The Philadelphia Eagles advanced to the conference championship game for the second time in the last three seasons after a snowy 28-22 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Lincoln Financial Field was covered in snow in the second half of the tightly contested NFC divisional matchup, but Philadelphia’s usual strengths — its No. 1-ranked defense (by yards allowed) and its Saquon Barkley-led rushing attack — were the difference yet again. That was especially key after quarterback Jalen Hurts was hampered by a left knee injury sustained while absorbing a sack late in the third quarter.
In addition to a pair of long touchdown runs, Barkley’s 205 rushing yards were good for the fifth-best postseason rushing total in NFL history, a fitting follow-up to his 302-yard performance during the two teams’ Week 12 meeting.
Philly now turns its attention to Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders with a Super Bowl appearance on the line when they play next Sunday. The NFC East rivals split their 2024 season series. They have met only one other time in the postseason, a 20-6 wild-card win by Washington in January 1991.
You’ve been Snoquon Barkley’d ™️ ❄️@saquon | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/SBV0ltUG5j
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 19, 2025
Defense continues its dominance
The Eagles’ defense gave Philadelphia chances to put the Rams away early. It forced two first-half field goals while backed up in the red zone. On the first instance, C.J. Gardner-Johnson supplied a major tackle for loss, following the motion on the play into the backfield. In the fourth quarter, Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith forced fumbles that gave the Eagles the ball in Rams territory. Both turnovers only resulted in field goals.
The Eagles forced a three-and-out with 4:47 left in the game, and Barkley immediately rushed for a 78-yard touchdown to threaten to put the game away. But the Eagles’ defense subsequently gave up a 10-play touchdown drive, which, followed by a three-and-out by the Eagles’ offense, forced Philly to defend the field one last time. They did. A turnover on downs deep in Eagles territory ended the game.
Ailing Hurts not playing at his highest level
Hurts, who finished with 128 passing yards Sunday, has now twice thrown for under 200 yards in the playoffs. Nick Sirianni has defended his franchise quarterback throughout the season, sermonizing different variations of “Jalen is a winner.” Indeed, Hurts fulfills a different role in this offense this season. He is more conservative in the pocket, leveraging Barkley and a top-rated defense on the way to more physical victories.
It’s fair to say Hurts was conservative last week against the Green Bay Packers. His play against the Rams on Sunday was poor. He took far too many sacks in consequential situations, including a safety that allowed the Rams to crawl to within one point, 16-15. He missed open receivers on multiple plays.
Eagles still waiting for offense to click
The Eagles failed to fully capitalize on offensive opportunities, and it nearly cost them. They built a 13-7 first-quarter lead on a 44-yard touchdown run by Hurts and a 62-yard touchdown run by Barkley. They were disjointed for most of the rest of the game. Hurts was sacked six times — three times in the final two possessions of the first half, in which the Eagles punted twice in Rams territory. A.J. Brown also dropped the well-placed pass from Hurts near the pylon in that stretch.
In the second half, the Eagles failed to score touchdowns off two defensive turnovers in Rams territory. Most inexcusable: Lane Johnson was flagged for a false start, wiping out a Brotherly Shove touchdown on fourth-and-goal at the 1. Jake Elliott, who struggled for stretches of this season, came through for the Eagles when it mattered most. He made all three of his field goal attempts on a field blanketed in snow.
Conclusion
The Eagles’ defense and rushing attack were the difference-makers in this game, and they will need to continue to perform at a high level if they hope to advance to the Super Bowl. While Hurts was not at his best, the Eagles were still able to come away with a win. However, they will need to improve their offense if they hope to beat the Commanders next week.
FAQs
Q: How did the Eagles’ defense perform against the Rams?
A: The Eagles’ defense forced two first-half field goals and two fourth-quarter turnovers, giving them opportunities to put the game away.
Q: How did Jalen Hurts perform against the Rams?
A: Hurts finished with 128 passing yards and was hampered by a left knee injury. He took far too many sacks and missed open receivers on multiple plays.
Q: What was the key to the Eagles’ win?
A: The Eagles’ defense and rushing attack were the difference-makers in this game. Saquon Barkley rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns, and the defense forced two turnovers and held the Rams to just 22 points.
Q: What’s next for the Eagles?
A: The Eagles will host the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game next Sunday with a Super Bowl appearance on the line.