts, the Eagles were 8-0 for the first time in franchise history and the last team in the NFL that could make a run at Miami’s 17-0 mark in 1972 and the lone perfect season. The 2007 New England Patriots came close, going 18-0 before a Super Bowl loss.
The Eagles had their shot at perfection slip out of their hands.
Trailing at halftime for the first time this season, Hurts seemed to have one more big play left in him to pull out a victory. He connected on a deep ball to wide receiver Quez Watkins on a 51-yard reception late in the fourth quarter down 26-21. Watkins hit the ground, popped up and took off running, only to fumble the ball and give Washington possession.
That was it for the Eagles -- and their third turnover, a high number for a team that had only three turnovers in the first eight games.
A.J Brown had a catch knock off his hands and turn into an interception, and Dallas Goedert fumbled in the fourth quarter.
Washington’s Taylor Heinicke again started for injured QB Carson Wentz, the much-maligned former Eagles QB who did play a key role in helping them win a Super Bowl in the 2017 season. He wasn’t flashy, but efficient, going 17 for 29 and throwing 229 yards. Terry McLaurin had 128 yards receiving -- including a 41-yard haul that led to a field goal. Joey Slye kicked four field goals.
Washington Commanders place kicker Joey Slye (6) kicks a field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)AP
The Commanders also spoiled Pittsburgh’s 11-0 start in 2020.
Hurts threw for just 174 yards.
Dan Gelston of The Associated Press wrote this story.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022).
© 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.