Eagles’ backup plan backfires with 24-17 loss to Commanders that costs them shot at NFC’s ...

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Nick Sirianni understood the risks associated with his decision to rest Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and most of the Eagles’ key starters with the No. 2 seed in the NFC at stake. His backup plan backfired in the moment, and the Super Bowl champions will start their postseason defense of the title as the 3 seed. With Hurts and Barkley on the bench and the Eagles’ second-stringers failing to meet the moment, the Washington Commanders got fourth-quarter passing and rushing touchdowns from Josh Johnson and beat Philadelphia 24-17 on Sunday. “I knew this was an outcome, that these things could happen,” said Sirianni, who has coached the Eagles to two of the last...