The Philadelphia Eagles will play host to fierce rivals the Washington Commanders in next week’s NFC Championship game after defeating the LA Rams in a thrilling divisional playoff clash.
Watch every game of the NFL Postseason, including the Super Bowl, live with ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was incredible in the 28-22 win, breaking off two touchdown runs of at least 60 yards to give him four such touchdowns against the Rams in one season.
In a game mostly played in teaming snow, Barkley handled the cold weather with aplomb.
He finished with 205 yards, including the game-sealing touchdown with just over six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Astoundingly, Barkley recorded 460 total rushing yards against the Rams in Philadelphia’s two games against LA this regular season/postseason.
After Barkley’s touchdown gave the Eagles a 28-15 lead, Rams QB Matt Stafford led his team on a touchdown drive to cut the margin to six with 2:48 left.
That gave the Rams life and a quick Eagles three-and-out made things even more interesting.
It gave the Rams plenty of time left to score another touchdown and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, but the drive stalled at the Philadelphia 22-yard line after two huge plays from defensive tackle Jalen Carter, including a sack of Stafford on third down.
Aussie Jordan Mailata and the Eagles’ league leading offensive line once again paved the way for Barkley.
Earlier, Mailata was involved in a hilarious moment.
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts got his side off to a fast start when he broke through for a 44-yard touchdown in the opening minutes.
Mailata, the Eagles left tackle, was tasked with leading Hurts out but the play was so well designed that the Aussie didn’t need to do much at all and he ended running into the endzone with Hurts without having to block anyone.
“Jordan Mailata is going to come around for the QB counter and you know it’s a pretty good sign when your 360lb left tackle gets to stroll down the field and block nobody the entire way,” NFL analyst Cris Collinsworth said in commentary.
The Rams would quickly hit back, with QB Matt Stafford leading his team down the field before tossing a four-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Higbee.
Barkley eclipsed 2000 rushing yards during the regular season to lead the NFL and he hasn’t missed a beat in the playoffs.
With the Eagles trailing 7-6 in the first quarter, Barkley received the hand off and found space down the right side before galloping 62 yards into the end zone.
Barkley now holds the record for the most 60+ yard rushing touchdowns in a single season in NFL history (6).
Mailta and the Eagles offensive line has been immense all year blocking for the NFL’s best running back Saquon Barkley.
No touchdowns were scored since Barkley’s first quarter effort, with the teams exchanging field goals until the Rams recorded a safety late in the third quarter.
The Rams would get the ball back after the safety, trailing by one point, but Carter forced a fumble which changed possession.
Philadelphia were inches away from another Barkley touchdown but he was ruled down before the ball broke the plane. They settled for a field goal to go up 19-15.
The Eagles would add another field goal with their next possesion to increase the lead to seven points with just over six minutes to play.
It looked game over when Barkley ran 78 yards for the score, but the Rams tried a late rally.
Unfortunately for Rams supporters, it would come up short after a Matthew Stafford pass on fourth down sailed over the head of wide receiver Puka Nacua.
Before the game, Mailata took to the practice field in freezing Philadelphia to warm up barefoot, which didn’t go unnoticed on social media.
Discussion about this post