The Philadelphia Eagles secured a hard-fought 28-22 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the
NFC Divisional Round on a snowy day at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles leaned on
explosive plays from Saquon Barkley and timely defensive dominance from Jalen Carter,
including a game-sealing sack late in the fourth quarter.
First Half: Back-and-Forth Start
The game began with fireworks as Jalen Hurts opened the scoring on a 44-yard touchdown run,
giving the Eagles a 6-0 lead after a missed extra point. The Rams responded immediately, with
Matthew Stafford connecting on a 12-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Higbee, putting Los Angeles
up 7-6.
The Eagles regained the lead thanks to Saquon Barkley, who broke loose for a 62-yard
touchdown run, electrifying the crowd and making it 13-7. A late Rams field goal trimmed the
Eagles’ lead to 13-10 heading into halftime.
Second Half: Momentum Swings and Clutch Plays
The snowy conditions intensified in the second half, setting the stage for a gritty contest. Both
defenses stepped up in the third quarter, with each team adding a field goal, keeping the score
at 16-13 in favor of Philadelphia.
A crucial moment came when Rams defensive tackle Neville Gallimore sacked Jalen Hurts for a
safety, cutting the Eagles’ lead to 16-15. Hurts, who appeared to tweak his knee earlier in the
quarter, battled through the pain with a brace to continue leading the offense.
Following a Rams turnover, the Eagles extended their lead with another Jake Elliott field goal,
making it 19-15. Then Saquon Barkley delivered the play of the game offensively, breaking free
for a 78-yard touchdown run that widened the margin to 28-15 early in the fourth quarter.
Late Drama and Defensive Heroics
The Rams mounted a comeback late in the fourth quarter, with Stafford orchestrating a
touchdown drive capped by a Kyren Williams one-yard run, cutting the Eagles’ lead to 28-22.
With just over two minutes left, the Rams got the ball back for one final drive.
On a critical third down, Jalen Carter came through in spectacular fashion, sacking Stafford for a
massive loss and forcing the Rams into 4th-and-long. The Eagles’ defense held firm on the next
play, as Stafford’s desperation pass fell incomplete, sealing the victory for Philadelphia.
Carter’s sack not only crushed the Rams’ comeback hopes but underscored his dominance as
the anchor of the Eagles’ defense.
Players of the Game
● Offensive Player of the Game: Saquon Barkley
Barkley was unstoppable, rushing for 205 yards on just 18 carries, including two
highlight-reel touchdowns of 62 and 78 yards. His game-changing plays were the
difference for the Eagles’ offense.
● Defensive Player of the Game: Jalen Carter
Carter was a wrecking ball, recording two sacks, a forced fumble, and the decisive sack
on the Rams’ final drive. His relentless pressure disrupted Stafford all game.
What’s Next?
With the win, the Eagles advance to the NFC Championship Game, where they will face the
Washington Commanders. However, Jalen Hurts’ knee injury remains a concern as the team
prepares for its next test.
For now, Philadelphia celebrates a statement victory, powered by Barkley’s explosiveness and
Carter’s defensive dominance in the clutch.
