Eagles’ backup plan backfires with 24-17 loss to Commanders that costs them shot at NFC’s No. 2 seed

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...