Philadelphia Eagles OT Win vs. Washington Commanders a 'Building' Experience
The Philadelphia Eagles came into the season with some question marks surrounding the team after losing in the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs.
While many have pegged the Eagles as the favorite to return as representatives of the NFC in the big game this year, there were also concerns about the dreaded Super Bowl hangover that can impact even the best-run franchises in the NFL.
But after a 4-0 start, we can confidently say there's no hangover here, though that doesn't mean Philadelphia hasn't had its share of hurdles to clear on the way to this year's undefeated start.
Last year, there were a lot of detractors who claimed the Eagles had an easier road than most Super Bowl contenders. Those detractors are likely silent this season.
Whether it's been a grind-it-out win against a better-than-advertised defense, a night of leaning on the ground game and running back D'Andre Swift more than expected, or the franchise's first overtime win since September of 2020, this Philadelphia squad is doing it differently.
"We won in a different way than we've had to win so far this year," coach Nick Sirianni said following the overtime win over the Washington Commanders. "I think that builds character. I think that builds a tighter team. I think that builds trust. Defense comes out, they make a stop, the offense goes out and drives the ball into a position to score and the special teams converts to make a play. Those are all team-building things."
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni celebrates with the fans.
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
This was more of a team win than perhaps any we've seen so far this season where one side or the other carried the water for the team and in some instances big plays from special teams.
Coming into the contest as heavy favorites some may have walked away from this latest Eagles win with a sense of disappointment that last year's Monday night loss to this same Washington team wasn't fully repaid.
And while Sirianni would much rather avoid the late-game theatrics, he sees the value in winning such a contest.
"Trust me, I don't want -- that's not good for me when we have to win in overtime," he said. "There's a lot of anxiety going into all that. But, no, it is good when you're able to win in different ways. It tells you a lot about the character of your football team. And I think we showed that today."
This could be a win that stands out in January of February as one of the key team-building experiences for another championship-caliber Philadelphia roster, and regardless 4-0 is as good a start as anyone could ask for.
In the meantime, another win and a 5-0 start is next up on the Eagles' to-do list.
To complete that goal, they'll travel to visit the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon.
