Saquon Barkley was asked to play in big spots.
The Philadelphia Eagles running back lined up next to quarterback Jalen Hurts in a shotgun formation with less than five minutes left in Sunday's divisional round playoff game. Hurts stared at Barkley, barely able to see through the snowstorm that hit Lincoln Financial Field. The superstar player looked back at his quarterback and said, “I get this.”
Barkley took the handoff and ran like he was shot out of a cannon. He hit a hole, evaded a tackle and ran for a 78-yard touchdown. He knew he could score from about 30 yards out.
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Eagles running back Saquon Barkley runs for a touchdown during the first half of the NFC divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Eagles fans cheered as their team battled the Los Angeles Rams for the remainder of the game, winning 28-22.
Barkley, who was supposed to be the driving force of the offense as the weather deteriorated, finished with 205 yards on 26 carries. He scored two touchdowns in the game, including a 62-yard gain in the first quarter.
“The elements were great, but the atmosphere was even better,” Barkley told NBC after the game. “Our fans are great. It was a close game, but that's playoff football. At the end of the day, we got the job done.”
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford gave Los Angeles his all in the final minutes. Barkley's score in the fourth quarter was followed by a 10-play, 70-yard drive that led to a touchdown pass to Coby Parkinson. The game was narrowed to one point.
The Rams were able to make a stop and get the ball back for their final drive. Stafford led Los Angeles to the victory thanks to an incredible catch from Puka Nacua.
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Eagles running back Saquon Barkley sits in the snow after scoring a touchdown against the Rams. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Rams defensive tackle Neville Gallimore tackles Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts during the second half. (AP Photo/Derrick Hamilton)
But the Eagles' defense was solid, forcing an incompletion on fourth down and a turnover to seal the game.
Philadelphia's defense has taken a big step forward. Aside from a stop on the Rams' final drive, they forced two fumbles that led to Eagles field goals. A six-point difference made the difference in the game.
Hurts was 15-of-20 for 128 passing yards and 70 rushing yards. He scored a 44-yard rushing touchdown to start the game, but a bang in the second quarter hampered his ability to run for the rest of the game.
Stafford completed 26-of-44 for 324 passing yards and two touchdown passes. He was sacked five times, including on the final drive where he was under more pressure to get a first down.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zach Baun expressed his joy after recovering a fumble by Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during the second half. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
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Philadelphia will travel to the NFC Championship Game to face the Washington Commanders next Sunday.
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