Eagles lead the way in the NFC as they chase a first Super Bowl since 1960 while Redskins face play-off battle
Tuesday 24 October 2017 12:53, UK
Carson Wentz threw for four touchdowns as Philadelphia Eagles extended the NFL's best record (6-1) with a thrilling 34-24 victory over Washington Redskins.
Wentz has gone from strength to strength after an impressive rookie year that showcased his huge talent along with his fair share of understandable errors as he got to know schemes and the Eagles system.
Having led the Eagles to a 5-1 start, his playmaking helped them to a sixth win of the season on Monday night, recovering from an early interception to throw for 268 yards and four touchdowns as well as 63 rushing yards.
In a key contest with their NFC East rivals, he picked out Mack Hollins for the Eagles first touchdown (64 yards) and followed up by finding Zach Ertz (46 yards) to set up the second and then somehow escaped the Redskins defense to hit Corey Clement for a nine-yard touchdown.
That pivotal spell either side of half-time turned around an early deficit and while Wentz was the undoubted star, adding a Nelson Agholor TD for good measure, the Philadelphia defense again proved their worth to go with their QB's showreel throws and more notably his ability to escape coverage.
Rookie Derek Barnett picked up two sacks in a game for the first time, while there was some disappointment for the Eagles as 35-year-old left tackle Jason Peters, a nine-time Pro Bowler, suffered a serious-looking knee injury in the third quarter that saw players from both sides gather around him as he left the field on a cart.
The Redskins had a quarterback star of their own in Kirk Cousins who threw for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns, twice finding tight end Jordan Reed but Wentz took the plaudits.
With 17 TD passes, he has already racked up more than he achieved in his debut season and he also leads the NFL in that category while trailing only Tom Brady, Alex Smith and Carson Palmer in total yards.
The Redskins slip to 3-3, tied with Dallas in the division, but both are playing catch-up to an Eagles team that have the makings of NFC and Super Bowl contenders and host the winless San Francisco 49ers next week.
Washington host the Cowboys in another game that is taking on 'must-win' status as they both attempt to avoid falling further behind the rampant Eagles and a soaring Wentz.
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