Eagles starters react to sitting vs. Commanders as No. 2 seed slips away: ‘I wish I would have played’

PHILADELPHIA —The Eagles could regret resting their starters in Week 18.

The Lions beat the Bears on Sunday, which meant the Eagles could have secured the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff field with a win.

Instead, after sitting most of their top players, the Eagles lost 24–17 to the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field.

Now, the Eagles are the No. 3 seed in the NFC and will host the San Francisco 49ers in the wild-card round next week. The 49ers present a tougher matchup than the Green Bay Packers, whom the Eagles would have faced had they beaten the Commanders.

If the Eagles lose next week or in subsequent rounds, they may wish their playoff path had been easier. For now, though, players are focused on winning four more games to capture the Super Bowl.

“We can play the what-if game,” Eagles safety Reed Blankenship said after the game. “I mean, yeah, when the Lions win, you’re on the sideline (saying), ‘Man, I wish I would have played.’ But you ain’t going to know that. I would rather have a week of rest and let my body recover than go out there and be in a dog fight and feel bad going into a playoff game.”

During his post-game press conference, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said sitting the starters was the best decision for his team.

Eagles edge rusher Brandon Graham, among others, agreed with the decision.

“No, not really,” Graham said when asked if the Bears’ loss stung. “I just know that, man, we got an opportunity of a lifetime right now. I’m thankful we are in the postseason. We got to go through them tough games, tough teams. There are a lot of them this year.

“We got to make sure we bring it. It’s about us at the end of the day. We got to make sure we prepare and get ready to put it out there on film next week.”

Two questions were repeatedly asked to Eagles starters in the locker room: “Did you blow an opportunity?” “Did you regret not playing today?”

Some understood the line of questioning, but Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis wanted to maintain a positive outlook.

“Why would I be disappointed? I am never disappointed,” Davis, one of the few starters who played against the Commanders, told reporters. “It was a great opportunity for the young guys to get some reps under their belt. I’m extremely proud of the way the young guys played.”

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