PHILADELPHIA – Fresh off a historic defensive masterclass that snapped a 70-year drought, the Philadelphia Eagles are now poised to rewrite another chapter of their storied franchise history. This time, it’s star tight end Dallas Goedert who’s knocking on the door of immortality, needing just one more touchdown reception to tie a record that has stood untouched for 60 years. And with the Washington Commanders looming on the schedule this Saturday, December 20, at Northwest Stadium, Goedert could etch his name alongside legends in front of a heated NFC East rivalry crowd.
The Eagles’ defense set the tone last Sunday, December 14, dismantling the Las Vegas Raiders in a 31-0 shutout at Lincoln Financial Field. Holding Las Vegas to a measly 75 total yards, Philly became the first Eagles team in seven decades to keep an opponent under 100 yards—echoing a feat last accomplished in 1955 against the Chicago Cardinals (49 yards). It was a dominant display that shattered a long-standing “curse” of offensive explosions against them, proving this squad is built for postseason glory.
But now, all eyes turn to the offense, where Goedert is tantalizingly close to matching Pete Retzlaff’s franchise mark of 10 touchdown catches by a tight end in a single season, set back in 1965. Retzlaff, a versatile pass-catcher who also hailed from the Dakotas (born in North Dakota, while Goedert is a South Dakota native), both attended South Dakota State University, adding a poetic layer to this potential record-tying moment. Goedert, with nine TDs already under his belt this year, hauled in two against the Raiders—including a pair of shovel passes from 4 yards out—bringing him within striking distance.
“I could’ve had three that day,” Goedert admitted postgame, reflecting on a rare drop in the end zone that would’ve given him the hat trick and the record outright. “Shout out to KP (offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo) for giving me another opportunity right after. You never want to drop a walk-in, but you move on and make the next one count.”
This season has been a multi-touchdown bonanza for the 30-year-old tight end. Goedert has notched two TDs in a single game three times in 2025: against the New York Giants on October 26, and twice more in divisional matchups. His production has outpaced recent Eagles greats like Zach Ertz (who peaked at eight TDs in both 2017 and 2018) and Brent Celek (eight in 2009). Even legends like Keith Jackson (six in 1988 and 1990) and Chad Lewis (six in 2001) couldn’t reach double digits.
As the Eagles (let’s assume their record is strong, sitting at 10-4 or better heading into Week 16 based on their hot streak) gear up for Washington, the matchup couldn’t be more fitting. The Commanders’ defense has been stout against the pass at times but vulnerable in the red zone, allowing tight ends to find paydirt in recent weeks. With quarterback Jalen Hurts dialing up creative plays and Goedert’s reliable hands (despite that one slip-up), expect the South Dakota State alum to be a focal point. A touchdown here wouldn’t just tie Retzlaff—it could shatter the “curse” of no Eagles tight end hitting double digits since the swinging ’60s, propelling Goedert into free agency folklore.
Speaking of which, Goedert’s future adds intrigue. He restructured his deal this offseason, taking a one-year, $10 million pact with up to $1 million in incentives to stay in green. Turning 31 on January 3, he’s remained durable, missing just one game this year. A record-breaking finish could boost his market value, whether Philly re-signs him or he tests the waters. For now, though, the focus is on Washington—and potentially making history.
If Goedert delivers, it’ll be another relic erased from the Eagles’ history books, capping a season of shattered expectations. Fans, buckle up: Saturday’s clash could be one for the ages. Fly, Eagles, Fly!