The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Los Angeles Rams 28-22 in snowy conditions on Sunday to advance to the conference championship game for the second time in the past three seasons.
Lincoln Financial Field was covered in snow during the second half of a competitive NFC divisional game, but Philadelphia's usual strengths, a No. 1-ranked defense (in yards allowed) and a rushing attack led by Saquon Barkley, were at it again. But it made a difference. . That became especially important after quarterback Jalen Hurts injured his left knee while absorbing a sack late in the third quarter.
In addition to two long touchdown runs, Barkley's 205 rushing yards marked the fifth-best postseason rushing total in NFL history, trailing only his 302-yard performance in the teams' Week 12 matchup. It was a good result.
Philadelphia now turns its attention to Jaden Daniels and the Washington Commanders for a spot in the Super Bowl next Sunday. The NFC East rivals will split the 2024 season series. The two sides have only met once in the postseason, in a wild-card game in January 1991, when Washington won 20-6.
You're now Snoquon Barkley'd ™️ ❄️@Saquon | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/SBV0ltUG5j
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 19, 2025
Defense maintains dominance
The Eagles' defense gave Philadelphia a chance to pull away from the Rams early. They forced two field goals in the first half while falling back in the red zone. In the first case, CJ Gardner-Johnson made a big tackle for a loss following a play move into the backfield. In the fourth quarter, Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith forced fumbles, giving the Eagles the ball inside Rams territory. Both turnovers resulted in only field goals.
The Eagles forced a three-and-out with 4:47 left in the game, and Barkley immediately ran for a 78-yard touchdown to threaten to tie the game. But then the Eagles defense allowed a 10-play touchdown drive, the Eagles offense went three-and-out, and Philadelphia had to defend the field one last time. They did. The game ended with a turnover on downs deep in Eagles territory. — Brooks Kubena, Eagles Staff Writer
Ayling Hearts is not playing at his highest level
Hurts, who had 128 passing yards on Sunday, has thrown for fewer than 200 yards for the second time in the playoffs. Nick Sirianni has defended his franchise quarterback all season, preaching variations of “Jalen is a winner.” In fact, Hurts is playing a different role in this offense this season. He's more conservative in the pocket and looks to win more physically, utilizing Barkley and his top-rated defense.
It's safe to say Hurts was conservative last week against the Green Bay Packers. His play against the Rams on Sunday was poor. He took too many sacks in consequential situations, including a safety that brought the Rams to within one point, 16-15. He missed open receivers on multiple plays.
AJ Brown also had two blunders, dropping two passes, including a deep ball near the pylon. The Eagles need Hurts to play better to make the most of the opportunities the defense gives him. — Kuvena
The Eagles are still waiting for the offense to respond.
The Eagles were not able to take full advantage of their attacking opportunities and almost lost their lives. They built a 13-7 lead in the first quarter on Hurts' 44-yard touchdown run and Barkley's 62-yard touchdown run. They were apart for most of the rest of the match. Hurts was sacked six times, three of them on the final two possessions of the first half, resulting in two punts by the Eagles inside the Rams' territory. Brown also caught a nice pass from Hurts near the pylon during that stretch.
In the second half, the Eagles were unable to score a touchdown due to two defensive turnovers inside the Rams' territory. Most unforgivable: Lane Johnson was flagged for a false start after erasing a Blessy Schaub touchdown on fourth-and-goal of the first inning. Jake Elliott, who has struggled all season, stepped up for the Eagles when it mattered most. He made all three of his field goals on snow-covered fields.
This is the second week in a row that the Eagles offense needs the defense to bail it out and give the Hurts time to close out the game. Will the Eagles be able to advance to the Super Bowl next week when they host the Commanders in the NFC Championship Game? — Kuvena
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(Photo: Sarah Steer/Getty Images)
