LANDOVER, Md. — The Commanders came ready to play. The Eagles? They seemed to take a win for granted. At least on offense. Despite another head-scratching offensive game plan — a week after the Birds appeared to find an identity under center against a similar defense in the Raiders — the Eagle s survived several sloppy sequences that would have doomed them against a better opponent. They eventually feasted on Washington’s third-string quarterback, Josh Johnson (whom they battered in the NFC Championship game against the 49ers three years ago). The Eagles knocked out QB Marcus Mariota, who was playing for Jayden Daniels, in the second half and went on to a 29-18 victory Saturday to become the first team to clinch back-to-back NFC East titles since the Eagles did it from 2001-2004 under Andy Reid. In the process, they eliminated the Cowboys from postseason contention, officially ending the Dallas pipe dream. As a division champ, the Eagles (10-5) are guaranteed a playoff spot, though they entered Saturday as the No. 3 seed in the NFC. In the fourth quarter, running back Saquon Barkley seemed to decide “enough is enough” about the lack of scoring and pummeled his way into the end zone against a worn-down Commanders defense that held up respectably as long as it could. The unsightly contest ultimately ended on a high note, with the defense continuing to dominate and Barkley and Tank Bigsby rushing for a pair of touchdowns. The Commanders didn’t appreciate the Eagles clinching the division on their field, nor going for two while up by three scores late, and a fight broke out. Eagles right guard Tyler Steen, Commanders safety Quan Martin and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw were all ejected. Nick Sirianni became just the fifth NFL coach ever to reach the playoffs in his first five years, behind Paul Brown, Chuck Knox, John Harbaugh and Bill Cowher. Here’s how the Eagles graded out by position in their ugly yet historic win. Quarterbacks: B Jalen Hurts delivered a steady performance, completing 22 of 30 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns while avoiding turnovers and helping the Eagles overcome an early deficit to clinch the NFC East. His leadership in the second half steadied an offense that sputtered early. Running Backs: A Saquon Barkley dominated the ground game with 21 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown, and Tank Bigsby added a key 22-yard rushing score, helping the Eagles control the clock and grind out the win. The backfield was a consistent offensive engine. Receivers/Tight Ends: A- DeVonta Smith hauled in six catches for 42 yards and a touchdown, and Dallas Goedert made a key 15-yard TD reception, giving the passing attack enough big plays to complement the run. The group provided timely production despite overall modest yardage. A.J. Brown (9-95) had some key pickups. Offensive Line: B The offensive line opened running lanes effectively and gave Hurts time to operate, though occasional pressure and early miscues limited rhythm at times. Overall, it  helped Philadelphia top 200 rushing yards, including 40 by Hurts on seven carries. Defensive Line/Edge: A The front consistently disrupted Washington’s offense, keeping pressure on quarterbacks and anchoring a defense that held the Commanders to 220 total yards. Jordan Davis was everywhere and Brandon Graham, working from inside at the tackle position, pocketed his third sack in two games. Linebackers: B+ Philly’s linebackers contributed with steady tackling and run fits, but a hamstring injury to Nakobe Dean limited his impact and could affect depth moving forward. Still, the group helped contain Washington’s ground attack. Cornerbacks/Safeties: B+ The secondary limited big plays and forced Washington into tough down-and-distance situations, doing its part to preserve the Eagles’ lead throughout the second half. Coverage was sound when called upon. Special Teams: F A kick-return fumble by Will Shipley, kicker Jake Elliott missing three field goals (even if only two counted, since one was negated by a penalty) and Braden Mann crapping out on a late punt aren’t going to get it done moving forward. Elliott has missed seven field goals in the last nine games. Coaching: B Why wasn’t Hurts under center more? The offensive game plan was puzzling, particularly after Hurts’ recent success under center and the way it keyed the run game and play action, but Sirianni and O-coordinator Kevin Patullo adjusted as the game went on. They even experimented with going five wide — which is either a wry wrinkle or a sign they somehow still haven’t figured out an identity. But at least they committed to Barkley and running the ball, which is huge. The special teams were a mess, but not because of design. The defense was fully prepared and showed up big as the backbone of this team. — Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc for the latest updates. ...read more read less