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THE Philadelphia Eagles I have no regrets about resting several key players in yesterday’s defeat by Washington’s commanders, even if it means they now have the delicate task of facing the San Francisco 49ers in the wild card round of the playoffs.
The defending champions needed to beat the Commanders and hope the Detroit Lions could defeat the Chicago Bears to secure the second seed.
The Lions did their part but the Eagles, who left out most of their starters, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, fell 24-17.
Coach Nick Sirianni insisted it was the right decision to rotate his squad. He said: “You follow your process, you make what you think is the best decision for the football team and that’s what we did. I knew it was [a possible] result, that these things can happen.
“One thing I could guarantee was giving them rest. I couldn’t guarantee anything else. And being healthy and going into the playoffs healthy is a big deal for us.”
The Eagles locker room recalls the call
Safety Reed Blankenship was one of the players to take the afternoon off, but he said it made sense to keep everyone fresh for the playoffs.
“We can play a simulation game,” he told ESPN. “When the Lions win, when you’re on the sideline, you’re like, ‘Man, I wish I played,’ but you won’t know. I’d rather have a week off and let my body recover than go out there and be in a dogfight and feel bad before a playoff game.”
They now face the 49ers, who were on a six-game winning streak before facing the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks.
San Francisco’s powerful offense hopes to get back on track against the Eagles.
“We must stop their course, [and in particular] Christian McCaffrey,” defensive end Brandon Graham. “On top of that, [QB Brock] Purdy has done a great job since his return.
“We just have to be ourselves, bring energy, play fast defense and put the offense in a great position.”
49ers coach Shanahan ready for Eagles clash
It’s also a tough game for the Niners, but coach Kyle Shanahan was in an upbeat mood despite the loss to the Seahawks.
“We are ready,” he said. “It would have been nice to play a home game here – or both home games – and get a bye. But it is what it is. This team has been through a lot this year. Now we have to do it the hard way.”
