The NFL enters its 11th matchday. The opening game features a real cracker from the NFC East: the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Washington Commanders.

Statement win for the Eagles. With a 26-18 victory over the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia consolidates its lead in the NFC East.

The outstanding man for the Eagles was once again Saquon Barkley. The running back ended up with 146 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

The running back, who came from the New York Giants before the season, has now overtaken Derrick Henry (Baltimore Ravens) to become the NFL’s leading rusher this season (1,137 yards).

In the meantime, “Philly” had to survive a difficult phase.

Jalen Hurts was pushed to the ground by the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts was pushed to the ground by Eagles’ Frankie Luvu in the second quarter, and the 255-million-dollar quarterback’s head hit the ground. Hurts rolled face down and grabbed his helmet.

NFL: Eagles defend against Commanders First in the NFC East

He was evaluated for a concussion in the sideline medical tent but returned to finish the game with 221 passing yards.

The Commanders scored on a 54-yard pass from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to running back Brian Robinson Jr. (first quarter) and a 19-yard pass to tight end Zach Ertz (fourth quarter).

Otherwise, the Eagles defense had Washington under control for the most part. In particular, rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell ensured that star receiver Terry McLaurin didn’t play at all (one catch, ten yards).

Both teams are still in the running for a playoff berth. The Eagles, with their eight wins and only two losses, are just ahead of Washington in the division. A win would have moved the Commanders into first place.