Three Matchups to Watch in the NFC Championship Game
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For the second time in three seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles will host a NFC Championship game. This time around, it will be a familiar foe in division rival Washington Commanders.
The Commanders pose a real challenge for this Eagles team, and I think the game could be decided by some key matchups
Jalen Carter vs Andrew Wylie/ Trent Scott
In the Commanders’ win against the Lions, they lost Right Guard Sam Cosmi for the season with a torn ACL. Cosmi is regarded as the Commanders’ best offensive lineman, so losing him for the season is a huge loss. The Commanders entered Trent Scott into the game last week, and while he played well, he did not go against Jalen Carter. In last week’s win against the Rams, Carter recorded 2 sacks while also forcing a fumble. Carter came up with the huge sack on 3rd down while the Rams were driving, and has been the best defensive player on the best defense in the NFL in the second half of the season. If it is Trent Scott, Carter will have to take advantage of it as much as he can.
Dan Quinn hinted at his press conference today that he may just play his best 5 offensive linemen no matter the position. Reporters have hinted that they would move Andrew Wiley inside, where he played early in his career. He has not played inside in a few seasons, so it would be interesting to see how quickly he could pick it back up. This would also leave the tackle position vulnerable for guys like Nolan Smith to take advantage of. No matter how they line up, the Eagles’ defensive linemen have to take advantage of the backup that is in the game.
Terry McLaurin vs Quinyon Mitchell
Unfortunately for the Eagles Quinyon Mitchell was quickly ruled out with a shoulder injury during last week’s game. All signs and reports are pointing to him playing this week. Mitchell was a full participant in practice on Thursday, so he should be good to go. This is huge for the Eagles because the Commanders’ number one receiver, McLaurin primarily lines up on his side. The Eagles like to keep Slay and Mitchell on one side of the field, and Mitchell will have his hands full with McLaurin. “Scary Terry” has had two good games in the playoffs so far, but he always has the ability to explode. He is great a breaking tackles, and can also make big plays down the field. If Quinyon Mitchell is fully healthy and can keep McLaurin in check, the Commanders should have trouble moving the ball.
Jonathan Allen vs Cam Jurgens
A surprising add to the injury report has been Cam Jurgens. Jurgens has not practiced the last two days with a back injury, and Landon Dickerson was seen taking center snaps at practice. Jonathan Allen has been great for the Commanders since coming back, and he has had 8 pressures so far in the playoffs. If Cam can’t go, this could be a massive matchup. Jalen Hurts has really struggled this year with holding onto the ball, and if Allen is getting pressure on him he will take bad sacks. The Eagles’ offensive line has to continue to give Hurts time to throw, and just hope he pulls the trigger.
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Sam Heine
Sam has been with Philly Sports Reports since 2022. He is a contributor for both the Eagles and the 76ers. Sam is hoping to pursue a full-time job in sports in the future.
