Commanders Veteran Cites Area of Emphasis to Compete With Eagles

Last season, the Washington Commanders stunned the football world with their play in the postseason. After nearly reaching the Super Bowl, one of the team’s veterans opened up on what it will take to compete with one of the league’s top title threats.

Following upsets over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions, Washington was one victory away from reaching football’s biggest stage. Their final obstacle in the NFC playoffs was an all-too-familiar foe in the Philadelphia Eagles. The conference championship is where their Cinderella run would meet its end, as Jalen Hurts and company walked out with a 55-23 victory.

Coming off an extremely successful 2024 campaign, the Commanders are eager to remain in the hunt in the NFC. They’ve made numerous upgrades to the roster and are hopeful QB Jayden Daniels can continue to lead the charge under center. Among those who will be trying to make life easier for the rising star is tight end Zach Ertz.

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During a recent interview, Ertz reflected on the Commanders’ hopes of remaining a title threat. When the topic of facing the Eagles again came up, he cited one area of emphasis in this eventual showdown. That being making sure they are the side that better executes their game plan.

“I feel like if I had that answer, everyone would know it and they would be 0-17,” Ertz said while speaking with RG. “They’re extremely well coached. They have a lot of talented football players. The key to winning every game is who’s going to execute better, who’s going to turn the football over less, and who’s going to limit or have more explosive plays, That is the recipe for all games — it’s not just about the Philadelphia Eagles.”

The Pro-Bowl tight end also noted that the team can’t get hung up on how things unfolded last year because everyone is starting with a clean slate.

“Obviously, they won the Super Bowl for a reason,” Ertz continued. “But like I said about our team, last year is last year. Nothing that happened last year is going to matter for us this year. We all have to earn it, not only them, but us as well.”

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Ertz is someone who knows the Eagles well, as he spent the first eight-and-a-half seasons of his career with the franchise. Now heading into his second year in Washington, he’ll be aiming to take down his old team.

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