Commanders vs. Eagles' controversial finish: What happened in the final two minutes?

The Washington Commanders beat the Philadelphia Eagles 32-21 in Week 10 of the 2022 NFL season to improve to a 5-5 record. In the process, they consigned the Eagles to their first loss of the season to drop to 8-1. But the game was not without its controversies as going into the final two minutes, the Eagles still had a chance to preserve their perfect record.

On 3rd-and-7 for the Washington Commanders, with 1:45 remaining, Taylor Heinicke dropped back for a passing play. Without any open receivers, the quarterback wisely took a knee. That would have brought up the fourth down, forcing them to punt to give Philadelphia the ball with 1:38 remaining. That was potentially enough time for Jalen Hurts to drive them downfield and score the game-winning touchdown with a timeout remaining.

Instead, as Heinicke slid, defensive end Brandon Graham of the Eagles came in. He was already committed to the tackle and also slid, but his momentum carried him into contact with Heinicke. Since the quarterback had given himself up, it led to a flag for a personal foul for unnecessary roughness on the passer. This automatically brought a first down that allowed the Commanders to nearly see the game through.

In the end, Jalen Hurts and the offense got one last chance, with the score still 26-21 against them, to drive downfield from near their endzone. They tried to keep the play alive with laterals but all it ended up doing is giving the ball back to the Commanders defense. They promptly returned it back for a defensive walkoff touchdown to make the final score 32-21.

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Where do the Commanders and Eagles go from here?

The game had huge ramifications for both teams. The Eagles, who have been unperturbed until now, suddenly find themselves in the middle of a skirmish. The NFC number one seed, which had been theirs for the taking, will now be contested between them and the Minnesota Vikings, who are now both with a 8-1 record. The Vikings' overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills this week suddenly looks a lot more important.

For the Commanders, their sudden improvement to a 5-5 record gives them a chance to build on, having won three of their last four games. Taylor Heinicke's performance here, especially in contrast to Carson Wentz in the reverse fixture, might also make him the confirmed starter despite Wentz returning in the near future.

Such is the nature of the NFL where fortunes and seasons turn on one play. When the season ends, we might still be discussing this controversy when we look back.