PHILADELPHIA — Saquon Barkley achieved a significant milestone by rushing for 124 yards, setting a new Philadelphia Eagles season record, during their 22-16 victory against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Jalen Hurts contributed to the win with two touchdown passes and a rushing score, leading the Eagles to their ninth consecutive victory.
With this win, Philadelphia improved their record to 11-2, securing the second position in the NFC, trailing only behind Detroit, which boasts a record of 12-1. Despite the victory, the Eagles exhibited a somewhat lackluster performance against the struggling Panthers, who now stand at 3-10. Barkley’s performance not only highlighted his skills but also showcased his candidacy for the MVP award, as he surpassed LeSean McCoy’s previous Eagles record of 1,607 rushing yards from 2013. Currently, Barkley’s season total has reached 1,623 yards, with four games remaining.
Hurts had a modest passing performance, completing 14 of 21 attempts for 108 yards. He connected with Grant Calcaterra for a 4-yard touchdown pass and later saw Barkley run in a 2-point conversion early in the fourth quarter to extend their lead. Despite a spirited effort from the Panthers’ quarterback, Bryce Young, who moved the team into Eagles territory on the final drive, the team ultimately fell short. Young completed a critical 13-yard pass on fourth down but could not seal the deal, finishing the game with 19 completions on 34 attempts for a total of 191 yards.
Entering the game as significant underdogs, the Panthers exhibited determination, pushing hard until the end. Chuba Hubbard, who crossed the 1,000-yard mark in rushing this season, scored on a 1-yard run in the third quarter, narrowing the score to 16-14. Despite Eddy Pineiro hitting a 38-yard field goal earlier in the game, he failed to convert the subsequent extra point, which proved critical.
Defensive player C.J. Gardner-Johnson made a pivotal interception late in the second quarter, picking off Young’s long pass and giving the Eagles crucial momentum. Following the turnover, Hurts advanced the Eagles down the field, scrambling for 15 yards and eventually throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith, which put Philadelphia ahead, 14-10.
The Eagles began the game uncharacteristically, failing to score on their opening drive for the 13th time this season. Their usual explosive offense was absent, but a rushing touchdown from Hurts — his 13th of the season — put them ahead 7-3 early in the second quarter. However, the Panthers responded decisively on a fourth-and-3 situation, with Young connecting with Tommy Tremble for a 3-yard touchdown, claiming a brief 10-7 lead.
In terms of injuries, the Panthers’ kickoff and punt return specialist, Raheem Blackshear, sustained a chest injury. Additionally, running back Jonathon Brooks left the game with a knee injury, a concerning recurrence of a previous ACL tear. Cornerback Jaycee Horn also dealt with a groin injury.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will host the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday, while the Eagles will welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers to their home stadium for their upcoming game.
