Jalen Hurts Focused on NFC East Title as Eagles Face Commanders

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is gearing up for a critical matchup against the Washington Commanders on December 16, 2025, as the Eagles aim to secure the NFC East title. The team enters the game with renewed hope after breaking a three-game losing streak with a recent victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Hurts, who has faced considerable scrutiny from fans and media, is determined to lead his team back to the postseason.

In a recent interview, Hurts emphasized the importance of focusing on the task at hand, stating, “All of the perceived pressure, whatever that is, just really preparing for a moment, preparing for an opportunity.” His resilience and commitment to improvement have been pivotal as he navigates the challenges of the season. The Eagles’ recent struggles have not deterred him; rather, they have reinforced his determination to succeed.

With the Eagles set to play the Commanders at 4 p.m. CST at Northwest Stadium, a win would not only secure the division title but also position Philadelphia for a home game in the first round of the playoffs. The Eagles have a chance to make history by becoming the first franchise in over two decades to win back-to-back NFC East titles. From 2001 to 2004, Philadelphia consistently claimed the division, but since then, the title has been shared among the Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Washington, and New York Giants, with none achieving consecutive championships.

Hurts reflected on his journey, saying, “There’s a sense of competitive peace that comes from winning because you put forth the effort to go out there and do great things.” His leadership on the field has been instrumental in shaping the Eagles’ competitive spirit. The quarterback’s focus remains on winning, regardless of how it is achieved. “I could care less how the game goes, but when you got an opportunity to win it in the end, those are the moments that you relish in and take pride in,” he added.

The Eagles have three opportunities to clinch the division title if needed, with additional games against the Buffalo Bills and the Commanders later in the month. If the Eagles secure the NFC East crown, it will mark a significant achievement for the franchise, particularly after their triumph in Super Bowl LIX, where Hurts was named MVP.

On the other side of the field, the Commanders are facing their own challenges. With a current record of 4-10, Washington has decided to shut down quarterback Jayden Daniels for the remainder of the season due to an elbow injury. Marcus Mariota will take over the quarterback position for this crucial matchup, presenting an interesting dynamic as he faces Hurts, who was his backup in 2023.

As the Eagles prepare for this important game, Hurts remains focused on the task ahead, drawing on his experiences to motivate himself and his teammates. “Being built off of perseverance, being built off of learning from all of my experiences… you definitely look forward to those moments.”

The upcoming clash promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the season. With playoff implications on the line, fans can expect an intense and competitive atmosphere at Northwest Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on FOX, providing an opportunity for many to witness this critical NFC East showdown.