NFL News & Analysis

WAS-PHI grades: Strong games overall from both Cousins, Wentz

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 11: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles and Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins meet midfield after the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Redskins won 27-22. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)

Washington Redskins 27, Philadelphia Eagles 22

Here are the top-graded players and biggest storylines from Washington’s Week 14 NFC East win over Philadelphia.

Washington Redskins

Quarterback grade: Kirk Cousins, 80.0

Cousins excels again on deep passes

This was another strong performance for Kirk Cousins, again bolstered by his impressive deep passing. Cousins completed four of six deep shots (throws that traveled at least 20 yards through the air) for 149 yards and two scores. Where he did struggle was under pressure, as he completed just one of four pass attempts while pressured and had a QB rating of 41.7.

Kirk Cousins vs pressure

Top offensive grades:

LT Trent Williams, 80.9

WR Pierre Garçon, 80.1

QB Kirk Cousins, 80.0

WR DeSean Jackson, 78.9

RB Rob Kelley, 71.5

Washington skill players continue to excel

The pass catchers of the Redskins continue to play extremely well, led by WRs Pierre Garçon and DeSean Jackson on Sunday. The duo caught eight of 10 targets thrown their way for 171 yards and two scores, while the rest of the offensive roster caught just six balls. RB Rob Kelley’s 63 yards on 16 attempts is unimpressive on the surface, but he earned 52 of his yards after contact and forced five missed tackles.

Top defensive grades:

ED Trent Murphy, 86.3

ED Ryan Kerrigan, 83.9

S Deshazor Everett, 83.7

DI Ricky Jean-Francois, 80.4

CB Josh Norman, 80.1

Edge rushers harass Wentz all day

For the game, Washington posted 24 total QB pressures, and it was the play outside that led the way. OLBs Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy collectively posted 12 pressures, while ILB Mason Foster added two sacks, a hurry and five defensive stops.

Philadelphia Eagles

Quarterback grade: Carson Wentz, 81.7

Some mistakes, but overall solid day from rookie Carson Wentz

While he made his share of mistakes, the rookie Wentz had a generally strong performance. On passes that traveled at least 10 yards through the air, he connected on nine of 13 throws for 133 yards and a touchdown. Wentz's struggles under pressure made the difference in this game, as he completed just seven of 14 throws under pressure for 77 yards and took four sacks.

Eagles vs pressure

Top offensive grades:

TE Trey Burton, 82.2

TE Zach Ertz, 81.8

QB Carson Wentz, 81.7

OG Isaac Seumalo, 78.9

OT Jason Peters, 75.3

Tough all-around day for Ryan Mathews

While Mathews averaged 4.0 yards per carry on 15 attempts, he failed to break any tackles and managed just 18 of his 60 yards after initial contact. He also struggled in pass protection, as he gave up a sack and two hurries. Pass-blocking was a struggle throughout the game for the Eagles, as the offense was collectively charged with three sacks, three hits, and 11 hurries. 

Top defensive grades:

S Malcolm Jenkins, 80.7 

DI Fletcher Cox, 80.6

CB Leodis McKelvin, 77.2

ED Brandon Graham, 76.3

LB Nigel Bradham, 74.8 

Big day from Fletcher Cox aside, Eagles unable to generate consistent pressure

Cox was his usual unstoppable self, as he posted two sacks and three hurries for the game. However, he provide the majority of the pressure on the day, as the rest of the Eagles’ defense posted just five total pressures. CB Leodis McKelvin had a wildly variant day, as he returned an interception for a touchdown and batted down another, but also gave up five receptions for 119 yards, including DeSean Jackson’s 80-yard touchdown.

PFF Game-Ball Winner: Kirk Cousins, QB, Redskins

PFF’s player grading process includes multiple reviews, which may change the grade initially published in order to increase its accuracy. Learn more about how we grade and access grades for every player through each week of the NFL season by subscribing to Player Grades.

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