Eagles' Saquon Barkley: 'I Was Crashing Out' While Smacking My Helmet During TD Run
Jan 22, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates as he runs with the ball for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
Even Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley isn't sure why he smacked his helmet twice on his 78-yard touchdown run against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC divisional round.
Breaking free and outrunning the Rams defense, Barkley hit himself in the head as he was heading toward the end zone in the fourth quarter of Philly's 28-22 win.
Asked about the moment, the three-time Pro Bowler told reporters he was "crashing out as the kids say."
Barkley's long run proved to be the decisive score in the game as Philadelphia nearly watched its 13-point lead get wiped out.
Matthew Stafford's four-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson brought the Rams to within six points with 2:48 left, and they had had an opportunity to take the lead after a three-and-out by the Eagles. Los Angeles got as far as the Philly 13-yard line before an incomplete pass by Stafford on fourth down spared the home team from a disappointing defeat.
Barkley's performance added to his historic 2024 campaign. He finished with 205 yards and two scores on the ground.
Eagles Selling Snow from NFL Playoff Win vs. Rams at Lincoln Financial Field for $50
Jan 22, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball for a 78-yard touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
It can never be said that a sports franchise won't find any way possible to make money, based on the Philadelphia Eagles' attempt to market the snow from their 28-22 win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round game on Sunday.
The Eagles are selling snow collected from Lincoln Financial Field for $50 per pint.
The Philadelphia Eagles are selling snow collected by their grounds crew after their divisional playoff win over the Rams.
Yes, really. For $50 a container.
Buyers are encouraged to keep it in their freezer to "maintain the snow's authentic state."
Per the official listing on The Realest, which authenticated the snow to make sure you're getting the real thing, the pints will be delivered in insulated containers with dry ice and detailed instructions to protect the flakes from being ruined.
Will Stern of CLLCT.com noted the $50 price point was determined using the total number of points scored in the game and only 100 pints will be made available.
Considering the Eagles would only make $5,000 if they sell all 100 pints, it's far from the most egregious thing a sports organization has ever done to make money.
Of course, sports fans and memorabilia collectors are notorious for obsessively buying idiotic items just because it has a logo on it or it's from a historic game. We've all got something we look at now wondering what we were thinking.
Unfortunately, Eagles fans may not have a second chance to get official snow from another playoff game this season. The forecast in Philadelphia on Sunday for the NFC Championship Game is boring with calls for cloudy skies and temperatures between 25-44 degrees.
Eagles' Kellen Moore: Jalen Hurts' Knee Injury Won't Affect Game Plan vs. Commanders
Jan 21, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 19: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, left, breaks a tackle from Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Neville Gallimore to score a touchdown during the first quarter during an NFC divisional round at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
While the Philadelphia Eagles' injury report after their first practice of the week Wednesday will provide more information on the status of quarterback Jalen Hurts' left knee, it sounds like it is business as usual for offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
"Same game plan formula," Moore told reporters Tuesday. "Like any player on our team, if you have to make adjustments as weeks progress or games progress, you do. But a very similar plan."
Hurts knee was a concern at times during the team's NFC Divisional Round win over the Los Angeles Rams, but he didn't miss an offensive snap despite being evaluated on the sidelines. He also ran for 70 yards and a touchdown on seven carries.
However, most of those yards came on a 44-yard touchdown run in the first quarter before the knee was truly an issue.
Hurts looked slower at times in the second half after he was fitted for a knee brace, although the snowy conditions likely also played a factor in his mobility. Philadelphia also didn't need him to make that many plays since Saquon Barkley ran for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
Yet it might need the quarterback to play at a higher level in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders, especially if the visitors focus even more attention on stopping Barkley after the running back's dominant performance against the Rams.
The Eagles will have to keep pace with Jayden Daniels and a red-hot Washington side that is coming off a road win over the top-seeded Detroit Lions. That will be more difficult to do if Hurts is limited because of the knee injury, especially since his mobility is such an important part of his game.
Still, Moore sounded as if the game plan is largely the same, which could be seen as an encouraging development for Eagles fans.
The Biggest Strength, Weakness and X-Factor for the NFL's remaining playoff teams.
Report: Daniel Jones Watched Saquon Barkley, Eagles Beat Rams from RB's Suite
Jan 20, 2025
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 20: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles shakes hands with Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants following the game at MetLife Stadium on October 20, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Philadelphia defeated New York 28-3. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Daniel Jones had a great seat to watch former New York Giants teammate Saquon Barkley punch a ticket to the NFC title game.
ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported that Jones and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard were guests in Barkley's luxury suite for the Philadelphia Eagles' 28-22 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Barkley put on quite a show, running for 205 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries in addition to catching four passes for 27 yards. His 78-yard scamper in the fourth quarter proved to be the game's decisive score.
Barkley and Jones spent five seasons together with the Giants. Their run ended when New York decided to let Barkley test his value on the open market, a decision that backfired spectacularly with the running back playing at an MVP-type level in 2024.
Jones no longer calls the Big Apple home, either, after his midseason release. He subsequently signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a backup to Sam Darnold.
Barkley told reporters in November that he and Jones remained friends despite playing on opposite sides in a heated NFC East rivalry.
"I've been in contact with him," Barkley said. "Our friendship has stayed close throughout the whole process of me being here. It sucks to see how everything went down for him over there. I've got nothing but great things to say about him. You're not going to really find anybody that can say negative things about him."
The three-time Pro Bowler also expressed his hope for Jones to find success outside of New York much as he has with the Eagles.
Saquon Barkley Says He Was 'Chasing Greatness' in Eagles' NFL Playoff Win vs. Rams
Jan 20, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball for a 62-yard touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Saquon Barkley set the Philadelphia Eagles record for the most rushing yards in a postseason game in Sunday's win over the Los Angeles Rams. Afterward, he said he was "chasing greatness."
"I felt like I had a good game last week (against the Green Bay Packers)," Barkley said, per ESPN's Tim McManus. "but you want to create a legacy, and I wanted to have one of those types of games. Just visualizing stuff and wondering what the number is. It's funny how that happened."
Before the game, Barkley researched the record set by Steve Van Buren in 1949, which stood at 196 rushing yards. Barkley eclipsed that mark on Sunday, rushing for 205 yards and adding two touchdowns to break the record.
He also now has the third-most combined rushing yards in a season and postseason in NFL history, with a total of 2,329 yards.
In support of Barkley's standout performance at snowy Lincoln Financial Field, fans erupted in chants of "MVP" after his 78-yard touchdown run sealed the record.
"The atmosphere was crazy. It was insane," Barkley said, per McManus. "I've got a smile on my face thinking about it. This is what you dream about. This is why I came to Philly. I wanted to part of games like this, and I'm just happy to be a part of it."
Barkley leads the league in total rushing yards and carries in his first year with Philadelphia, both career-highs. Additionally, he is averaging 125.3 yards per game, setting yet another career-best.
As the Eagles head into the NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders next Sunday, they will certainly rely on Barkley to keep breaking records in their quest for a Super Bowl.
Odell Beckham Jr. Calls Eagles' Saquon Barkley One of the 'Illesttt' NFL Players Ever
Jan 20, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball for a 78-yard touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Saquon Barkley received praise from former teammate Odell Beckham Jr. following the Philadelphia Eagles' 28-22 divisional-round win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Beckham gave a shoutout to the star running back on social media.
So fknnn proud of that boy!!! Since day one the illesttt I seeen put on cleats, that’s on my soul @saquon
The NFL's leading rusher during the regular season continued to excel in the playoffs, picking up 205 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. This included a 78-yard score that helped give the Eagles a late 28-15 lead.
Barkley's 205 rush yards were the fifth-most in a postseason game in NFL history (h/t CBS Sports' Garrett Podell).
Beckham has experience playing alongside the 27-year-old, as the two shared the field as members of the New York Giants during the 2018 season. Barkley was navigating through his inaugural season in the NFL that year, ultimately taking home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
He's in the midst of a stellar first season in Philadelphia, rushing for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns in 16 regular-season appearances. Barkley also caught 33 passes for 278 yards and two more scores.
Untouched. @Saquon up to 100 yards and 2 TDs in the first quarter!
As for Beckham, the three-time Pro Bowl wideout signed with the Miami Dolphins ahead of the 2024 season. He appeared in nine games, hauling in nine receptions for 55 yards before he was waived by the Dolphins on Dec. 13.
The Eagles will be playing in their second NFC Championship Game in three years due to Barkley's heroics, impressing fans and former teammates alike.
Eagles' Jalen Hurts Confident He'll Play vs. Commanders in Playoffs Amid Knee Injury
Jan 20, 2025
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 22: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles attempts a pass before the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts told reporters that he expects to play in next weekend's NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders after suffering a knee injury during Sunday's 28-22 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
Jalen Hurts says it was a tough physical game.
Says “we’ll see how the week goes” but says later he is confident he will play in the NFC Championship game pic.twitter.com/MQ9AlYDfwK
While Hurts didn't miss any drives after suffering the injury in the second half, he was clearly hobbled and less than 100 percent. Given the impact he makes as a runner as well as a passer, such an injury significantly changes Philadelphia's offensive approach.
Hurts' health was also the biggest question mark for the Eagles heading into the 2024 playoffs after he missed the final two games of the regular season due to a concussion suffered on Dec. 22.
He came down with the injury when his head collided with the turf following a hit by the Washington Commanders' Frankie Luvu in the first quarter of the Eagles' Week 16 loss.
Hurts led the Eagles to a 12-2 record prior to his injury. He finished the season having completed 68.7 percent of his passes for 2,903 yards and 18 touchdowns with five interceptions, while notching the highest passer rating of his career at 103.7.
He also added 14 rushing touchdowns to his stat line thanks in part to the Eagles' signature "tush push" play.
He returned to practice ahead of Wild Card weekend and cleared concussion protocol, leading the Birds to a 22-10 win while throwing for 131 yards and two scores. During Sunday's victory over the Rams he threw for 128 yards and rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown, though he did take seven sacks. He has not turned the ball over in the playoffs.
The Eagles will rely on Saquon Barkley more than ever if Hurts is forced to miss any time. The star running back led the NFL with a career-high 2,0005 rushing yards in 16 regular-season appearances.
Philadelphia will hope to get Hurts will be good to go next week as the team resumes the hunt for their first Super Bowl win since Nick Foles led them to victory in 2017. If he's unable to go, Kenny Pickett would be called into starting duty.
Report: Eagles Hopeful Quinyon Mitchell Will Play vs. Commanders Amid Shoulder Injury
Jan 20, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Quinyon Mitchell #27 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC Divisional Playoff at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell suffered a shoulder injury in the first half of Sunday's 28-22 win over the Los Angeles Rams and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest, though there is optimism that he'll be available for the NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders, per multiple reports.
Early indications are #Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell didn’t suffer a catastrophic injury. We’ll see about his recovery timeframe. https://t.co/CToTvOlAuZ
Sources: #Eagles star rookie CB Quinyon Mitchell is not believed to have sustained a serious shoulder injury in tonight’s win over the #Rams.
Despite leaving the game, the team remains “hopeful and optimistic” that Mitchell will be ready for the NFC Championship vs Washington. pic.twitter.com/LXgOmow8L1
Mitchell and Darius Slay Jr. have served as the team's starting cornerbacks on the outside, while fellow rookie standout Cooper DeJean operates as the nickelback.
Mitchell, 23, had an excellent rookie season, registering 46 tackles and 12 passes defensed. He recorded his first NFL reception last week against the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round, sealing the win late in the fourth quarter.
His addition helped revitalize an Eagles defense that was awful last season. The Birds completely transformed defensively after hobbling down the stretch in 2024, adding Mitchell, DeJean and edge-rusher Jalyx Hunt in the draft and linebacker Zach Baun and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency, among others.
The team also saw young players like Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Milton Williams and Nakobe Dean take positive strides.
The result was a unit that ranked first in the NFL in yards allowed (278.4 YPG) and second in points per contest (17.8 PPG).
Without Mitchell, the Eagles would be at a major disadvantage against Jayden Daniels and a Commanders offense that already put up 36 points against them in a Week 16 loss (the Birds won the first showdown between the teams, 26-18, in Week 11).
If Mitchell couldn't go, Isaiah Rodgers would be in line to start the contest.
Saquon Barkley Wows NFL Fans as Eagles Beat Rams in Snow Despite Jalen Hurts Injury
Jan 19, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 19: Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, top, pushes through the Los Angeles Rams defense during the second quarter during an NFC divisional round at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
The Philadelphia Eagles are headed to the NFC Championship Game after defeating the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, 28-22, in a game highlighted by windy, snowy weather that completely changed how the game was played in the second half.
Saquon Barkley had another epic game for the Eagles, rushing for 205 yards and two touchdowns, while a hobbled Jalen Hurts—who suffered a knee injury in the second half but continued to play, albeit at less than 100 percent—finished 15-of-20 for 128 yards and rushed for 70 yards and a score.
You could pick any number of MVPs for the Eagles in this one.
Barkley, who remained the fulcrum of Philadelphia's offense and put the Rams away late. Kicker Jake Elliott, who missed a pair of extra points but buried all three of his field-goal attempts through the difficult conditions. A defense that forced two crucial second-half turnovers, sacked Matthew Stafford five times and came up with a late stand to preserve the victory.
But however you slice it, the main difference in the game was this: The Eagles handled the wintry mess better than the Rams, winning the turnover battle 2-0 and converting key moments better than their counterparts.
After the game, fans and pundits alike couldn't help but discuss the elements, and how the Eagles—and the effervescent Barkley—navigated them:
Despite the win—and despite getting to host the NFC Championship Game next week against the Washington Commanders—there is a lot of concern for the Eagles after this game.
Hurts, alongside cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Isaiah Rodgers, suffered injuries. The Birds left a lot of meat on the bone, blowing huge scoring opportunities and settling for field goals rather than punching in touchdowns. The defense nearly blew a 13-point lead with 4:36 remaining. Hurts took seven sacks, a product of both holding onto the ball too long and the normally vaunted offensive line losing a number of one-on-one matchups. The pass offense yet again failed to executive at a high level, even before the conditions worsened in the second half, and A.J. Brown and Hurts seemed out of sync.
It wasn't pretty. Snow games rarely are, and games involving the 2024 Eagles always seem to be nervy affairs. But the Birds are still alive, gutting out a tough win through a blanket of snow.
