Eagles and Commanders Meet With Opposite Red Zone Numbers

The Philadelphia Eagles travel to face the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 1. The red zone, the area inside the opponent's 20-yard line just before scoring, is where the two teams could hardly be more different.

The NFC East standings set the backdrop. The New York Giants lead at 4-2-1, followed by Dallas at 3-4, Philadelphia at 2-5 and Washington at 1-4-1.

Philadelphia converts red zone trips into touchdowns at a rate of 73.7 percent, fourth in the league. In the last three games, the Eagles turned all six red zone trips into touchdowns. Eagles Wire reported on October 28 that this has been one of the few consistent strengths during a five-game losing streak.

Washington is the opposite. Opponents convert 81.8 percent of their red zone trips into touchdowns against Washington, the worst rate in the league. Washington allows 28.7 points per game, 31st in the league. Its third-down allowed rate of 45 percent means opposing offenses tend to stay on the field.

Philadelphia's overall offense is still struggling. The Eagles average 18.1 points per game, 29th in the league, and 264.9 yards per game, 31st. First-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion has Tanner McKee starting at quarterback with Jalen Hurts out.

The point to watch is how often Philadelphia can reach the place where its strength matters despite its weaknesses. A team that finishes red zone trips with touchdowns meets a team that rarely stops opponents once they get there. The flow of the game could turn at that meeting point.

This is a preview, not a prediction. The numbers show performance so far. They do not decide the winner of Sunday's game.