Barkley’s Big Plays Propel Eagles Past Rams, Setting Up NFC Championship Clash
PHILADELPHIA – With just five minutes left in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s NFC Divisional Round matchup, Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and safety Reed Blankenship sat on the bench, hoping the offense could chew the clock and secure a snowy victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
Instead, Saquon Barkley delivered a dagger.
Barkley’s 78-yard touchdown run, his second explosive score of the game, gave the Eagles a crucial two-possession lead in their 28-22 victory, securing a spot in next week’s NFC Championship against the Washington Commanders.
“He scored in one play,” Rodgers said. “I looked at Reed, he looked at me, and we both thought, ‘Alright, time to finish this.'”
Barkley’s performance was nothing short of historic. Racking up 205 rushing yards on 26 carries, he broke the Eagles’ single-game playoff rushing record, surpassing Steve Van Buren’s 196-yard mark. Barkley’s contributions were pivotal as the Rams, led by Matthew Stafford, pushed to within 18 yards of a tying score late in the fourth quarter.
I just want to make plays for the team,” Barkley said, reflecting on his standout performance. “Whether it’s the national spotlight or just a pickup game, my goal is to contribute.”
The Penn State alumnus, who joined the Eagles last offseason after six challenging years with the New York Giants, admitted he’d researched Van Buren’s record in pursuit of creating a legacy.
“You see these plays, and it’s amazing how it all plays out,” Barkley said. With 2,329 rushing yards this season, including postseason games, Barkley is also closing in on Terrell Davis’ single-season rushing record of 2,476 yards.
Despite the wintry mix of hail and snow, Barkley was unfazed. His first touchdown, a 62-yard sprint in the opening quarter, showcased his signature blend of speed and power. Along the way, he had a playful exchange with Rams rookie Jared Verse, though Barkley kept the details to himself.
“I’ve learned to keep quiet,” he joked, likening it to “getting called to the principal’s office.”
In two games this season against the Rams, Barkley ran 460 yards with four touchdowns. However, despite all that dominance, the All-Pro running back remained humble as he credited his offensive line and the Eagles’ defense.
Right guard Mekhi Becton says his block was what paved the way for Barkley’s first score.
“He’s a dog. We’ve known that since his New York days,” Becton said. “If you give him even a sliver of space, he’ll make magic happen.”
The Eagles’ line controlled the line of scrimmage and consistently opened up lanes against a Rams defense trying to adjust to the game’s flow. “They were stacking the box so much,” Mailata said of the Rams’ approach. Landon Dickerson, the left guard, called Barkley a “UFC fight” in comparison to the kind of attention required to stop him.
“Watching him is one thing,” Dickerson said. “But when you experience his talent firsthand, it’s something else entirely.”
Quarterback Jalen Hurts opened the scoring with a 44-yard touchdown run, joking afterward that he wanted to “give Saquon a break.” Though Hurts passed for just 128 yards on 15 completions, the Eagles’ ground game more than compensated.
A.J. Brown, wide receiver, described Barkley’s ability as game-changing. “One play, and he’s gone,” Brown said. Fellow wideout DeVonta Smith summed it up more succinctly: “He’s the greatest.”
Head coach Nick Sirianni called Barkley a “luxury” for the team, praising his work ethic and leadership. “He’s special. I can’t say enough good things about him,” Sirianni said.
Sentiment echoed throughout the locker room, with Dickerson saying the offense line takes so much pride in Barkley. “It’s always satisfying to see him breaking away for those explosive plays,” he said.
Barkley’s teammates certainly can’t help but be very happy for the guy with an NFC Championship just within reach.
“He’s worked so hard for this,” Dickerson said. “It’s an honor to block for a guy like him—he makes us all look good. He deserves every bit of this success.”
With Barkley leading the charge, the Eagles are only one win away from the Super Bowl, and now they’re ready to ride out their moment as they face the Commanders.
