PHILADELPHIA — The easiest criticism after the Eagles’ 24-17 loss to the Commanders on Sunday is to second-guess the decision to rest most starters. That debate is unavoidable — and understandable — given what was at stake.
But the fact is, the Birds just didn’t get it done against a depleted Washington team led by a 39-year-old third-string QB in Josh Johnson, whom they blasted in the playoffs two years ago when he was with San Francisco.
Nonetheless, a tie would have secured a No. 2 seed rather than a three, thus guaranteeing two potential home playoff games instead of one, but it didn’t happen. There’s no time to dwell on it. The Eagles must prepare to face the 49ers in the NFC’s Wild Card round this Sunday.
Here are five things we learned from their regular-season finale going forward.
1. The decision to rest starters was defensible
Coach Nick Sirianni knew the reaction that would follow if the Eagles failed to take advantage of a path to the NFC’s No. 2 seed. He also knew the alternative.
“I knew this was an outcome, that these things could happen,” Sirianni said. “One thing I could guarantee was giving them rest. I couldn’t guarantee anything else.”
That framing matters. The Eagles didn’t lose because they rested starters; they lost because their backups couldn’t finish drives, protect the ball, or consistently get stops late. Health remains the organization’s priority entering the postseason, and Sirianni wasn’t willing to compromise it — even when the Lions’ win cracked the door open.
2. The Birds still blew a golden opportunity
Context doesn’t erase reality. Even with backups across the lineup, the Eagles had multiple chances to do just enough. They moved the ball. They forced turnovers. They had the ball late with a chance to tie or win.
They didn’t finish.
3. McKee looked human
This was Tanner McKee’s worst performance as a pro.
The Eagles’ backup quarterback forced throws in the red zone, including an interception he openly owned.
“Just me trying to force it,” McKee said. “Felt like I tried to get too much back in one play.”
McKee wasn’t awful, but he wasn’t decisive or sharp when it counted. He missed opportunities on fourth down, sailed throws under pressure and failed to elevate the offense late. His receivers often didn’t help, failing to achieve separation.
“The good thing is it’s never going to happen again,” McKee said. “The bad thing is you’ve got to learn from it by losing.”
4. The verdict is in on Patullo
If there was one area that felt troubling beyond personnel, it was the lack of separation in critical moments. The problem wasn’t only on the backup receivers, it was on offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, who knew ahead of time this could be an issue.
Against a Washington defense that wasn’t exactly brimming with stars, the Eagles struggled to create easy throws. Routes took too long to develop. Spacing felt cramped. McKee was often forced to throw into tight windows — or not at all because everyone was covered.
There weren’t basic plays to just get guys open for a few yards and let them create.
That’s concerning given Sirianni’s own acknowledgment that these reps matter for depth players who may be needed in the playoffs.
“We were able to move the ball up and down the field,” Sirianni said. “We’ve just got to finish down there.”
Finishing starts with clarity, and that wasn’t always present.
5. Depth truths emerged
There were bright spots. Jalyx Hunt continued his knack for impact plays, leaking out to help force his third turnover of the season. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. flashed instincts and range that suggest his arrow remains pointed up.
But there were also glaring lowlights.
Kelee Ringo’s breakdown with 2:32 remaining was brutal, allowing Johnson to scramble into the end zone. The secondary’s communication faltered repeatedly, causing mismatches and bad penalties.
But Sirianni acknowledged the value of these reps, even in defeat.
“Some guys got a lot of good time against a well-respected opponent,” he said. “That will serve us well moving forward.”
At least the Eagles enter the playoffs healthy and rested.
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Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc for the latest updates.