The Philadelphia Eagles are one victory away from a conference championship after riding star running back Saquon Barkley to a division title all season long. The MVP candidate continued his historic year with another incredible performance on Sunday, becoming only the ninth player in NFL history to dash for over 2,000 yards in a season.
Barkley helped the Eagles overcome the Los Angeles Rams 28–22 and move on to the NFC title game with 205 yards rushing and two touchdowns, mostly in the snow. Washington, a division foe that recently upset top seed Detroit in the divisional rounds, will play Philadelphia.
Let’s examine how everything transpired.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts’ 44-yard scramble gave the Eagles a 6-0 lead Sunday before the snow began to cover Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
Jalen Hurts TD run
But a few minutes later in the first quarter, the Rams answered. A 13-play, 67-yard drive orchestrated by Matthew Stafford ended with tight end Tyler Higbee receiving a 4-yard touchdown pass.
Tyler Higbee TD catch
Barkley demonstrated why he is the league’s top rushing back with 1:07 remaining in the first quarter, when the Rams were ahead 7–6. He broke away for a 62-yard touchdown run after finding a gap in the line, giving Philadelphia a 13–7 lead.
Through the middle of the fourth quarter, Philadelphia added three more field goals, while Los Angeles would kick two more and cause a safety. However, Barkley’s 78-yard touchdown run, his second of the game, gave the Eagles a 22–15 lead with 4:36 remaining, sealing the victory.
Barkley’s second TD run
He and Hurts discussed the win with Melissa Stark of NBC after the game.
“The elements were great, but the atmosphere was even better,” Barkley stated. “We have incredible fans. It was a close game, but that’s football in the playoffs. We completed the task at the end of the day.
Darius Slay, a defensive back for the Eagles, stated that he is prepared for Washington on Sunday. On the road on Saturday, the Commanders defeated the Detroit Lions 45–31.
“Next week, we’ll see them. The battle is going to be epic. “I’m excited about it,” he remarked. “A adversary with divisions. It’s going to be enjoyable.
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