It’s Eagles-Commanders tonight at the Linc, and it could be the first battle of a renewed rivalry between the legendary franchises.

Their first meeting occurred in 1934, and the Commanders (I still say Redskins) have an 89-85-6 advantage heading into tonight’s clash. The most mentioned game has to be the “Body Bag” game of 1990, in which nine Redskins went down from the Buddy Ryan-led squad.

In this week’s version of my Inside the Huddle column, I’ll look at the current state of the Eagles-Commanders and their rivalry, as well as some novelties.

At The Top ... With Dallas’ demise, the Eagles (7-2) and Commanders (7-3) will likely stage the first of many battles for the NFC East.

The Eagles’ addition of Saquon Barkley has placed them back in the Super Bowl chatter, and their defense has quietly risen to among the elite in the league.

Philly’s defense is third in the league in points allowed per game; second in yards allowed (274.1); third in pass defense (173.4); fifth in rushing yards (100.7); and third in red zone defensive touchdown percentage (42.31 percent).

In Washington, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has led the revival. The Commanders have averaged 29 points per game, third in the league; 317 yards per game, fourth; 152.3 yards rushing, fourth; and 223.5 yards passing, 11th.

It looks like it will be a tight game, and Daniels again will be on a big stage. Former Birds legendary quarterback Ron Jaworski called Daniels “the best rookie quarterback he has seen.”

A Fab Four ... Over the years, there haven’t been many noteworthy games, but here are one man’s recollection of four Eagles-Redskins matchups:

1990 - The famous “Body Bag” game won by the Eagles, 28-14, during a Monday Night Football contest at the Vet. Remember when Washington running back and future Eagle Brian Mitchell had to finish the game at quarterback?

1989 - Washington jumped out early to an 20-0 lead in the first quarter, but Randall Cunningham would save the day. In one of the franchise’s most amazing performances, Cunningham completed 34 passes for 447 yards with five touchdowns to lead the Eagles to a 42-37 comeback victory.

1975- The Eagles broke an 0-13-2 slump against the Redskins by scoring 17 unanswered points in a 26-10 victory at the Vet. Roman Gabriel tossed a pair of touchdown passes, and Tom Sullivan ran for 93 yards. The Eagles’ defense intercepted Billy Kilmer three times and sacked him twice.

2010 - The Eagles’ Mick Vick outdueled former Eagles’ QB Donovan McNabb in a 59-28 Monday night blowout. Vick threw for 333 with four touchdowns, while McNabb went for 205 with two touchdowns and three interceptions. The Eagles led 45-14 at the half. Does Jerome Harrison ring a bell? He was the Birds’ leading rusher with 109 yards.

No More Mr. Nice Guy ... Under current boss Nick Sirianni, the Eagles are 3-0 against rookie quarterbacks, beating Zach Wilson (2021), current backup and former Steeler Kenny Pickett (2022), and the Giants’ Tommy DeVito (2023).

Over their last nine games, they are 8-0-1, the lone tie against Joe Burrow in 2020, the 23-all game when both teams were 0-2.

What To Do For An Encore ... Jay Schroeder holds the Redskins’ rookie record for most passing yardage in a game with 348 against San Francisco in 1985. You have to be a diehard Commanders’ (Redskins) fan to remember Ed Rubbert, who tossed for 333 against St. Louis in 1987. Rubbert was part of the Redskins’ replacement team during the strike.

Current Falcons’ quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 329 against Cleveland in 2012, and Daniels had 326 against the Bears on Oct. 17.

Former Eagle and Redskins rookie Norm Snead hit for 296 and a pair of touchdowns in 1961 against who else? The Eagles.

The Last Time ... Dak Prescott was the last rookie quarterback to beat the Eagles in 2016 with a 29-23 victory in Dallas.

Current Browns’ quarterback Jameis Winston was the last rookie to win in Philly when he beat them with Tampa, 45-17, in 2015.

Notebook ... Unless the situations change, there should be an overhaul with the Cowboys and Jets. Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy will be out, and current Eagles’ offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is a leading candidate. Dallas is stuck with Prescott’s huge contract. It certainly has looked like the Cowboys have saddled it up for the season ... The Jets will be looking for a new coach, and Jon Gruden is gaining ground as a leading candidate. Aaron Rodgers’ future is shaky ... Arizona has gained ground with four straight wins and these Birds are division contenders. The maturing of quarterback Kyler Murray is a big reason ... After a quick start, the Bears have gone back into hibernation, and what happened to the Bengals?

Matriculating Down The Lane ... Each week, I’ll look back at a former player, game, or situation from the past.

The lone time these two teams met in the postseason was a NFC divisional playoff game on a chilly, 31-degree Saturday afternoon at the Vet.

Eight weeks earlier, both were involved in the “Body Bag” game, but this time, Washington got its revenge.

The Redskins dominated the Birds, 20-6, sacking Cunningham five times and forcing three turnovers. Cunningham, who completed 18-of-29 passes for 205 yards with an interception, was benched for a series in the third quarter for Jim McMahon.

The Birds’ lone offense was generated by Roger Ruzek’s two field goals.

It was the third straight playoff loss for Ryan, who lost his job three days later.

Topping Off ... Here are my top five teams:

1. Chiefs (9-0) – A last-second blocked field goal led to their latest victory. There’s another path ahead to the Super Bowl.

2. Lions (8-1) – Speaking of the Super Bowl, they appear to be this year’s team of destiny. Jarrad Goff threw five picks last week, and they still won?

3. Ravens (7-3) – Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson are keeping it rolling. Their defense is piecing it together.

4. Bills (8-2) – Josh Allen’s two picks and eight team penalties still led to a victory. They can be another title contender.

5. Eagles (7-2) and Steelers (7-2) (tie) – Birds are rolling and the Steelers are, too. Steelers’ QB Russell Wilson is playing like he did 10 years ago.

Bottoming Out ... Here are my five worst teams (worst to fifth worst):

1. Giants (2-8) - Daniel Jones will be benched after an embarrassing loss to Carolina. Team is in turmoil.

2. Jaguars (2-8) – Trevor Lawrence is likely done for the season. Jags are the league’s biggest disappointment.

3. Raiders (2-7) – Head coach Antonio Pierce fired four coaches after their fifth straight loss. It will be a telling game Sunday off a bye week.

4. Titans (2-7) – Quarterback Will Levis had a decent game in last week’s loss. However, Levis and his teammates are still bad.

5. Browns (2-7) – They play the 3-7 Saints this week. Winston begins his third game in place of DeShaun Watson, and there is some change.

Laying It On the Line ... For what it’s worth, I’ll take the Eagles (-3.5) over the Commanders, and the Jets (-3.5) over the Colts.

In the week’s biggest game, I like the Chiefs over the Bills (-2.5) in a possible AFC Championship preview. It should be a real nail-biter.

Final thought ... What fight song do you remember most through the years? Is it “Hail to The Redskins,” or ”Fly, Eagles, Fly?” Both have been classics.

Your thoughts are always welcomed; please email them to tnsports@tnonline.com.