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Commanders end sloppy Eagles’ perfect season 32-21

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles’ bid for an undefeated season is over.

The Washington Commanders turned methodical drives into scores and took advantage of turnover-prone Philadelphia, stunning the Eagles 32-21 on Monday night and sending them to their first loss in nine games this season.

Behind Jalen Hurts, the Eagles were 8-0 for the first time in franchise history and the last team in the NFL that could make a run at Miami’s 17-0 mark in 1972 and the lone perfect season. The 2007 New England Patriots came close, going 18-0 before a Super Bowl loss.

The Eagles had their shot at perfection slip out of their hands.

Trailing at halftime for the first time this season, Hurts seemed to have one more big play left in him to pull out a victory. He connected on a deep ball to wide receiver Quez Watkins on a 51-yard reception late in the fourth quarter down 26-21. Watkins hit the ground, popped up and took off running, only to fumble the ball and give Washington possession.

That was it for the Eagles — and their third turnover, a high number for a team that had only three turnovers in the first eight games.

A.J Brown had a catch knock off his hands and turn into an interception, and Dallas Goedert fumbled in the fourth quarter.

Washington’s Taylor Heinicke again started for injured QB Carson Wentz, the much-maligned former Eagles QB who did play a key role in helping them win a Super Bowl in the 2017 season. He wasn’t flashy, but efficient, going 17 for 29 and throwing 229 yards. Terry McLaurin had 128 yards receiving — including a 41-yard haul that led to a field goal. Joey Slye kicked four field goals.

The Commanders also spoiled Pittsburgh’s 11-0 start in 2020.

Hurts threw for just 174 yards.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Here are the important 2023 NFL offseason dates fans should know

Important 2023 NFL offseason dates fans should know originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonThe NFL is currently in the thick of its offseason, but there are still plenty of key dates to circle before the 2023 season kicks off on September 7.Here are important offseason dates to know...2023 NFL Offseason Key DatesMarch 13-15: NFL teams are permitted to begin negotiating with prospective free agents, but no deals can be signed just yet.March 15: New league year begins at 4 p.m. Free agents are now permitted to sign contracts with clubs.March 26-29: Annual league meetings in PhoenixApril 3: Teams with new head coaches (Carolina, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis and Arizona) can begin offseason workout programsApril 17: Teams with returning head coaches can begin offseason workout programsApril 26-29: 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City May 2: Deadline to exercise fifth-year options on first-round picks from the 2020 NFL DraftMay 5-8 or May 12-15: Teams can hold three-day rookie camps for draft picks and undrafted free agentsMay 22: First day of OTAs for select teams. Clubs are allowed to hold 10 total on-field practices, but no live contact is allowed.May 22-24: NFL spring league meetingsJune 6: Start of mandatory minicamp for select teams. Clubs are allowed to have three mandatory practices.July 17: Deadline for teams with franchise-tagged players to sign a long-term contract extension. Teams are not allowed to re-engage in negotiations with a franchise player after this date until the conclusion of the 2023 season.August 3-6: NFL kickoff weekend in Canton, OhioSeptember 7: Opening game of the 2023 NFL regular season
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