By Matthew Ryan, Sports Talk Philly Contributor 
The Eagles (8-7) visit the Washington Football Team (6-9) in week 17 of the regular season on a day the Eagles can clinch a Wild Card berth with a win and a few things that are out of their control. The Eagles started the first half slow, trailing by 10 at the end of the first quarter, and now enter the break in a 16-7 hole. The Eagles will receive the second half kickoff. Here’s what we saw in the first 30 minutes of action:
QB Jalen Hurts
Despite the Eagles only scoring seven points at the half, Hurts has played an impressive game. He went 9-for-11 for 116 yards in the air and showed off his run ability, rushing three times for 35 yards.
DE Josh Sweat
With the Eagles defense needing a stop, Sweat came up with a big sack on Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke that pushed the Football team into second-and-long and eventually led to a field goal attempt. DT Fletcher Cox was credited for half of the sack as well.
Eagles’ Defense
Coming off a strong performance against a lackluster Giants offense, the Eagles’ defense did not have a good first half, giving up 230 yards and 16 first downs. The WFT scored on their first four possessions, and Heinicke only had three incompletions. The Eagles’ offense has held their own. Now it’s up to the defense to step up and make a play.
WR Terry McLaurin
With multiple skill position players out for Washington, McLaurin has been and will continue to be a focal point of the WFT offense. The third year wideout had four catches for 37 yards in the first half and should see Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay Jr. continue to shadow him in the final 30 minutes.
