The fallout from the heated Eagles–Commanders brawl continues to ripple through the league, but inside Philadelphia’s locker room, the story has taken an unexpected turn.

The incident erupted late in the fourth quarter after tensions boiled over following a two-point conversion that put the game out of reach. Multiple players became involved, but video later revealed the flashpoint: a Commanders defender ripping the helmet off an Eagles rookie wide receiver, shouting insults directly in his face, and escalating the confrontation beyond football.

That moment triggered an immediate response.

Eagles right guard Tyler Steen charged in to protect his teammate, confronting Washington’s Will Harris and throwing punches as the sideline erupted. Officials quickly lost control of the situation, ejecting Steen along with two Commanders players. The NFL later issued fines to all involved, with Steen receiving a significant penalty despite acting in defense of a teammate.

• Tyler Steen (Eagles) — $38,500 for unnecessary roughness and escalation of the altercation
• Javon Kinlaw (Commanders) — $42,000 for striking an opposing player and removing an opponent’s helmet

• Quan Martin (Commanders) — $27,500 for joining the fight from outside the initial confrontation
• Will Harris (Commanders) — $31,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct, including helmet removal and verbal taunting

While the league focused on discipline, the Eagles focused on loyalty.

Sources inside the organization say the rookie wide receiver who was targeted by Harris felt deeply uncomfortable with Steen bearing the consequences alone. According to multiple teammates, the young player was visibly shaken after the game and repeatedly told coaches the situation never should have escalated to that point.

Darius Cooper reportedly approached Tyler Steen privately and insisted on paying the full amount of Steen’s fine, refusing to let the veteran lineman shoulder the punishment for stepping in on his behalf. The gesture stunned several players in the locker room and quickly spread as a symbol of accountability and unity.

“When I saw him step in for me without hesitation, that meant everything,” Cooper said. “He protected me when things went too far, and I won’t ever take that lightly. He had my back in that moment, so it’s only right that I have his now. That’s what being part of this locker room is all about.”

The move has drawn quiet praise from team leadership, with several veterans calling it a powerful example of culture over controversy. While the league may remember the fight, the Eagles appear determined to remember what came after it.

In Philadelphia, protection isn’t just expected on the field. Sometimes, it shows up on the fine sheet too.

The Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East over the weekend, but it wasn’t without frustrations. It appears Jalen Hurts had to shield his offensive line from Saquon Barkley at one point. 

Philly, the defending Super Bowl champions, became the first team to win said division back-to-back in 21 years. They will go into the playoffs with the guarantee of a home game. 

A 29-18 win over the Washington Commanders saw to that.

The Commies were probably not happy about a late two-point conversion that the Eagles didn’t seem to need. And tempers flared almost immediately, with a massive brawl breaking out near the end zone. 

Three players were thrown out of the game after punches flew.

The Eagles were not exactly happy with each other either.

Cameras caught Hurts having a talk with his O-line, and let’s just say he wasn’t displaying the same calm demeanor from his press conferences. Barkley walked over and was getting his two cents in, but Hurts wouldn’t allow it. 

The quarterback, who made some unwanted history in a recent loss, stopped his running back teammate in his tracks and turned him away. 

You can see the interaction in the video below:

To be fair to Barkley, the offensive line has been leaving him for dead all season. He had a good performance against Washington on Sunday, but this season has been nothing like his last. 

Philly’s O-line has been a shadow of itself, especially with Lane Johnson out.

After moving on from Jason Kelce with ease and rolling all the way up to a Lombardi, the line has left plenty to be desired. 

While Saquon’s annoyance was probably valid, Jalen wouldn’t allow him to pile on.