In a postseason performance for the ages, Saquon Barkley rushed for a franchise-record 205 yards to lead the Philadelphia Eagles to a 28-22 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round on Sunday. Barkley’s electrifying display at Lincoln Financial Field, complete with two touchdowns of 60-plus yards, propelled the Eagles to the NFC Championship Game, where they’ll host the Washington Commanders.
A Historic Night for Barkley
Barkley’s 205 rushing yards broke a postseason record previously held by Eagles legend Steve Van Buren, who ran for 196 yards in 1949—also against the Rams. With this performance, Barkley now ranks third in NFL history for most rushing yards in a single season, including playoffs, at 2,329 yards, trailing only Terrell Davis’ 1997 and 1998 seasons.
Playing through the snowy conditions of Philadelphia, Barkley leaned on advice from two NFL greats:
LeSean McCoy, the Eagles’ star in the famous “Snow Bowl” of 2013, told Barkley to “run on your toes” and check his cleats for the right traction.
Marshall Faulk, a Rams Hall of Famer, urged patience and trust in his reads against a defense expecting to stop him.
The result? A game-sealing 78-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter that had fans chanting “MVP” and celebrating in the snow.
“This is why I came to Philly,” Barkley said postgame, beaming with pride. “You dream about moments like this, and I’m just happy to be part of it.”
Injury Woes for the Eagles
Despite the victory, the Eagles suffered key injuries.
Jalen Hurts, the team’s quarterback, hurt his left knee in the third quarter after being sacked and pinned under Rams safety Jaylen McCollough. Although Hurts finished the game, his mobility was clearly impacted. He remains optimistic about playing next Sunday.
Quinyon Mitchell, the Eagles’ standout rookie cornerback, left the game in the first quarter with a shoulder injury and did not return.
Barkley’s Place in History
Barkley’s postseason performance wasn’t just significant for the franchise—it was historic league-wide. His 205 rushing yards rank as the fifth-most in NFL playoff history. He also became just the second player, alongside Eric Dickerson, to record 200-yard rushing games in both the regular season and postseason during his career.
Barkley revealed his motivation came from a desire to “chase greatness,” looking up the Eagles’ playoff rushing record earlier in the week. “You want to create a legacy,” he said. “Visualizing stuff and wondering what the number is—it’s funny how that happened.”
What’s Next?
With Barkley’s stellar form and the Eagles moving into the NFC Championship Game, fans are dreaming of a Super Bowl run. However, injuries to Hurts and Mitchell may present significant hurdles against a surging Washington Commanders team.
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