Saquon Barkley was called upon to deliver a big task.
The Philadelphia Eagles running back lined up alongside quarterback Jalen Hurts in the shotgun formation with less than five minutes remaining in Sunday’s divisional round playoff game. Hurts looked at Barkley, barely seeing through the snowstorm that ravaged Lincoln Financial Field. The superstar athlete turned to his quarterback and said, “I got this.”
Barkley took over and ran like he was shot out of a cannon. He hit the hole, avoided a tackle and ran for a 78-yard touchdown. He knew he would 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, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
The Eagles faithful cheered as they watched their team hold on to the Los Angeles Rams for the rest of the game and win 28-22.
Barkley, who would be the driving force of the offense as the weather deteriorated, ran for a game-high 205 yards on 26 carries. He had two touchdowns in the game, including a 62-yard score in the first quarter.
“The elements were great, but the atmosphere was even better,” Barkley told NBC after the game. “Our fans are amazing. It was close, but it’s playoff football, and in the end we got the job done.”
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford gave Los Angeles everything it had in the final minutes. A 10-play, 70-yard drive after Barkley scored in the fourth quarter led to a touchdown pass to Coby Parkinson. This brought the game within one score.
The Rams were stopped and were able to get the ball back for one last drive. Stafford propelled Los Angeles down the field with 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 Los Angeles Rams. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Neville Gallimore tackles Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts during the second half. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
But the Eagles defense held strong and forced an incompletion on fourth down to force a turnover and solidify the game.
Philadelphia’s defense was strong. Aside from the stop on the Rams’ final drive, they forced two fumbles that led to Eagles goals. Six points made the difference in the match.
Hurts was 15 of 20 with 128 passing yards and 70 rushing yards. He had a 44-yard rushing touchdown to start the game, but got banged up in the second quarter, hampering his ability to run for the rest of the game.
Stafford finished 26 of 44 with 324 passing yards and two touchdown passes. He was sacked five times, including on the final drive, putting even more pressure on them to get the first down.
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun celebrates after recovering a fumble from Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during the second half. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia will travel to the NFC Championship Game to face the Washington Commanders next Sunday.
