The Seattle Seahawks continued their dominance of the Philadelphia Eagles with a 23-17 win in the NFL on Monday.
The Seahawks strengthened their grip on top spot in the NFC West, improving to 8-3 thanks to their victory at Lincoln Financial Field.
It extended Seattle's strong record over the Eagles, who last beat the Seahawks in 2008. The last time they beat them in Philadelphia was in 1989.
Seahawks star Russell Wilson was below his best but completed 22 of 31 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown, while DK Metcalf had 177 receiving yards.
The Seahawks are clear of the Los Angeles Rams (7-4), Arizona Cardinals (6-5) and San Francisco 49ers (5-6) in the NFC West.
Philadelphia, third in the NFC East, dropped to 3-7-1 as their struggles continued and they suffered a third straight loss.
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz was 25 of 45 for 215 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, while being sacked six times and also rushing for 42 yards.
Both teams struggled offensively early, with the Eagles going without a first down on their first five drives while totalling minus-one total yard.
Seattle got on the board in the second quarter, Wilson connecting with David Moore after setting up the TD with a 52-yard pass to Metcalf.
The Seahawks went 14-0 ahead thanks to Chris Carson, who fought off the Eagles with a 16-yard rushing touchdown.
But a 15-play, 75-yard drive would get Philadelphia a response before half-time, Wentz finding Dallas Goedert with a three-yard pass.
Jake Elliott's 42-yard field goal brought the Eagles closer before Jason Myers drilled two as Seattle led 20-9 early in the fourth quarter.
Myers added another before Philadelphia scored a TD with 12 seconds remaining, Richard Rodgers taking a great one-handed catch after Wentz's 33-yard pass was ricocheted in the endzone.
Sarah Thomas to be first female official at Super Bowl
For the first time in NFL history a woman will officiate at the Super Bowl.
The league announced the officiating crew for Super Bowl LV on Tuesday and Sarah Thomas was named the down judge.
This will be the second playoff assignment for the 47-year-old Thomas, after she worked an AFC divisional-round game between the New Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers on January 13, 2019.
Thomas became the league’s first full-time female official back in 2015.
Troy Vincent Sr, the NFL executive vice president of football operations, said: "Sarah Thomas has made history again as the first female Super Bowl official.
"Her elite performance and commitment to excellence has earned her the right to officiate the Super Bowl. Congratulations to Sarah on this well-deserved honour."
Carl Cheffers has been named the referee for the championship game scheduled for February 7 in Tampa, Florida. Cheffers has previously officiated in 17 playoff games, and was in charge for Super Bowl LI in 2017.
Thomas and Cheffers will be joined by umpire Fred Bryan, line judge Rusty Baynes, field judge James Coleman, side judge Eugene Hall, back judge Dino Paganelli and replay official Mike Wimmer.
Saleh vows to rebuild Jets 'the right way'
Robert Saleh warned there would be "no shortcuts to success" for the New York Jets after he was confirmed as the team's new head coach.
The Jets, who last reached the NFL playoffs in 2010, finished the 2020 season with a 2-14 record and fired Saleh's predecessor Adam Gase in December.
Saleh, 41, joins from his previous role as defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers and becomes the Jets' 20th head coach.
He has also held roles with the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars and now becomes a head coach for the first time.
His task of improving the Jets is one that Saleh vowed to embrace, but he knows he is walking into a challenging job.
Jets general manager Joe Douglas described Saleh as "an exceptional teacher, motivator and communicator" as he welcomed him to New York.
"There are no shortcuts to success," Saleh said, "and I am committed to working with Joe to build this team the right way: with talented players that play fast and smart, and a staff that supports and helps develop them through it all.
"To Jets fans, your passion and commitment are priceless. I understand your expectations and embrace them. We have a lot of work to do and can’t do it without your support. Thank you for your warm welcome and please stay safe and healthy."
Douglas is convinced Saleh has rich potential as a head coach.
"We spoke to some tremendous coaches, but Rob is the right partner and leader for us," Douglas said.
"His vision for this team aligns with what we have been working to establish here the last two years. Coach Saleh's energy, knowledge and focus are contagious and will serve our team well as we continue to develop our culture, our foundation, and move this organisation in the right direction."
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