In Sunday’s other game, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley may have been this season’s rushing leader but it was his quarterback Jalen Hurts who made the first burst in Philly against the Rams, scoring a 44-yard touchdown on the opening drive – the longest run of his career.
Los Angeles replied with a Tyler Higbee touchdown before Barkley broke through for a 62-yard score. He finished with 205 rushing yards – the fifth best in post-season history.
The Rams kicked a field goal to cut the half-time deficit to 13-10 and, as the snow got heavier after the interval, both teams settled for a field goal in the third quarter.
Hurts injured his knee on that Eagles drive, and on their next possession he was trapped in his own end zone for a safety, cutting the score to 16-15.
The Rams then fumbled on successive drives, with the Eagles punishing each error with a field goal, and the game appeared to be over after Barkley raced clear again, this time from 78 yards to make it 28-15 with under five minutes left.
However, Los Angeles hit straight back with a Colby Parkinson touchdown and then forced a swift three-and-out from the Eagles, meaning they got the ball back with just over two minutes left.
Matthew Stafford, who led the Rams to Super Bowl glory in 2022, has produced 51 game-winning drives and the veteran quarterback seemed set for another when Puka Nacua made a superb catch on his shoulder to take the Rams to Philly’s 21-yard line.
But the Eagles defence stood firm to ensure they reached their second NFC Championship game in three years, having ultimately lost to Kansas City in Super Bowl 57.uper Bowl 57.
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